SPI PROVIDES MUCH ASSISTANCE TO MIGRANT WORKERS

Jakarta, July 29 (ANTARA) - The International Workers Union (SPI) said it has given much assistance to migrant workers in overcoming their problems among others dealing with cases of torture by their employers, including sexual issue.

Secretary general of the Uni Asia Pacific Workers Union (UNI Apro ASETUC) on retail affairs, Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, made the remarks here on Wednesday, after the closing function of the Asia Pacific Workers Union session.

Therefore, Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal said that the protection standard for the migrant workers whose number now has reached millions in the world should be provided immediately.

The protection measure should also cover the passport holding and ID cards problem.
This matter is part of a conclusion reached in the meeting which need to be recommended by each of the ASEAN member countries, he said.

The workers union grouped in the Asia-Pacific region has been active in giving assistance like consultation, legal aid, and
food after the migrant workers left their employers, he disclosed.

"SPI has helped a great number of workers, who suffered from difficulties," Shafie said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kun W. Abyoto said that the meeting also discussed the impact of the global economic crisis.

The Asia-Pacific level meeting was participated in by more than 200 people such as from Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Pakistan.

In addition, the meeting was also attended by representatives of organizations within the ASEAN region and the United Nations (UN), including Dr Alladin D. Rillo, Head of Finance Cooperation Division of the ASEAN secretariat.

ASEAN groups of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.