KATHMANDU: An 11-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) for protection of human rights of migrant workers in both countries.
NHRC Chairman Tap Bahadur Magar and SUHAKAM Chairman Tan Sri Othman Bin Hashim signed the MoU in a ceremony held in Malaysia on Monday, said NHRC Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel. The term of the MoU is set for two years.
The MoU specifically addresses the protection of migrant workers’ rights by addressing complaints, exchanging information, training employers, technical assistance, legal assistance for migrant workers, and creating an environment for protection and promotion of rights through joint monitoring of immigration, prisons and detention centers.
There are provisions to implement the agreement by drafting a work plan, appointing liaison officers in both the commissions and holding a coordination meeting every six months.
Prior to the signing of the MoU, the two sides discussed issues faced by migrant workers due to agents, deaths of Nepali workers in Malaysia due to various reasons, suicide, access to justice for Nepali workers and their families and review of laws for simplification of immigration law, among others.
NHRC Nepal Member Lily Thapa, Acting Secretary Murari Prasad Kharel, Joint Secretary and International Relations and Immigration Officer were present at the MoU signing ceremony.
Likewise, several officials of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia as well as Deputy Chief of the Nepali Embassy in Malaysia Moti Bahadur Shrees were also present on the ocassion.
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