On Wednesday 21 February in Bangkok, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and Sweden, launched a $12 million programme to protect the rights of migrant workers in Asia.
The Migration, Business and Human Rights (MBHR) Programme aims to ensure that these rights are respected in key labour migration pathways, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, by tackling issues such as forced labour and exploitation.
Recognising the role of the private sector, the programme seeks to promote ethical recruitment and employment practices while encouraging regular migration pathways.
“At the EU, we strongly believe that strengthening private sector engagement not only reinforces its commitment to human right due diligence legislations but also contributes to concrete actions aimed at creating pathways to dignified and decent employment for migrant workers”, explained the Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Thailand, Daniel Hachez.
Over a five-year period, the initiative aims to integrate migration in the dialogue between business and human rights, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Migration. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)