Philippines hosts labor dialogue

Two international nongovernment organizations urged local officials from Asian and Middle Eastern countries to lobby against laws and policies that expose migrant workers to abuse and exploitation.

Human Rights Watch and Migrant Forum in Asia issued the statement in time for the Tuesday’s opening in Manila of the second round of the three-day Abu Dhabi Dialogue, which addresses contractual labor mobility in Asia.

The groups also asked labor ministers to increase their dialogue with civil society groups as well as endorse protection for migrant workers.

Civil society groups are not part of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, but they will hold a parallel consultation. Leila B. Salaverria