14 January 2007
LEADERS of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have adopted a proactive approach to safeguard the rights of migrant workers in Asean member-countries.
Sun.Star Network Online's 12th Asean Summit Watch
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr. said the declaration will simplify matters by defining the receiving states, the sending states and the commitment of Asean.
Basically, the obligation of the receiving states is to promote harmony and understanding between the host governments/states and the migrant workers, he said in a statement.
Conejos said Asean leaders were to sign the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of the Migrant Workers within the day Saturday.
He said the obligations of the receiving states include facilitating access to certain services and remedies through information, training and education, legal and judicial system, social welfare benefits, protection of employment, payment of wages and the provision of decent working and living condition of the migrant workers.
The host country should also provide assistance to any victims of discrimination, abuse, exploitation and violence.
If a national of an Asean member-state is detained or arrested, the host government should facilitate the exercise of consular functions to consular or diplomatic authorities of the states of origin.
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally opened the three-day Asean summit Saturday morning, receiving the heads of state who arrived at the resort riding a golf cart that ferried them from their cottages to the Mactan Summit Hall.
The leaders were led into the summit hall to start their first retreat session to discuss the future direction of Asean.
Arroyo urged Asean member-countries to initiate concrete projects and programs that would flesh out the theme of the 12th Asean Summit: One Caring and Sharing Community.
We want to advance the sense of community in our shared interest to look after each other in terms of justice, economic development and common security, she said.
She said the regional grouping is also committed to expand its trade area to create one of the worlds greatest trading blocks.
Arroyo also urged the private sector to play a more proactive role in the implementation of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) flagship programs and projects.
At the third Bimp-Eaga Leaders Summit at the posh Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa Friday, she also cited the importance of Bimp-Eagas development partners in harnessing the full potential of the growth area.
It is the private sector of the region that plays a crucial role in economic integration. And so, in this summit, we hope that we can indeed urge the private sector to play a more proactive role in the implementation of Bimp-Eaga flagship programs and projects, she said.
She cited the sub-regional groupings initiatives such as the halal poultry project, renewable energy, and environmental concerns.
Meanwhile, Timor Leste expressed its appreciation to the Asean for their role in helping bring peace and build stability in their country.
Timor Leste Foreign Minister Dr. Jose Luis Gutierres expressed his country;s sentiment during the Asean-Timor Leste Foreign Ministers Meeting chaired by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.
Gutierres expressed particular appreciation to the Philippines for sending members of the PNP to join the UN mission in Timor Leste.
He also expressed gratitude and admiration for PNP Director Roldofo Tor, who was named by the UN as the police commissioner for its new mission in East Timor.
Timor Leste is scheduled to accede to Aseans Treaty of Amity and Cooperation during the 12th Asean Summit and Related Summits in Cebu.
It is viewed as the first step towards full membership in the regional bloc that is moving towards full regional integration. (JMR/Sunnex)
