The Council of Asian Liberals and
Democrats (CALD) recognizes that free flow of people is an aspect of the
globalization process which should be encouraged and protected. The
movement of people for the purpose of employment, in particular, brings
about benefits not only to the migrant workers and their families, but
also to the sending and destination countries.

CALD believes that both the
sending and destination countries have the responsibility to promote the
welfare of migrant workers and to ensure the protection of their
rights.

CALD is gravely concerned by the
severe maltreatment of many migrant workers from Asia and from other
parts of the world. Reports by the police, family members and
organizations involved in the protection of migrant workers reveal a
situation that deserves immediate attention of all concerned
governments.

CALD is alarmed by the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable, young and women workers from Cambodia,
the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Burma and Indonesia who left their
countries to work as domestic helpers in other Asian countries and
elsewhere.

CALD is particularly concerned
by reports of exploitation of under-age workers and young women coming
from the most disadvantaged families living in rural Cambodia and now
working as domestic helpers in neighboring Asian countries. It urges the
Cambodian government to institute and implement measures to guard
against such exploitation.

CALD also calls on all concerned
governments to take immediate measures to revise mechanisms for proper
and strict monitoring of employment agencies responsible for the
placements of migrant workers. Training of embassy officials and
dissemination of information to migrant workers are also needed in order
to prevent violation and abuse.

CALD urges these governments to
adopt and to fully implement the International Labor Organization (ILO)
Convention 189 on Domestic Work that guarantees full benefits to
domestic workers, including weekly day-off, minimum wage, and the
workers' right to keep their passports, a vital document while living
and working abroad.

CALD supports the full
investigation and prosecution of violators of migrant workers’ rights,
and calls for a safe and timely repatriation of migrant workers,
particularly women and children, with support services in case of trauma
until their full recovery.

For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats:

Chairperson

Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

Secretary General

Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats