Experts suggest better collaboration to ensure labour rights

Kathmandu: Speakers at a programme laid emphasis on effective collaboration among stakeholders in order to guarantee protection and promotion of labour rights. At an interaction organized by the Democracy Media Network on 'Protecting Labour Rights and Promoting Safer Migration in Nepal', in the federal capital on Wednesday, they argued correction in present policy and behaviour of government agencies was imperative to reform this sector. Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Dol Prasad Aryal, said the ministry was ready to collaborate with stakeholders so that labour rights could be better protected and safer migration promoted. He assured the ministry would accept feedback from the concerned stakeholders to promote safer migration. "I expect constructive inputs from the national and international organizations, which could be a base for any reform initiative in this sector," Minister Aryal said, underlining the need for creating more job opportunities. Private sector would be taken in conf idence to create more jobs, according to him. The Minister further viewed exploitation of people aspiring foreign jobs must end. Government is aware of it so that their rights would not be compromised. On the occasion, Bagmati Provincial Assembly Member Suraj Lamichhane said provincial government is also responsible to protect labour rights, so it welcomes feedback from stakeholders to this regard. According to Senior Public Management Economist at Asian Development Bank (ADB), Dr Sameer Khatiwada, employment to population ratio and labour force participation rate in Nepal is significantly low compared to other South Asian and Asian countries. Some immediate measures can be taken to curb unsafe migration, while accountability in multiple layers as in local agents, private recruitment agencies, family and relatives, friends and local money lenders can help end exploitation of aspiring migrant workers. President of the International Institute for Human Rights, Environment and Development (INHURED Internati onal), Dr Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, suggested the government that it initiated the process of signing the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons so that Nepal could be able to bring back hundreds of Nepalis who are languishing in foreign jails on various offenses. Executive Director at Equidem Research Nepal, Rameshwar Nepal, commented that weak diplomacy and pervasiveness of administrative approach are some hindrances to reform in labour migration. Executive Director at Aaprabasi Mahila Kamdar Samuha (AMKAS), Bijaya Rai Shrestha, expressed concern over 'gendered' approach while taking decision on labour permit. Women's rights to choose labour destination freely must not be belittled and breached, she reminded. Source: National News Agency Nepal