Championing Migrant Workers' Rights: Collaborative Action for a Just Future

KATHMANDU (ILO News) - Nepalese migrant workers are the lifeline of the country’s economy, fueling its growth with their resilience and remittances. Yet, their journeys are often marred by exploitation, unsafe conditions, and limited legal protection. 

Recognizing the urgency of addressing these issues, the ILO Nepal and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nepal joined forces to host a stakeholder consultation on 29 November 2024. Supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) under the Migrant Rights and Decent Work (MiRiDEW) project, this pivotal event aimed to spotlight the challenges faced by migrant workers and carve out actionable solutions.

“Remittances from migrant workers don’t just support their families, they keep the economy going,” remarked ILO Nepal Country Director Numan Özcan, emphasizing the indispensable role of migrant workers. He noted that over 1.5 million Nepalis ventured abroad in the last two years alone, driven by aspirations of better opportunities. While their contributions have reduced poverty and strengthened the economy, the personal cost is often very high. Özcan underscored, “Migrant rights are human rights, plain and simple. The key to protecting these rights lies in the partnerships among governments of sending and destination countries, employers, recruitment agencies, civil society, and migrant networks.”

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The consultation also amplified the unique struggles faced by women migrants, particularly domestic workers. Özcan stressed the necessity of targeted efforts to end violence and exploitation, as well as the need to support families left behind.

A Call to Action from NHRC
Dr. Surya Prasad Dhungel, Honourable Member of NHRC Nepal, candidly addressed the systemic gaps compelling many Nepalis to seek work abroad. “Migrant workers often face significant challenges. Their basic rights are a far thing, some of them don’t even have adequate access to basic facilities such as food and lodging.,” he stated. He added “This is a serious issue. While many return to Nepal with hopes of contributing to their country, the rights and welfare of migrant workers often remain neglected”. Dr. Dhungel called for government accountability and reiterated NHRC’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with other national human rights institutions and the ILO to safeguard migrant workers’ rights.

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Framing the Future
The consultation brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government agencies, UN agencies, trade unions, media, and civil society organizations. Participants delved into key issues such as violations of the rights of migrant workers, fair recruitment, gender-based discrimination and strategies for effective reintegration and rehabilitation of returnee workers.

“We will continue our institutional collaboration with NHRC to seek solutions to labour issues in Nepal. Today’s consultation is just the beginning,” Özcan concluded. “We’re confident it will catalyse impactful activities for improving the situation of migrant workers for years to come.”

For more information, please contact:

Basanta Kumar Karki
Senior Programme Officer
ILO Country Office for Nepal 
E: karki@ilo.org
ILO Nepal Website