VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

ASEAN member countries held a meeting with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Representatives on Thursday.

During the meeting, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi highlighted women's issues, including female migrant workers.

Retno said the number of ASEAN migrant workers is around 9.9 million worldwide, of which 48.7 percent are women.

"We ensure that during the pandemic, women have equal rights and access, including in health services," Retno said.

Retno said that Indonesia is focusing on women, including migrant workers in the AICHR table. Most of the AICHR representatives are also women.

Retno also asked AICHR to pay attention to Rohingya's irregular migrants. 

The Rohingya refugees, who are often referred to as 'boat people', risked their lives and resorted to dangerous means to find a better life.

"Most of them are women and children," she said.

During this meeting, Indonesia also welcomed the adoption of the AICHR Five Year Work Plan 2021-2025. (RRI)