Gross violation of migrant workers’ rights, says MJF
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) yesterday expressed grave concerns and anger over the return of female migrant workers from Saudi Arabia after being abused physically and mentally.
The organisation, in a written statement, termed these incidents "gross violations of the human rights of female migrant workers."
MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, "The government should consider the remittances sent by the female migrant workers and give priority to their lives, livelihood, dignity, and security."
"At the same time, the government must ensure punishment for those involved in such criminal offense," she added.
MJF further said the embassy of Bangladesh should have taken legal action to find out the details of the employers, and ensure compensation for the abused women.
However, in most cases, the labour attaché does not opt for filing a lawsuit, or if filed, the cases become inactive since the abused women return to the country, it said.
In such incidents, the Bangladesh embassy should strictly monitor the matter so that the labour attaché takes necessary initiatives to ensure justice for the abused women and demands compensation from the employers, MJF said.
Many female migrant workers have become pregnant after being raped by their landlords and other members of the family, and are returning home with children after losing everything there.
According to a recent Brac report, there have been 12 such incidents in recent times, and at least 10,000 women have returned from Saudi Arabia in the last five years, suffering from abuse.
Comments