Ten Southeast Asian countries have agreed to step up efforts giving better protection of the rights of migrant workers, President Duterte said on Monday.

The President said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of Rights of Migrant Workers will be formally signed by the leaders on Tuesday.

“I am pleased to announce that ASEAN member-states have come to an agreement on the ASEAN consensus on the protection and promotion of rights of migrant workers,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 31st ASEAN summit and related meetings at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

“I will be joining other ASEAN leaders tomorrow in signing this landmark document that would strengthen social protection, access to justice, humane and fair treatment, and access to health services for our people,” he added.

Under the ASEAN consensus, the regional bloc would present a concrete set of guidelines on how to treat migrant workers from fellow member-states.

The action plan effectively implements the ASEAN Declaration on the protection and promotion of the migrant workers’ right signed 10 years ago.

Aside from the protection of migrant workers, the President said health, women and youth, terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism and trafficking will be among the “deliverables that will see fruition” during ASEAN summit.

The leaders are also expected to discuss poverty alleviation, food security, coastal and marine environment, and the pursuit of innovation for economies, according to the President.

Toward the end of his speech, Duterte said it was a “privilege” for the Philippines to chair the ASEAN this year, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the regional bloc.

“It has been a pleasure to work with our ASEAN family and our dialogue partners in moving the ASEAN community forward in enhancing cooperation in various areas,” he said.

“And in all of these, towards the realization of the ASEAN vision for 2025,” he added.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Genalyn Kabiling

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