COVID-19 pandemic has made vulnerabilities of migrant workers more visible and exacerbated all over the world. While the pandemic still continues to impact the rights of migrant workers and their families, it is more important than ever before to increase awareness and develop capacities of multi-stakeholders advocating for the rights of migrants in both countries of origin and destination. There is also an increasing need to explore regional and international cooperation among actors in the public and private sectors. The pandemic has also shown us resilience of migrant communities and civil society actors addressing challenges faced by migrant workers and upholding their rights, while some business actors have also stood in solidarity, as found in a cross-regional joint study conducted by Human Rights Working Group Indonesia (HRWG) and BEBESEA initiative (2020).

How could multi-stakeholders in East and Southeast Asia build robust solidarity with migrant workers? This public panel discussions will be joined by experts from the civil society, media, business sectors and a government representative to discuss roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in advocating for the rights of migrant workers.

Opening Remarks Mr. Itsu Adachi, Executive Director, Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF)

Speakers:

• Ms. Eni Lestari, Chairperson, International Migrants Alliance (IMA)
• Ms. Wasinee Pabuprapap, Digital Journalist, WorkpointTODAY
• Ms. Junko Watanabe, Lawyer, Nishimura & Asahi
• Mr. Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Citizens and Legal Entities Overseas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia

Moderator: Ms. Mariko Hayashi, Executive Director, Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC)

Closing Remarks Mr. Daniel Awigra, Deputy Director, Human Rights Working Group Indonesia (HRWG)

To follow the webinar, see here