International Conference on 'Rights of Migrant Workers'
The international Conference on co-operation among the NHRIs for the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers in the Asia Pacific Region was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 26th-27th November, 2012. The main objectives of the conference included, among others, identification of key issues and challenges regarding protection of the rights of migrant workers and exploring ways to address them through a joint strategy, which could be adopted by the NHRIs/governments of the region. The NHRC-India was represented by its Chairperson, Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Member, Mr. Justice G.P. Mathur.
Some of the highlights of the final outcome, Declaration and Programme of Action are as follows:
o Establishment of regional cooperation mechanism among the respective NHRIs of the Asia Pacific Region to enhance mutual cooperation and advocacy for the protection of the human rights of the migrant workers.
o Standard setting on women migrant workers in the regional and international levels.
o Promoting regional cooperation for universal ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, 1990 including
o Promoting universal ratification and implementation of all other international UN human rights treaties and ILO conventions relevant to the rights of the migrant workers.
o Monitoring of the human rights situation of the migrant workers in each country and develop strategy for the development and strengthening of remedies to address human rights violations committed against migrant workers, including undocumented and irregular migrant workers.
o Establishing bilateral or multi-lateral frameworks of cooperation for the promotion and protection of the rights of the migrant workers among NHRIs of the Asia Pacific Region through, exchange of information and joint action, where appropriate.
Some of the highlights of the final outcome, Declaration and Programme of Action are as follows:
o Establishment of regional cooperation mechanism among the respective NHRIs of the Asia Pacific Region to enhance mutual cooperation and advocacy for the protection of the human rights of the migrant workers.
o Standard setting on women migrant workers in the regional and international levels.
o Promoting regional cooperation for universal ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, 1990 including
o Promoting universal ratification and implementation of all other international UN human rights treaties and ILO conventions relevant to the rights of the migrant workers.
o Monitoring of the human rights situation of the migrant workers in each country and develop strategy for the development and strengthening of remedies to address human rights violations committed against migrant workers, including undocumented and irregular migrant workers.
o Establishing bilateral or multi-lateral frameworks of cooperation for the promotion and protection of the rights of the migrant workers among NHRIs of the Asia Pacific Region through, exchange of information and joint action, where appropriate.