Editorial
Migrants' rights bodies weigh in on Kuwait imbroglio
Good to know that the world is watching
WE applaud the strong stand taken by a growing number of migrants' rights groups and the ILO, who have spoken out in support of the Bangladeshi workers who have been struggling for their rights in Kuwait, and criticised the host authorities for their handling of the issue. This stance sends the long overdue message to the relevant authorities that its high-handed treatment of its migrant labour force will have to cease.
To date 757 Bangladeshis have been deported from Kuwait for allegedly participating in and instigating strikes, though many of the deportees have denied participation, credibly claiming that they have been victims of arbitrary arrest for being Bangladeshi, and, as we have seen in photographs in this and other publications, many have been abused by the Kuwaiti police prior to their deportation.
The fact that migrants rights groups as well as the ILO have also now raised their voice is welcomed. There is no question that allegations of underpayment and mistreatment need to be investigated fully. The Kuwait government has fixed minimum wages for the migrant workers, but much more needs to be done to ensure that workers get what is their due and that both the employers who cheat them and the authorities who have been involved in the recent abuses are brought to justice.
We are especially gratified to see action taken by rights groups formed by members of the Bangladeshi diaspora who are rallying behind their fellow countrymen. This kind of involvement is a truly meaningful way for them to help their country and demonstrates admirable solidarity with their less fortunate brethren.
The groups have also singled out Bangladesh embassy officials for not better protecting migrant workers, and this echoes concerns within Bangladesh. No doubt, there is much that needs to be done on the Bangladeshi side, as well. In addition to the role of the embassies, it has been pointed out that Bangladesh needs also to ratify the 1990 UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and their Families, and also to sign protocols to protect workers with 16 countries, as promised by the government at the start of its tenure.
The time has come for our government to protect our migrant workers better and for the host governments to ensure that underpayment and abuse are a thing of the past.
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