Protection of Migrant Workers in Suriname: How do Indonesian Representatives Implement International Labour Organization Conventions?

Diani Sadiawati,Lutecia Zahra Maharani Wibisono

doi:10.24843/ujlc.2021.v05.i02.p03

Abstract

In June 2020, sixteen Indonesian migrant workers (IMW) who worked as fishing boat crew in a Surinamese company fled to the Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname to acquire protection and assistance. They revealed that the company had failed to uphold their rights, committed inhuman treatment, and resulted in numerous losses. The embassy then immediately exercised a consular function to protect their safety and tried to facilitate the demands of those sailors to relevant parties and local authorities. The article aims to analyze the role of Indonesian representatives to protect the rights of Indonesian migrant workers in Suriname based on the International Labour (ILO) conventions. It is juridical empirical research that was conducted through visiting and field research to the Indonesian Embassy in Suriname in November 2020. The research suggested that Indonesian representatives in Suriname have played a significant role in advocating the IMW rights through all possible means, including mediation, negotiation, and diplomatic channels. In addition, there is a need to create a Memorandum of Understanding between Indonesia and Suriname to ensuring proper protection for migrant workers.

Highlights

Those sailors argued that the company had failed to uphold their rights, committed inhuman treatment, and resulted in numerous losses
The Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname immediately exercised a consular function by taking appropriate action, including brought the case to the attention of the Surinamese government to jointly resolve the case
This article aims to analyze the role of the Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname to protect the rights of Indonesian migrant workers based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions

Summary

Introduction

Suriname is the country where around 700 Indonesian Migrant Workers (IMW) are working, reflecting the highest number of IMW in the South America region. When this research was conducted, it can be revealed that some of IMW had unpleasant experienced when working in some companies in Suriname including got financial losses and psychological disorders and even attempted to commit suicide. Those sailors argued that the company had failed to uphold their rights, committed inhuman treatment, and resulted in numerous losses. They demanded the CF to pay their salary and fulfill their rights. The Indonesian Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname immediately exercised a consular function by taking appropriate action, including brought the case to the attention of the Surinamese government to jointly resolve the case.

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Methods

Conclusion