Indonesia Boosts ASEAN Collaboration on Migrant Worker Safety
ASEAN Nations Urged to bolster Migrant Worker Protections Through Enhanced Cooperation
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Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia is spearheading a call for intensified cooperation among Southeast asian nations to fortify teh protection of migrant workers and their families, emphasizing the crucial role of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). The initiative aims to establish a robust regional framework for safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Indonesia’s National Strategy for Business and Human Rights: A Foundation for Progress
Deputy Minister of Human Rights, Mugiyanto, articulated this vision during the Regional Dialog on Responsible Business and Migration in ASEAN, held in Bangkok, Thailand. He highlighted Indonesia’s proactive stance, citing the introduction of the National Strategy for Business and Human Rights through Presidential Regulation No. 60 of 2023. This strategy, currently active until September 2025, serves as a cornerstone for promoting human rights within business operations.
Expanding Protections and Shifting Towards Mandatory Due Diligence
The Indonesian Human Rights Ministry is actively engaged in revising the aforementioned presidential regulation to extend the national strategy’s operational period. This crucial revision will not only broaden the scope of worker protection by increasing indicators from 12 to 13 but also transition due diligence obligations for businesses concerning human rights from a voluntary to a soft-mandatory status. This move signifies a significant step towards ensuring greater accountability and proactive measures in protecting workers’ rights.
A Call for Universal Ratification of Migrant worker Convention
In a significant appeal to fellow ASEAN member states, Deputy Minister Mugiyanto urged immediate ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. this global pact, which came into force in 2003, provides a comprehensive legal framework for the rights and protections of migrant workers. Currently, only Indonesia and the Philippines stand as Southeast Asian nations that have ratified this vital convention, underscoring the need for broader regional commitment.
Fostering Inclusive Growth and Regional Solidarity
Mugiyanto expressed strong conviction that the confluence of effective strategies, inclusive economic growth, and robust regional cooperation is indispensable for the promotion and upholding of human rights, especially for laborers working abroad. This sentiment was echoed by Thai Minister of Justice, Tawee Sodsong, who addressed the dialogue participants, calling for a united front against shared challenges, especially those pertaining to the protection of human rights by both state and business actors.
Adherence to Global Human Rights Principles
Minister Sodsong further emphasized the paramount importance of adhering to the united Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. these principles offer a globally recognized standard for businesses to respect human rights and address adverse impacts. By aligning with these guidelines, ASEAN nations can collectively strengthen their commitment to responsible business conduct and the protection of all individuals, including migrant workers.
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