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?
Part 1
On 16 August 2018, I was invited in my capacity as the General Secretary of the MTUC accompanied by Bro K. Soma to a Forum on Promoting Understanding and Application of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP).
It was organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM). I found the discussion interesting and intriguing. It made me realise the importance of and the usefulness of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (hereafter called Guiding Principles) in relation to our socio economic environment in Malaysia.
We would like to promote the Guiding Principles. This is useful for the business and workers in Malaysia. It can be the basis for creating a harmonious and rules-based industrial relations environment in Malaysia.
We have found these guiding principles can create the right balance between, on one hand promoting business development and on the other extending respect and provide protection to the rights of workers and their families for a decent life.
The Guiding Principles were proposed by UN Special Representative to the Secretary General of the UN on business and human rights John Ruggie. It was endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2011. They are a set of guidelines for countries and companies to prevent, address and remedy human rights abuses committed in business operations.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com