Benin examines protection of migrant workers' rights

Benin's Ministry of Justice is hosting a two-day workshop in Cotonou ending on Nov. 12 to examine the country's laws and procedures related to the protection of migrant workers' rights.

Entitled “Promoting the Ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families,” the study, funded through the IOM Development Fund, was recently conducted by researchers from the International Organization of Migration and the Benin Ministry’s Directorate of Human Rights.  

The aim of the project is to make improvements to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and includes a feasibility study, educational session and international migration law training.

“The validation of this report is welcome and shows the importance that the Republic of Benin attaches to protecting migrants’ rights,” Nassirou Afagnon, IOM’s acting head of office in Cotonou, said. “It represents a step toward the ratification of the convention, which will also help the government to strengthen protection for its citizens abroad.”