KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has launched high-level international efforts to build momentum around Nepal’s proposal on safeguarding the health and safety of migrant workers.
The initiative, first tabled during the recent World Health Assembly (May 18–27), is set to be advanced further at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
Nepal, currently serving on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO), is seeking broader global support for its call to hold employers accountable for the health and safety of migrant workers—many of whom come from Nepal and work in challenging environments abroad.
In preparation for further advocacy, Minister Paudel met WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. During the meeting, Paudel emphasized Nepal’s growing concern for its overseas workforce.
“With hundreds of thousands of Nepalis working abroad, their health and safety must be treated as a national priority,” he told Wazed.
In response, Wazed welcomed Nepal’s leadership on the issue and expressed confidence that it could gain broader international traction. She also assured Minister Paudel of her commitment to coordinating global support for the agenda.
Nepal plans to reintroduce the proposal at the next World Health Assembly session. The proposal calls for full accountability from employers regarding migrant workers’ health and well-being, potentially setting a global standard in labor rights and international health policy.
Comment