The 54th Session of the Human Rights Council
In addition to the high-level discussions organized, a panel discussion was held on the
sidelines of the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council in 2023, focusing on "Promoting
the Human Rights of Migrants by Addressing Wage Theft" held on the sidelines of the 54th
Session of the Human Rights Council. The side event was co-sponsored by the Permanent
Missions of El Salvador and Spain, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights (OHCHR), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
It was an opportunity to bring the issue of wage theft to an international arena where wage
theft could further be emphasized as a pressing global issue. States and relevant
stakeholders recognized the shortcomings of cross-border justice mechanisms which
played a significant role in migrant workers succumbing to extreme situations of forced
labour. Through this dialogue, there was also an opportunity to leverage policy
recommendations to critical stakeholders while promoting international cooperation that
will advance a rights-based approach to access to justice.
The progress made in the fight against wage theft is marked by achievements on multiple
fronts, from global forums to national engagements. The commitment of governments, the
proactive role of UN agencies, and the continued collaboration of civil society organizations
contribute to a growing momentum that holds promise for the realization of justice for all
migrant workers. As we reflect on the journey from the Access to Justice Conference to the
recent events, it is evident that collective efforts are making a tangible impact, and there is a
shared commitment to addressing the complexities of wage theft. This report underscores
not only the achievements of the past year but also the potential for sustained progress in
advancing justice for migrant workers globally.
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