Over 60 workers attended an ILO training on safe labor migration and employment rights in Koh Kong province on July 02. CAMBODIA CLC
The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Migrant Worker Resource Centre in Koh Kong province has spearheaded a forum to enlighten over 60 workers about safe labour migration and employment rights. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure safe and informed migration for workers.
Held at the centre in the coastal province on July 2, the forum offered crucial information on consulting services, legal aid and labour rights, specifically for those involved in overseas fishing and seafood processing industries, as per the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC).
Ath Thorn, president of the Cambodian Labour Confederation, said on July 3 that the forum was a product of their collaboration with ILO. The goal was to amplify the capacities for safe work migration and labour rights among the workers in the province.
“This training is to help them understand the rules and regulations before leaving for migration or if they have already migrated to Thailand, so they will understand how to organise and solve life problems while they are living there,” Thorn elucidated.
The Koh Kong centre has gone beyond training, amplifying the message of safe migration in workplaces, enterprises and local communities where workers and labourers reside.
“In addition to training and outreach, we also provide legal advice for migrant workers ... We also provide technical assistance to ensure safe migration,” Thorn added.
The centre is prepared to handle grievances from general workers, regardless of whether those problems transpired in Cambodia or Thailand. Thorn mentioned that his officials are dedicated to ensuring workers migrate and work safely. If challenges or impacts arise, the Koh Kong centre stands ready to help, free of charge, he said.
Koh Kong deputy governor Sok Sothy could not be reached for comment on July 3.
In early May, ILO teamed up with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training on the Ship to Shore Rights Southeast Asia project. Focused on labour migration, particularly in fishing and seafood processing, the initiative also offered training.
This training, addressing migrant workers’ complaint resolution mechanisms in the fisheries and seafood processing sectors, was aimed at government officials, unions and civil society organisations across Pursat, Koh Kong, and Banteay Meanchey provinces.
UN data shows more than 1.1 million Cambodian migrants work abroad, with thousands doing so illegally. Although these migrant workers fill essential roles, particularly in fishing and seafood processing, a significant number of Cambodian migrant workers have reportedly encountered labour rights violations.
