UN human rights expert arriving here on Monday

Kathmandu, Jan 24 : The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Felipe González Morales, is arriving here on coming Monday to assess the recruitment practices and return and reintegration programs for Nepalis working abroad.

During his eight-day mission to Nepal, González Morales will meet government officials responsible for migration and labour, international organizations, civil society, recruitment agencies, as well as aspiring and returned migrants and their families, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry.

In a press release issued by the Human Rights Council from Geneva, González Morales said, “I thank the Government of Nepal for giving me opportunity to make this visit. Migration plays an important role in the economic development of Nepal. Every day 1,600 workers leave Nepal for foreign employment through official channels, and remittances form up to 30 percent of the country’s GDP.”

“However, many migrants experience abuse and exploitation, which often begins during the recruitment process,” he said.

“They may face further difficulties upon their return and when trying to reintegrate into their society. This visit presents an opportunity to assess their situation on the ground,” reads the statement.

The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report of the visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2018.