The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to institutionalize a more robust and rights-based framework for the protection and empowerment of Filipino migrant workers and their families.

In a news release on Friday, CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc underscored the invaluable contributions of Filipino migrant workers to the economic growth and that they deserve tangible and sustainable programs that ensure their protection and meaningful participation in nation-building.

“Allow me to reaffirm that the Commission on Human Rights is steadfast in its commitment to ensure that Filipino migrant workers are not forgotten and left behind — but recognized, celebrated, and protected. Their rights are not mere declarations and principles on paper. Instead, these are acknowledged, exercised, and upheld at all times,” he said.

The MOA, signed on June 7, aims to strengthen human rights protection through increased awareness efforts, the provision of free legal and psychosocial services via legal clinic caravans, and the delivery of timely assistance in cases involving abuse, exploitation, or trafficking.

It also includes mechanisms for joint quick response operations in the event of human rights violations, collaborative research, and policy development to inform new programs, and inclusive consultations to ensure that Filipino migrant workers’ voices are meaningfully represented in policymaking.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac noted that a rights-based approach is vital in ensuring the welfare of migrant workers.

“Pagsulong ng karapatan ng OFWs, iyan ay likas sa bawat tao — ang karapatang pantao. Kaya’t kailangang galangin at respetuhin, at kung nilabag, kailangan maghanap ng solusyon o remedyo (Promotion of rights of OFWs, that is innate in every person — the human rights. It must be respected, if violated, there must be a solution or remedy),” he said. (PNA)