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Migrant workers demand legal protection

Source
Detik - December 19, 2000

Hestiana Dharmastuti/BI & GB, Jakarta – Around 50 female activists under the auspices of Indonesian Women's Solidarity (SPI) staged a rally at the famous Hotel Indonesia roundabout in the heart of Jakarta to commemorate International Migrant Workers' Day. They not only protested human rights violations but demanded the Indonesian government immediately legislate to protect migrant workers.

Despite the small number, the protesters carried many colourful posters and banners, proclaiming "Stop Wage Pillaging", "Stop Fraudulent Agents" and "End The Death Penalty and 'Stop Torture".

The rally, held on Monday, also included speeches in which activists urged the government to ratify the 1990 UN convention to protect migrant workers and their families. "The UN convention in valid if ratified by at least 20 countries. Thus far, only 11 countries, including Sri Lanka and the Philippines have signed," said rally organiser Salma Safitri.

Salma said the SPI rally was intended to remind the government to immediately formulate legal protection for migrant workers, the majority of whom are female working mainly as maids in domestic employment.

"We want migrant workers to have a proper increase in their living standards because they have been exploited by Indonesian migrant workers agencies (PJTKI), private agents, employers, immigration officials as well as the Department of Human Resources in their search for a place to work right up till they are due back home," said Salma.

The government, added Salma, must provide legal assistance and translating services for migrant workers who have been accused of criminal activities abroad.

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