Migrants Honoured: Large Number Of Migrant Workers Join Event In Yangon

In order to commemorate the International Migrants Day, a celebration with a large number of migrant workers took place at free funeral service society in Yangon, Sunday.

The event was organized by Myanmar Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Network for Migrants with the support of International Labour Organization (ILO). International Migrants Day has been annually celebrated around the world since 2000 to highlight the human rights of migrants. And in Myanmar, this is the 6th celebration.

Member, Network for Migrants, Thet Thet Aung said “The reason why we held this event is to honor the migrant workers. Millions of young people go abroad and work and send the money back to their families as provision for business, education, health and many other affairs. So, migrant workers bring benefits to their country of origin and the country where they work. That’s why we need to honor them.”

The objective of this year’s Migrants Day in Myanmar is to get effective law for the rights of migrant workers. The focus is both for internal and international migrant workers’ savings and privileges.

Member, Network for Migrants, Thet Thet Aung said “This year, we demanded 5 facts including solving the difficulties and challenges migrant workers face. We have overseas employment law 1999. But, today, the condition is much different for instance the number of migrants is different. So, we need to amend the law to gain the migrant workers’ rights.”

One of the migrant workers who returned from Singapore shared her working experiences.

Ro Mar Thein said “I worked in Singapore for three times. For the 1st time, I worked as a domestic worker. The last time during 2018-2019 was really a nightmare for me. I faced many difficulties. I got many experiences. I will share my working experience with my neighbours.”  

This event included panel discussion about internal and international migrant workers, fun activities and entertainments. International Migrants Day is observed on 18 December in accordance with Resolution 55/93 of the United Nations General Assembly.