In the wake of reported human rights violations in the Gulf countries, the East African Community (EAC) is pursuing the harmonisation of labour migration policies to curb exploitation and abuse of migrant workers, The East African reports. Considering that EAC migrant workers are often subjected to a lower set of human rights protection standards, Andrew Odete from ILO underlined the need to create a legally binding rights and obligations governed by international law. "None existence of standard policies and legal frameworks on BLAs has made EAC countries to rely on international instruments for which some partner States have not ratified," said Mr Odete. Last week's stakeholders meeting held in Entebbe noted that the infamous Kafala (sponsorship) system in the Gulf has stripped migrant workers of their basic rights. They have little access to healthcare and no right to union representation or to form organisations," Mr Odete pointed out.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 01, 2023 12:44 UTC