INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemned on Wednesday the murder of a female overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Kuwait.
The charred body of Jullebee Ranara, who worked as a household service worker, was found in the desert. Kuwaiti police officials arrested and detained a 17-year-old suspect in the case.
READ: Female OFW slain, burned and abandoned in desert of Kuwait, says DMW
Through a statement, the CHR “decries the brutal killing of Jullebee Ranara,” adding that it will keep track of the case.
“CHR joins the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in monitoring the progress of this case and echoes the calls for the swift dispensation of justice against the perpetrator,” said the commission.
According to the CHR, the country must demand safe working conditions, timely salaries, and protection from maltreatment from foreign employers.
“One death is too many. We note similar alarming reports of distressed OFWs in huge numbers seeking refuge in shelters and awaiting repatriation. We ask DMW to investigate this matter with equally great urgency,” said the CHR.
The commission also vowed to work with other national human rights institutions to provide immediate or legal assistance to OFWs abroad.
“CHR’s E-Lawyering Program remains open to migrants and their families for response and referral to appropriate agencies for proper action,” said the commission.
The CHR urged abused OFWs to reach out to them through their email ofwchr@gmail.com or their complaint portal.
In 2018, the CHR also called for better protection for OFWs following the deaths of seven OFWs in Kuwait, urging the government to “reflect and adopt the necessary reforms to strengthen and uphold the rights of migrant workers.”