In a statement issued on Tuesday, the AI said targeting Dipendra Bhetwal for his article was not only a violation of his right to freedom of expression, but also demonstrates the systemic failure of the Nepal government to protect their nationals working abroad. Bhetwal wrote an article criticizing Sharma for not being able to protect the rights of Nepali migrant workers in Qatar.[break]
The AI said the ambassador´s attempt to silence Bhetwal for voicing his concern over lack of consular support to migrant workers will prove counterproductive. “In 2013, the labor ministry and the foreign ministry had made claims that they were working together to “reform and strengthen” the capacity of diplomatic missions to deliver services to Nepali migrant workers.
However, Ambassdor Sharma´s recent action is inconsistent with this message,” the statement further said.
“Earlier in March of this year, the International Labor Organization (ILO) concluded that government officials were complicit in the trafficking for forced labor of its migrant workers,” added the statement. AI said Nepali consular staff should be trained in providing effective and timely assistance to the workers, including information on redress mechanisms.
Also, the AI´s 2011 report “False Promise” said that Nepali migrant workers and returnees routinely face a “brick wall” when going to government offices for help in resolving disputes or seeking compensations. The report claimed that the Nepali consular staff failed to provide assistance when approached.
AI has expressed concerns saying that though the government has increased the number of labor attaches in country employing over 5, 000 Nepali migrant workers, the resources and services to them does not meet the standards.
AI statement said, “With an election called for November 19 it is high time for political parties in Nepal to take the protection of migrant workers seriously rather than to view migrants as mere revenue earners.”
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