UN votes to protect women migrants

USA: The General Assembly of the United Nations has agreed to adopt a resolution on violence against female migrant workers. The move was initiated by Indonesia and the Philippines, Indonesia's permanent mission to the UN in New York said.

The mission said in a media statement sent to Antara that the resolution encouraged target or transit countries to protect the rights of female migrant workers and to punish those who assaulted or harmed them.

Compared to other UN resolutions on migrant workers, this latest one, which was adopted on Tuesday, is more specific as it acknowledges the risks of violence and exploitation facing female workers.

The mission that female migrant workers were vulnerable to domestic violence, sexual- and gender-based violence, trafficking and racism.

It is hoped that the passage of the resolution will help protect Indonesian women working overseas.

The UN General Assembly will ask the secretary-general to report on the resolution and its implementation to the UN General Assembly during its session in 2007. -- JP