In Dhaka, Adviser to the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Farida Akhter highlighted a critical issue: workers’ rights violations are fundamentally human rights violations. Emphasizing the neglect towards labor rights by many human rights organizations, she urged for a dialogue on improving workers’ conditions, specifically in the agricultural and informal sectors, during a national discussion hosted by the Bangladesh Agricultural Farm Workers’ Federation.
Farida expressed concern about the alarming health consequences facing agricultural workers, particularly women who handle pesticides without adequate safety measures. She criticized existing agricultural laws for failing to prioritize actual farmers, noting the derogatory term ‘Contact Farmers’ lacks respect for their essential role.
During the event, representatives from various labor organizations submitted a 13-point demand to the Labor Reform Commission chief for better protection of workers’ rights. The adviser pledged her commitment, stating, “The rights of the workers should be given foremost priority in the constitution.”
Participants addressed the pressing need to eradicate distinctions between different categories of workers and advocated for the inclusion of agricultural laborers in social security systems, utilizing contemporary technology to ensure their rights are recognized and protected.
The dialogue served as a critical platform for amplifying the voices of agricultural workers, shedding light on their struggles and the necessity for systemic reform to foster fair treatment in the workforce.
Adviser Farida Akhter emphasized that workers’ rights violations are equivalent to human rights violations at a national dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Farm Workers’ Federation. She raised concerns about the health risks faced by agricultural workers and advocated for legislative reforms to better protect their rights. Participants stressed the need to include agricultural workers in social security systems and eliminate discrimination between different categories of workers.
In summary, the dialogue led by Adviser Farida Akhter underscored the essential connection between workers’ rights and human rights within the agricultural sector. The call for systematic change and recognition of agricultural workers’ rights highlights an urgent need for reforms that prioritize their health and well-being. Collectively, voices from labor federations are pushing for legislative adjustments to enhance protections and social security for these crucial contributors to society.
The article reflects the increasing recognition of labor rights as integral to human rights across various sectors, particularly in agriculture. The growing global standards advocate for fair labor practices and emphasize the importance of workers being acknowledged and their rights adequately protected in laws and policies.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
