2007.01.05 up
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopted, on 13 January 2007, the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers at its 12th Summit held in Cebu, the Philippines. The Declaration recognizes the contributions of migrant workers to the society and economy of both receiving states and sending states of ASEAN and affirms the need to address cases of abuse and violence against migrant workers whenever such cases occur.
Growing economic discrepancies have led to the increase in the number of migrant workers among ASEAN countries. Major sending countries include the Philippines and Indonesia, while many migrants go out of Myanmar (Burma) as refugees. Major receiving countries include Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
See: Full text of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers