CALD Statement No. 1 S. 2011

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) recognizes that free flow of people is an aspect of the globalization process which should be encouraged and protected. The movement of people for the purpose of employment, in particular, brings about benefits not only to the migrant workers and their families, but also to the sending and destination countries.

CALD believes that both the sending and destination countries have the responsibility to promote the welfare of migrant workers and to ensure the protection of their rights.

CALD is gravely concerned by the severe maltreatment of many migrant workers from Asia and from other parts of the world. Reports by the police, family members and organizations involved in the protection of migrant workers reveal a situation that deserves immediate attention of all concerned governments.

CALD is alarmed by the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable, young and women workers from Cambodia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Burma and Indonesia who left their countries to work as domestic helpers in other Asian countries and elsewhere.

CALD is particularly concerned by reports of exploitation of under-age workers and young women coming from the most disadvantaged families living in rural Cambodia and now working as domestic helpers in neighboring Asian countries. It urges the Cambodian government to institute and implement measures to guard against such exploitation.

CALD also calls on all concerned governments to take immediate measures to revise mechanisms for proper and strict monitoring of employment agencies responsible for the placements of migrant workers. Training of embassy officials and dissemination of information to migrant workers are also needed in order to prevent violation and abuse.

CALD urges these governments to adopt and to fully implement the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 189 on Domestic Work that guarantees full benefits to domestic workers, including weekly day-off, minimum wage, and the workers’ right to keep their passports, a vital document while living and working abroad.

CALD supports the full investigation and prosecution of violators of migrant workers’ rights, and calls for a safe and timely repatriation of migrant workers, particularly women and children, with support services in case of trauma until their full recovery.