Migrant workers in Mideast need protection from slavery

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DOHA, Jun 12 (AFP): A conference on migration has called for Middle East countries to adopt measures to protect migrant workers from modern-day slavery, especially Asians on whom many states are reliant.
Delegates at the two-day forum held in Qatar's capital, a first for the oil-rich Gulf monarchies, said workers should be allowed to join trade unions and be "protected in the courts against torture and all forms of slavery."
A final statement issued late Monday said the home countries and host states must both "assume responsibility for protecting the rights and fundamental liberties of migrant workers", regardless of their nationality or legal status.
The two sides should coordinate closely through bilateral accords, was another key recommendation of the conference organised by Qatar's human rights commission and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).
The Gulf Arab states employ around 13 million foreign workers, mostly from Asia, according to FIDH. Paid low salaries and often victims of abuse or exploition, most of them work in construction or as housemaids.