Geneva

An independent UN human rights expert on Wednesday expressed concern over Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs, describing them as “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery”.

Tomoya Obokata, the Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteur on the global scourge of modern slavery issued his statement at the end of a 14-day visit.

He called on the Canadian Government to intensify its efforts to safeguard workers’ rights and offer a clear pathway to permanent residency for all migrants.

Migrant workers at risk

“I am deeply disturbed by the accounts of exploitation and abuse shared with me by migrant workers,” he said

“Employer-specific work permit regimes, including certain Temporary Foreign Worker Programs, make migrant workers vulnerable to contemporary forms of slavery, as they cannot report abuses without fear of deportation,” Obokata said.

He acknowledged recent policies enacted to promote human rights across the business sector such as the creation of a Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) and other codes of conduct.

But he emphasized the need to regularize the status of foreign migrant workers, citing their valuable skills they bring to the economy.

“I urge the Government to bring forward legislation requiring Canadian companies to implement mandatory human rights due diligence, and expand the independence, powers, and mandate of the CORE,” he said.

Trauma twice over

While visiting, Mr. Obokata noted that the communities at the highest risk of contemporary slavery and exploitation were those already experiencing structural discrimination and violence.

This included individuals with precarious migrant status, Indigenous Peoples, those with disabilities, individuals of African descent, former prisoners, and the homeless.

He drew a line between Canada’s colonial history and the disproportionate effect of contemporary forms of slavery on Indigenous Peoples, such as First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, who have reported instances of unresponsiveness from law enforcement over the issue.

“I am extremely concerned by the extent to which Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people go missing or are murdered, often as a result of being trafficked for forced labor or sexual exploitation,” Mr. Obokata said.

He said they were reportedly targeted by traffickers when traveling to seek employment or services.

#Canada: Temporary foreign worker programmes are a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery – @TomObokata urges authorities to do more to protect workers and offer a clear pathway to permanent residency for all migrants.https://t.co/GJa1pTPk2g pic.twitter.com/bWpUCBSYMV

— UN Special Procedures (@UN_SPExperts) September 6, 2023

Legal challenges and solutions

Canada’s efforts to address slavery within domestic frameworks have improved. However, the independent expert said he had witnessed a lack of trauma-informed personnel and human rights-centered approaches within law enforcement and the judicial system.

“Victims and survivors are forced to relive their trauma in their interactions with law enforcement and the court systems, and the outcome of legal proceedings often fails to provide adequate compensation,” he said.

He said there was not enough consultation with survivors over policymaking and insufficient protections and remedies for victims.

“I am also seriously concerned about the misuse of anti-trafficking legislation to target sex workers, which seriously impacts their human rights,” said Obokata. “Full decriminalization of sex work is necessary to prevent further abuses.”

Special Rapporteurs and other UN experts are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organization. They serve in their individual capacity and receive no salary for their work.

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Courtesy: UN News (Posted on September 6, 2023)

The post UN expert sounds alarm over ‘contemporary forms of slavery’ in Canada first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

Promises have always been made to empower the impoverished and ensure they receive the full benefits guaranteed by the Constitution, but these vows reveal a striking lack of understanding regarding the limited recognition of the rights of the poor within the Constitution. Even the highly acclaimed Article 3 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which addresses the eradication of all forms of exploitation, is seldom discussed. This article merely refers to the fundamental principle that the State must strive for the elimination of exploitation and the gradual realization of the principle that everyone should contribute according to their ability and receive according to their work.

The individuals depicted in the accompanying pictures embody the epitome of hard work, tirelessly toiling day and night alongside their family members to produce and supply essential food. They make valuable contributions to our exports, showcasing unwavering dedication. However, their progress is neglected, and they face limited access to social safety nets, pushing them into a primitive existence devoid of basic luxuries. They roam in search of fulfilling their basic needs, resigned to living in the hands of fate, their voices silenced. One cannot help but wonder if there will ever come a time when every citizen in our beloved homeland can live with dignity and enjoy equal access to essential services. It is disheartening to witness the neglect and deprivation experienced by these hardworking individuals who contribute so much to our society. Their dedication to their work and their essential role in the production and export of food cannot be overstated. Yet, they remain trapped in a cycle of poverty, with limited opportunities for growth and development.

It is crucial for policymakers and society as a whole to address these disparities and work towards creating an environment where every citizen can thrive

These individuals epitomize the resilience and perseverance of the marginalized communities that are often overlooked. They embody the spirit of hard work, embodying the true essence of the Pakistani people. However, their efforts go unrecognized, and they continue to struggle without access to basic necessities and social support systems. Their plight raises important questions about the progress and inclusivity of our society. Shouldn’t every citizen, regardless of their background or social status, be entitled to a life of dignity? Shouldn’t they have equal opportunities to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and social protection?

It is crucial for policymakers and society as a whole to address these disparities and work towards creating an environment where every citizen can thrive. This requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only economic reforms but also social safety nets and inclusive policies. As we envision the future of our beloved homeland, we must strive to create a society that values the contributions of all its members.  Let us not turn a blind eye to the struggles faced by these individuals, but rather, let us work together to create a more equitable and inclusive society, where the rights of every citizen, including the poor, are respected and protected. Only then can we truly fulfill the promise of our Constitution and build a prosperous future for all.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the rights and needs of the poor are not neglected or forgotten. Only then can we truly claim to have achieved the ideals enshrined in our Constitution and guarantee a dignified life for every citizen.

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 Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo is a Development Professional based in Hyderabad, Sindh

The post Violation of the Constitutional Rights of the Poor in Pakistan first appeared on Sindh Courier.