Supported By 50 Countries And Ratified By Consensus, Indonesia Passes UN Resolution Protecting Female Migrant Workers

Deputy Permanent Representative and Ad Interim Charge d'Affaires of PTRI New York, Ambassador Mohammad K. Koba (photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesia in collaboration with the Philippines has succeeded in passing a resolution "Violence Against Women Migrant Workers" at the United Nations for the protection of female migrant workers, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This resolution is a biennial resolution pushed by Indonesia in cooperation with the Philippines, supported by 50 countries and ratified by consensus by all UN members, said a statement from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia (PTRI) to the United Nations in New York.

This year's resolution is focused on protecting women migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including ensuring the state's commitment to protecting the health rights of women migrant workers. This includes access to healthcare services and COVID-19 vaccines.

The resolution is very important to implement considering that migrant workers work in important sectors who continue to work during the pandemic.

"The protection of migrant workers, including women migrant workers, is a high priority on the agenda of the Indonesian government and also at the United Nations. In addition to their role in the essential sector, the foreign exchange contribution they generate is also important for growth and post-pandemic recovery", said Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d'Affaires Ad Interim PTRI New York, Ambassador Mohammad K. Koba, launched Antara.

In 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the flow of remittances to Indonesia from 22 countries decreased sharply by 17.3 percent.

In addition, many migrant workers have experienced layoffs due to the pandemic, which has an impact on the livelihoods of migrant workers' families and the economy in rural areas.

Furthermore, termination of employment also has an impact on some immigration and consular issues.

The UN resolution on female migrant workers was initiated by Indonesia and the Philippines in 1993, to raise awareness of UN member states about the importance of respecting the rights of women workers and their families, especially protection from violence and human rights violations.

The ratification of the resolution was strengthened by the global recognition of Indonesia's leadership in international forums, especially in the field of protection of migrant workers.