HRCM urges greater protection for migrants in Maldives

Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has called for greater support from State agencies, the press and civic groups in protecting the rights of the migrant population in Maldives.

The local human rights watchdog issued the appeal in its statement on occasion of the International Migrants Day being marked this Wednesday.

International Migrants Day is marked raise awareness about the challenges and difficulties faced by migrant populations across the world, and to advocate for remedies to the challenges and difficulties, and greater protection of their rights.

HRCM, in its statement, noted that the majority of the migrant population in Maldives was made up of laborers.

It noted the continued violation of the rights of migrant workers in the hands of recruitment agencies and other parties despite the existence of laws and regulations which specify the rights of migrants, and compel parties to protect and ascertain those rights.

COMMON CASES FILED WITH HRCM REGARDING VIOLATION OF MIGRANT RIGHTS:

• Lack of regulatory safety standards at workplaces and accommodation at abodes unfit for human inhabitation.
• Denial of wages and ethnic discrimination.
• Seizure of passports and other legal documents by employers.
• Termination without notice, and human trafficking.
• Death of migrant workers due to exposure to life-endangering work conditions due to negligence by employers.
• Disappearance of migrant workers.

“This commission therefore appeals for greater cooperation from the State, the press, and civic groups in its efforts to ascertain the rights and protection migrant workers are indiscriminately entitled to through local laws and regulations, and to raise awareness among the local and migrant population regarding this,” said HRCM.

The commission also appealed for an end to bias and discrimination against migrant workers which exists within the local community, and to treat migrants with respect; and at the same time, urged migrant workers to fulfill their duties and obligations.a