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In the Maldives, migrant workers make up about 30% of the total population, where they face labor abuses and are systematically denied their fundamental rights. The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is implementing the Defending Fundamental Rights of Migrant Workers program in the Maldives with the goal of protecting migrant workers’ right to exercise their freedoms of expression, association, and assembly; to strengthen their ability to fight for their rights; and to obtain remedies for and protection against labor abuses. To achieve its goal, in 2023, ABA ROLI, in collaboration with its sub awardees Mission for Migrant Workers Maldives (MMWM) and the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) worked on strengthening the legal and policy framework for migrant workers’ rights, using strategic litigation to defend the fundamental rights of migrant workers, and expanding the support services available for victims of rights violations and abuses. The program is funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

In 2023, ABA ROLI launched a social media awareness campaign, delivering crucial information about migrant workers’ rights in various languages spoken by migrants in Maldives. Additionally, ABA ROLI organized eight health camps, providing free health screenings and doctor consultations to 1049 migrant workers, and psychosocial support to five migrants in need.

As migrant workers seek legal aid for labor abuses and risk repercussions from their employer, the program adopts an innovative approach on providing free legal aid. As health camps are perceived to be beneficial by employers and migrants, discreet referral pathways are available within the health camp, whereby questionnaires are used by the 77 volunteers (60 women) trained by MMWM to identify victims of trafficking and abuse, enabling them to refer those in need of psychosocial support and legal aid. Those needing legal aid are referred to PILC lawyers and psychosocial support providers onsite. The confidential referral system for legal consultation at the Health Camp has not only facilitated PILC lawyers in providing immediate legal aid to 235 migrants but has also served as a vital platform for providing essential information about fundamental rights to migrant workers. This approach has empowered workers with knowledge, reinforcing their awareness of their fundamental freedoms and legal rights.

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