One death too many<\/p>\n
The death of Darsih -- an Indonesian female worker -- in
\nBandar Sri Begawan has added to the long list of deaths of
\nIndonesian workers working abroad. The Women's Solidarity for
\nHuman Rights revealed on Dec. 10, 1996 that the Indonesian
\nworkers' deaths were mysterious and were not properly dealt with.<\/p>\n
Scores of workers were reported by the media to have died
\nabroad, but the real number might be greater than what was
\nreported. They worked in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong,
\nSaudi Arabia and other countries. Most of their deaths were due
\nto violent actions, torture, sexual harassment, bad working
\nconditions, accidents and unsafe travel.<\/p>\n
What concerns us is the uncertainty and lack of information
\nsurrounding their death. The efforts made by the families of the
\nrespective victims to find information on the disaster have been
\nfutile and the authorities have not helped. Moreover, the
\nIndonesian Embassy tends to cover up the cases, in the name of
\nharmonious relations with the countries concerned.<\/p>\n
In this context, the Women's Solidarity for Human Rights has
\ncalled for closer cooperation with various parties to eliminate
\nor reduce cases of maltreatment of Indonesian workers abroad, by
\nfocusing on the following matters:<\/p>\n
1. The Indonesian government is expected to seriously handle the
\ncases of the female workers through a structural mechanism to
\nprotect workers' rights. The measure could include ratification
\nof the 1990 International Convention concerning the protection of
\nworkers' rights, under a bilateral agreement.<\/p>\n
2. The law enforcing bodies are required to take stern measures
\nagainst the domestic suppliers which are linked to the death of
\nworkers abroad.<\/p>\n
3. The general public, media, social and religious organizations
\nand NGOs are required to cooperate to explore data and report
\nthe deaths, and give a helping hand to families of the victims,
\nwho try to fight for their rights.<\/p>\n
WAHYU SUSILO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/one-death-too-many-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }