2019-06-23
Diplomacy Training Program an independent NGO recognised by the University of New South Wales, Australia, MFA (Migrant Forum in Asia) in collaboration with MECTD (Middle East Centre for Training and Development organized a three-day regional workshop. The workshop consisted ofprivate sector and government representatives and civil society advocates and experts, including from the MFA network. The program will build knowledge and awareness of relevant international standards, explore the practical challenges affecting their implementation and enable dialogue and network building between the private sector and civil society representatives.
Migrant workers make a considerable contribution to the economies of the Gulf (GCC) States. Continuous reports of the roles of the state and employers in implementing recommendations to improve workplace conditions highlight the need for action. The private sector has a critical role to play and is vital to any solutions. Recent years have seen the rapid development of standards and guidelines and changes to legal frameworks, including those regulating domestic work. There is a great need to build awareness of these standards and laws and understanding of how they can be applied in practice.
As a result of the workshop, the participants were able to add to the knowledge related to business and human rights which includes the UN, ILO conventions and OECD guidelines. Further, it created an understanding of the recruitment procedures, employment conditions and legal protections present in the sending countries in Asia and the receiving countries in the Middle East.
The 4th regional capacity building workshop is also the follow up of the workshops that was held in 2014 and 2016.