28/07/2020
CHR | A call for an urgent justice mechanism for our OFWs
1. Compensation Fund
Funds must be set up at the national level, and contributions to them could be ensured by the
government, private contributions, business, and philanthropic foundations. Funds advanced by the
government could be later recouped from employers and businesses who were involved in wage-theft.
This approach would ensure that migrant workers are paid their dues without delay, and that their cases
are resolved swiftly.
2. Reforming National Justice Systems
Measures at the national level that have addressed claims related to wage theft need to be intensified
and infused with greater political will. These include setting up expedited labor courts, waving court fees,
putting in place wage protection systems, operating worker hotlines in different languages, ramping up
documentation in cooperation with missions, facilitating power of attorney procedures, allowing for
remote testimony post repatriation, providing legal aid, and encouraging workers to come forward to
register their labor grievances.
3. Building Back Better Cannot Be at the Expense of Migrant Workers
The need for more robust mechanisms to expedite payment of wages and other entitlements owed must
be recognized and addressed. This is a matter of great importance to migrants, to the family members
and communities who depend on their remittances, and to the resilience of the economies in their
countries of origin.
For our part, CHR will continue to engage with government and civil society in finding durable solutions and
redress for human rights grievances that beset OFWs and members of their families especially in this time of
pandemic.
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE (http://chr.gov.ph/wpcontent/uploads/2020/07/PS_A_call_for_an_urgent_justice_mechanism_for_our_OFWs_22_July_2020.docx)
DOWNLOAD: Urgent Justice Mechanism for Repatriated Migrant Workers Now (http://chr.gov.ph/wpcontent/uploads/2020/07/Urgent-Justice-Mechanism_-Appeal-Part-II-09-07-2020.pdf)
Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana (https://chr.gov.ph/tag/commissioner-gwendolyn-pimentel-gana/)
Justice Mechanism (https://chr.gov.ph/tag/justice-mechanism/) OFWs (https://chr.gov.ph/tag/ofws/)
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