COVID-19 fight undercut by measures exposing vulnerable workers
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have been connecting with partners around the world to better understand the impact of the crisis on service provision and operations, as well as the anticipated risks for vulnerable communities.
A few of our community members working in Asia shared their views in a recent article, following a discussion in our dedicated Facebook group. Many in the region fear that the economic toll brought on by the pandemic could leave people at risk of forced labor in factories, in the fields or at sea, especially when there is little in the way of state support.
Other recent updates include a discussion of what COVID-19 means for trafficked women and girls in Toronto, and a summary of why there are so many undocumented migrant workers in Malaysia.
COVID-19 fight undercut by measures exposing vulnerable workers
Walk Free has released a report that highlights how the exclusion of migrant and other vulnerable workers from access to testing, healthcare, and financial support is threatening human rights and increasing the risk of COVID-19 spreading across the entire population.
Walk Free’s researchers have compiled case studies from around the world which demonstrate how migrant, undocumented and informal workers face an increased risk of exploitation while they are stranded without means to support themselves, are living in conditions that increase the risk of infection, and have limited or non-existent access to healthcare or sick leave.
In addition to highlighting the risks, the report shines a light on practices that help the vulnerable and outlines practical steps businesses and governments can take to better support vulnerable workers. These actions may involve emergency wage support or paid leave, facilitating repatriation, health and safety precautions, or additional measures to safeguard worker welfare. They may also involve the creative use of business assets to support government efforts to both contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect workers.
States may expand access to healthcare, financial support or other COVID-19 relief packages, or may grant automatic visa extensions. They may also implement additional measures to monitor labor standards and worker welfare at a time when many are vulnerable to exploitation. While many governments are focused on limiting the spread of COVID-19 and saving lives, they must be careful that their actions don’t result in further risks to the fundamental human rights of vulnerable populations, or in fact their lives.
Walk Free welcomes you to join their online discussion of the report on Thursday, May 14, 2020 09:00 AM AWST, featuring panelists from business, government, and civil society.
Here’s a round-up of other noteworthy updates and initiatives:
CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) has issued a detention order preventing seafood from a Taiwanese flagged vessel from entering the United States. Greenpeace also recently released a briefing paper explaining why the Department of Labor must put Taiwan-caught tuna on its list of goods produced by forced labour.
Eighty-three organizations sent a joint letter to the prime minister of Malaysia regarding the government’s response to hate speech and threats of violence directed at ethnic Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers in the country.
IOM and UNCHR have published a policy brief on Access Challenges and the Implications of Border Restrictions for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.
Devex and Facebook are launching a series of ten virtual workshops to create a better understanding of the gender-related issues highlighted by the current pandemic, and to share important lessons learned about the ways in which data can help inform better responses to the current and future pandemics.
The Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), in association with the Center for Global Workers’ Rights (CGWR) at Pennsylvania State University, are providing a tracker to show which brands are acting responsibly towards suppliers and workers.
The UK-based International Anti-Human Trafficking Network (IAHT Network) would like to ask you to participate in their survey about the impact of Covid-19 on current programs and the initial responses implemented. The data will be analyzed and used to produce reports that will contribute to promising practices for service providers, as well as to inform advocacy and policy, and to advise funding priorities to help us all better serve survivors and at-risk populations around the world.
Child10 is looking for ten organizations that are dedicated to stopping and preventing the trafficking and sexual exploitation of girls in Europe, and invite nominations for candidates for the Child10 2021 Award.
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