By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Nov. 12: Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun has said that infringement of rights of Nepali migrant workers abroad is never acceptable."
While inaugurating a three-day ‘International Conference on Protection of Rights of Migrant Workers’ on Tuesday VP Pun said, “Protection of Nepali migrant workers from exploitation is our responsibility.”
He said that the countries receiving the Nepali workers must treat their citizens and the migrant workers equally.
"The receiving countries should develop efficacious policies to protect the rights of the migrant workers," he said. "Governments, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil societies, stakeholders, private societies and the media should work hand in hand to ensure the rights of the migrant workers."
According to Pun, around six million Nepalis have migrated for foreign employment until now. Also, Nepali workers, who go abroad seeking employment, are the one fourth contributors to the Nepalese economy through remittances.
Foreign employment has helped in development and prosperity of the nation. However, not every migrant worker’s situation is the same, said VP Pun.
"In the Fiscal Year 2074/75, a total 821 Nepalis migrant workers had lost their lives and more than 1,000 workers have been injured or become disabled," said Pun.
Also, many innocent Nepalis have been sentenced to death or life time imprisonment in the foreign land. This is a gross violation of human rights, he added.
VP Pun said that the government had always prioritised protection of Nepali migrant workers.
On the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said "Foreign employment is the carrier of goodwill, resource and co-existence. It also strikes a balance between labour demand and supply in the receiving counties."
"It is a significant source of income for both the government and families of the workers back home, “added minister Gyawali.
Foreign employment, if managed well, would create a win-win situation among the country of origin, the country of destination and migrant workers.
Likewise, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista said that free movement of migrant workers, protection from labour and sexual exploitation were the issues that needed to be addressed internationally.
The three-day conference is organised by National Human Rights Commission with the support of the government and other human rights agencies.