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Writer's pictureManushya Foundation
Oct 6, 2023

Decent Work: Paving the Way to Sustainable Development šŸ“¢



šŸ“¢On this World Day for Decent Work, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving decent working conditions for all workers, be they in formal or informal sectors, including migrant workers. šŸ’Ŗ






ā¤ļøā€šŸ©¹In Southeast Asia, the realization of #DecentWork remains elusive, with persisting challenges such as wage inequality, meager incomes, hazardous work environments, exploitation, and insufficient protection. Regrettably, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, leaving an indelible mark on employment and the economy at large.


šŸ—£ļøAs we mark this occasion, we call upon all governments and businesses across Southeast Asia to embark on a concerted effort to ensure the attainment of Decent Work for every worker in the region. This necessitates safeguarding their labor rights, guaranteeing fair remuneration, upholding their dignity, fostering equality, and enforcing secure working conditions. Ultimately, governments must ratify ILO Conventions 189 and 190 and uphold Business and Human Rights standards to pave the way for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty.



šŸ‘ļøWhat has happened in Thailand?


šŸ‘·Labour rights in Thailand remain an area of concern. The NAP-BHR adopted in response to its 2nd UPR cycle recommendations gravely failed to address the critical gaps in the adoption and implementation of national labor laws and policies, especially for marginalized worker groups.


ā†©ļøRecent developments shed light on the challenges facing migrant workers in Thailand. These issues directly contravene Thailand's international human rights obligations, particularly concerning migrant workers. During the COVID-19 outbreak, migrant workers and their families bore a disproportionate burden yet encountered discrimination in accessing government assistance. Additionally, obstacles in registering and legal status acquisition render migrant workers vulnerable to labor rights violations, while facing unjust restrictions on their choice of employment.


ā›‘ļøWorkers in the informal sector, indigenous communities, sex workers, and migrant workers continue to lack adequate protection. Existing laws and policies do not align with international standards on workers' rights, resulting in inequality in accessing welfare and a dearth of effective remedies for informal workers. Moreover, the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately affected both formal and informal workers.


These challenges underscore the pressing need for comprehensive reforms and the steadfast commitment of governments and stakeholders to ensure that Decent Work becomes a reality for all, leaving no worker behind.



#WeAreManushyan ā™¾ļø Equal Human Beings


References


Read our Thematic Assessment Chapter of the Independent CSO NBA on BHR on the Promotion of Decent Working Conditions for Formal and Informal Workers here!


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