Nepal govt urged to tighten grip on manpower firms

By Joey Aguilar/Staff ReporterA former National Human Rights Commissioner (NHRC) of Nepal has blamed recruitment agents back home for the exploitation of its nationals working in foreign countries. He urged the Nepalese government to tighten the grip on manpower companies. “The first responsibility goes to the government of Nepal to regularise the process of overseas employment in a proper way.” Sushi Pyakurel, who now chairs the Alliance of Social Dialogue in Nepal, told Gulf Times that it is the right of Nepali citizens to work in any country they wish.He was speaking on the sidelines of the two-day 18th annual meeting and biennial conference of the Asia Pacific Forum  which began in Doha yesterday.Pyakurel cited the “exploitation of workers” by many manpower agencies back home as the root cause of troubles faced by thousands of Nepalis as well as other nationalities in GCC countries. “Most labourers are very poor, innocent and do not have formal schooling. So they have to be properly briefed and trained before taking up jobs abroad.”Every manpower agency, he noted, should explain in detail the contract and provide a copy to the person who was recruited before signing the document. “The government then should facilitate the process and assure the welfare of its people,” said the former NHRC commissioner. Besides ensuring their actual salaries (without any delays), labourers must also be provided with good working and living conditions. Pyakurel said they have been receiving some reports where  salaries are delayed for three to four months. “The government must have the resources to help these workers,” he added.The former commissioner also rejected claims that language barrier may be a cause of abuse saying that it should not be seen as an excuse. While lauding the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar for taking up the reported labour issue seriously, he also urged the Qatari government to impose international standards on all companies. “I have seen the workers outside but I don’t know if all the standards are being implemented here, minimum working standards,” he said.Since Qatar claims to have the highest per capita income in the world, it is easy for it recognise the labourers’ contribution to its development and nation building, Pyakurel said. “Nepal wants to be part of Qatar’s grand success.”He believes that establishing regional cooperation among NHRCs will solve many human rights problems in the region which include cross border crimes and trafficking. He also hopes that the NHRC-Qatar will come up with a strong recommendation to its government regarding compliance with the minimum international standards for labourers. Pyakurel has joined three other speakers in discussing the role of human rights institutions and civil society in working toward a peaceful transition to democracy.Win Mra, chairperson of Myanmar Human Rights Commission, talked about the efforts and success of his government in creating public awareness about HR issues.He said Myanmar had focused first in informing its people about the presence of a commission: how and where complaints should be sent. Then it started holding seminars, workshops and trainings for various groups and individuals.