Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
Foreign Affairs
Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. said the declaration will simplify matters
by defining the receiving states, the sending states and the commitment of Asean.
<P>Basically,
the obligation of the receiving states is to promote harmony and understanding
between the host governments/states and the migrant workers, he said in a statement.</P><P>Conejos
said Asean leaders were to sign the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion
of the Rights of the Migrant Workers within the day Saturday.</P><P>He said the
obligations of the receiving states include facilitating access to certain services
and remedies through information, training and education, legal and judicial system,
social welfare benefits, protection of employment, payment of wages and the provision
of decent working and living condition of the migrant workers.</P><P>The host
country should also provide assistance to any victims of discrimination, abuse,
exploitation and violence.</P><P>If a national of an Asean member-state is detained
or arrested, the host government should facilitate the exercise of consular functions
to consular or diplomatic authorities of the states of origin.</P><P>Meanwhile,
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally opened the three-day Asean summit Saturday
morning, receiving the heads of state who arrived at the resort riding a golf
cart that ferried them from their cottages to the Mactan Summit Hall.</P><P>The
leaders were led into the summit hall to start their first retreat session to
discuss the future direction of Asean.</P><P>Arroyo urged Asean member-countries
to initiate concrete projects and programs that would flesh out the theme of the
12th Asean Summit: One Caring and Sharing Community.</P><P>We want to advance
the sense of community in our shared interest to look after each other in terms
of justice, economic development and common security, she said.</P><P>She said
the regional grouping is also committed to expand its trade area to create one
of the worlds greatest trading blocks.</P><P>Arroyo also urged the private sector
to play a more proactive role in the implementation of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines
East Asian Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) flagship programs and projects.</P><P>At the
third Bimp-Eaga Leaders Summit at the posh Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Friday,
she also cited the importance of Bimp-Eagas development partners in harnessing
the full potential of the growth area.</P><P>It is the private sector of the region
that plays a crucial role in economic integration. And so, in this summit, we
hope that we can indeed urge the private sector to play a more proactive role
in the implementation of Bimp-Eaga flagship programs and projects, she said.</P><P>She
cited the sub-regional groupings initiatives such as the halal poultry project,
renewable energy, and environmental concerns.</P><P>Meanwhile, Timor Leste expressed
its appreciation to the Asean for their role in helping bring peace and build
stability in their country.</P><P>Timor Leste Foreign Minister Dr. Jose Luis Gutierres
expressed his country;s sentiment during the Asean-Timor Leste Foreign Ministers
Meeting chaired by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.</P><P>Gutierres expressed
particular appreciation to the Philippines for sending members of the PNP to join
the UN mission in Timor Leste.</P><P>He also expressed gratitude and admiration
for PNP Director Roldofo Tor, who was named by the UN as the police commissioner
for its new mission in East Timor.</P><P>Timor Leste is scheduled to accede to
Aseans Treaty of Amity and Cooperation during the 12th Asean Summit and Related
Summits in Cebu.</P><P>It is viewed as the first step towards full membership
in the regional bloc that is moving towards full regional integration. <B>(JMR/Sunnex)</B></P><P>Source:
<I>http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2007/01/14/news/asean.vows.to.protect.rights.of.migrant.workers.from.member.countries.htm</I>
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