During the 16th World Social Forum in Kathmandu, the Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) organized a panel discussion centered around “Migration and Decent Employment”.
NTUC President Yogendra Kumar Kunwar warmly welcomed panelists and expressed gratitude to delegates and participants from around the world.
In this session, panelists highlighted the persistent challenges faced by migrant workers and emphasized the crucial role played by the South Asian Regional Trade Union Council (SARTUC) and other stakeholders in safeguarding their rights.
Laxman Basnet, General Secretary of SARTUC, drew attention to enduring issues for migrant workers from South Asia, including high fees paid to agents and contracts of nominal value. He stressed that migrant workers aspire to decent jobs despite various obstacles and urged governments to ratify protective laws.
Manju Gurung, advisor and co-founder of Paurakhi Nepal, shed light on the plight of migrant women who lack crucial information about foreign employment and their rights. She emphasized the need for proactive government measures to regulate agents and ensure the security of foreign employment opportunities.
Despite Article 8 of the Migration Act ostensibly granting equal rights to migrant workers, Gurung lamented the pervasive discrimination faced by women throughout the migration process, from mandatory pregnancy tests to denial of fundamental rights.
The panel discussion, hosted by Jeevan Baniya at the Nepal Tourism Board Hall, tackled critical issues pertinent to migrant workers’ rights during the ongoing World Social Forum.
This forum serves as a platform to address pressing global issues and advocate for social justice.
