Vietnam, ILO Seek Ways to Protect Rights of Migrant Workers

Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affair (MoLISA) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) co-organized on August 15 a workshop to discuss measures to protect the rights of migrant laborers. As a preparatory meeting for the 6th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labor (AFML) to take place in Brunei on November 26-27, the event focused on the progress and implementation of recommendations from the 3rd, 4th and 5th AFML in Vietnam. Participants also discussed topics and the recommendations of the upcoming 6th AFML. The MOLISA said that Vietnam has focused on protecting and implementing the legitimate rights and interests of workers by improving its laws, performing its specific solutions and programs. In 2012, Vietnam sent more than 80,000 laborers to work overseas, achieving 80% of the year’s plan. And in the first half of 2013, the number reached more than 40,000. However, Vietnamese working abroad are facing many challenges including differences in language, culture and climate, in addition to work abuse and the risk of human trafficking. The annual AFML is part of the action program of the ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Promotion and the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW). The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (www.vietnamplus.vn Aug 18, www.4-traders.com Aug 16)