Protection for migrant workers called for

Protection for migrant workers called for

JAKARTA (JP): Women's rights activists urged members of the
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) yesterday to do more to
legally protect the migrant workers in their respective
countries.

Women's Solidarity submitted a petition to OIC ministers
attending a conference at the Jakarta Convention Center.

The banner-waving demonstrators chanted slogans criticizing
OIC officials for not doing enough to protect migrant workers.

They said the conditions suffered by many women migrant
workers in the organization's 54 member countries were deplorable
and the governments should do something about it.

"It is time OIC members translate the 'solidarity among
Islamic countries' slogan into concrete action to protect migrant
workers," said the petition signed by Tati Krisnawati, the
group's chairperson.

The group also expressed their concern that the OIC ministers
have failed to address the problems of the common people and
migrant workers, Antara reported.

Thousands of Indonesian women work in the Middle East,
particularly in Saudi Arabia. The group, with relatives of
workers who have died or allegedly been mistreated in Saudi
Arabia, also demonstrated their concerns at the foreign affairs
ministry Tuesday.

The letter said many OIC members send or employ migrant
workers in large numbers. "We would like to convey our deepest
concern about the migrant workers', especially women's, lack of
legal protection."

They urged member countries to ratify the international
convention on the protection of rights of all migrants workers
and members of their families.

Responding to the group's demand, Indonesian Foreign Minister
Ali Alatas said the conference also discussed the fate of common
people.

"We discussed issues related to migrant workers and refugees.
We are concerned about workers in general," he said. (pan)