Kathmandu, Dec 18: Amid various programs in the capital on Thursday, the international migrants day is being observed. With the theme of The Need for Safe Migration: Commitment of All of Us, participation of people from different walks of life has been witnessed.
Huge participation of stakeholders including government agencies, migrant workers, trade unions among others was seen in a rally this afternoon.
Starting from Bhrikutimandap, the rally converted into a program at the same venue after hovering around Padmodaya High School, Putalisadak and Old Bus Park.
Addressing the program, Tek Bahadur Gurung, Minister of State for Labor and Employment said the ministry is working towards creating friendly environment for migrants workers. However, he didn’t explicitly made it clear what were those initiatives.
Urging for the need to generate adequate work opportunities within the country since there is no base for the sustainable solution to the overseas employment, State Minister Gurung informed that the government is all set to establish Special Rescue Fund and Scholarship Scheme in view of the returned migrant workers and Nepali migrant workers who die abroad.
He was of the opinion that incorporation of migrants´ issues during the recently held 18th SAARC Summit was an achievement for Nepal.
Similarly, Secretary of the Labor Ministry, Bhola Prasad Siwakoti, who was also the coordinator of this year´s International Migrants Day Main Organizing Committee, stated that Nepal could reap long-term benefits provided it sends its migrants workers abroad well informed and skilled.
Various other programs as interaction among stakeholders, street drama, blood donation and awareness campaign among others were organized under the week-long celebrations that started from December 12.
The International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 every year since the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the day on December 4, 2000.
According to a study by the UN, there are around 2 billion 320 million migrant workers around the world whereas yearly some 500,000 Nepalese have been flocking abroad, seeking greener pastures. RSS
