Migrant workers in Kathmandu, Nepal. | Marcel Crozet/ILO/Flickr. Creative Commons (by-nc-nd).
21 January 2021 (openDemocracy) Since the adoption of the UN Trafficking Protocol, most efforts to eliminate exploitation of migrant workers have focused on human trafficking. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent every year on counter-trafficking initiatives, particularly on trainings to ‘raise awareness’, criminal investigation and prosecution, and shelter and ‘rehabilitation’ services.
More recently, the emergence of the modern slavery discourse has emphasised the role of business in perpetuating the exploitation of workers. Against the background of a worldwide pursuit of ever cheaper labour and reduced regulation, encouraging more ethical business practices by the private sector has been heralded as a force for change.
December 19, 2020
Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn believes there is no need to introduce a new law to award Barbados’ frontline COVID-19 workers and that a planned one-time payment for the awardees is insufficient as they should be compensated all the time.
Making clear in the Senate Friday that he has no objection to these persons being recognised, he questioned the reason for rushing through the
Barbados Humanitarian Service Award Bill and
Gold Award of Achievement (Amendment) Bill so awards could be presented in January.
The proposed new bill and amended legislation are intended to give recognition to Barbadians and some non-nationals from all walks of life for their efforts during the pandemic and also to facilitate a one-time financial grant for their tireless and brave work in the frontline of the battle against COVID-19.