Countries must sanction HR perpetrators against Bangladeshi migrant workers: UN

The recruiting countries must impose sanction on those who are accountable for human rights violation against Bangladeshi migrant workers as responsibility for the overseas workers equally falls on countries of destination, a UN expert said on Tuesday.

"Destination countries - most of them in the Middle East - must also take an active role in investigating and sanctioning perpetrators of human rights violations against Bangladeshi migrant workers," said Felipe Gonz lez Morales, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants in a briefing at end of a 10-day official visit to Bangladesh.

He said the host countries must do their part in ensuring strong protection for migrant workers, particularly women who are disproportionately at risk of human rights violations when they are hired as domestic workers. 
"At the same time, Bangladesh should continue reinforcing its consular services,” he added.

The Special Rapporteur also said Bangladesh must step up efforts to strengthen regulation of the recruitment system to protect migrant workers against exploitation and abuses while "Recruitment currently imposes exorbitant high costs on many migrants, creating debt bondage, much of which are imposed by "middlemen" who are used to recruit workers," said Morales.
 
He urged authorities to protect the rights of migrant workers at all stages of migration, including pre-departure, during employment abroad and upon their return.

The Special Rapporteur commended the government for actions taken to curb these challenges, but said there was still a need to regulate, closely monitor and enhance the recruitment system to ensure effective protection for migrants, including better access to justice.

The expert noted the stark difference in skilled migration schemes channeled through Government-to-Government initiatives, which yield more beneficial results for migrants due to more robust regulation and oversight.
 
"It is the lower-skilled migrants who are often subject to vulnerable situations, including exploitation, as they are often poor, lack education and without access to information that can help inform their decisions and enhance their migration experiences," Morales said.

The Special Rapporteur encouraged ongoing training initiatives for aspiring migrant workers but stressed the need to better equip them with adequate information prior to departure, including recourse when they suffer abuse.

He welcomed the establishment of a database of aspiring migrant workers as well as better regulation of middlemen, including requirement for registration.

During his visit, the Special Rapporteur travelled to Cox's Bazaar to meet with Rohingyas.
 
Morales praised Bangladesh for receiving nearly one million Rohingyas escaping from Myanmar and said he was impressed by the resilience of the Rohingyas - some of whom have been living in camps for over five years, and others 30 years since first arrivals in the early 1990s.

"A durable solution for all Rohingya refugees is critical," the UN expert said.

BSS/GY