CHR to govt: Review labor pact with other countries amid alleged rape case in Jeddah

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the government to revisit its labor agreements with other countries after three female Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were reportedly raped by their employer in Jeddah.

In a statement Thursday, the CHR said the government must ensure it will only deploy OFWs to countries where the rights of Filipino migrant workers are protected as mandated by the Republic Act 10022 or the Migrant Workers’ Act.

The CHR said the review of labor agreements must be done “to guarantee non-repetition of incidences of maltreatment and improve working conditions.”

Three OFWs in Jeddah were reportedly sexually assaulted by their employer and then eventually passed to different employers to do odd jobs for a fee.

The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah has already sent a team to Al Ula in Madinah province earlier this week to assist the three OFWs and two other Filipina workers in distress.

The CHR has condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.

“Rape and other forms of sexual harassment, cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment are some of the realities faced by many migrant women workers,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said.

“Recent incidences of maltreatment of migrant workers by labor receiving-states, warrant a thorough investigation by all parties, agencies, and departments mandated by law to safeguard the welfare of all OFWs,” she added.

Edited by JPV