MANILA — Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states are expected to sign the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers during the summit that will be held next week.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said the landmark document will further strengthen social protection, access to justice, humane and fair treatment, and access to health services for the migrant workers in the region.
The Ministers of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council has endorsed the document in Tagaytay City, Philippines on Sept. 13.
According to the ASEAN website, the consensus has brought regional cooperation to greater heights in building a people-centered, people oriented community, since the signing of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers in 2007.
“The many years of tireless negotiations have brought to fore many issues surrounding labor migration and enabled member states to better understand one another and work out solutions towards better protection and promotion of rights of our migrant workers,” Deputy Secretary-General for ASCC Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee said.
Aside from the highly anticipated document, ASEAN is also expected to adopt the Declaration on ‘Culture of Prevention’ for a Peaceful, Inclusive, Resilient, Healthy and Harmonious Society at the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on November 13 to 14. (PNA)
