‘Abuse of Filipino Maids Could Intensify Due to BBC Show’

Migrante International, the largest global alliance of Filipino migrants and the families, warned that more Filipino domestic helpers could become targets of sexual exploitation and abuses because of the racist depiction of a Filipina domestic helper as a sex object in an episode of a BBC comedy show “Harry & Paul.”

“There is nothing funny about this the show’s depiction of Filipina maids as mindless playthings. Portraying them as kowtowing to the sexual needs of their employers subjects our compatriots to even greater danger of abuse,” explained Connie Bragas-Regalado, chairperson of Migrante International.

The migrant leader pointed to the mounting cases of sex trafficking and sexual abuse of Filipina migrants.

“Humiliating representations of Filipina domestic helpers as sex objects only reinforces these racist stereotypes and exposes them to further exploitation, humiliation, and sexual assault,” explained Regalado.

Regalado also expressed disgust that the Filipina maid was portrayed as no more than house pets that can be called upon then shooed away by their employers.

“This is the horrible consequence of the Arroyo government’s much-vaunted policy of encouraging migration to help our sagging economy,” she added. “With no sufficient work at home, we are forced to find work abroad, only to be subjected to various risks and inhumane treatment.”

In the upcoming Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) on October 29-30, Arroyo is expected to showcase her government’s migration policies as a “model for development.”

“But this is a development geared towards the interest of a few who will benefit from our huge remittances while we suffer indignities, even violence, while working abroad,” said Regalado.

To counter the GFMD and its neo-liberal agenda for migration, Migrante International, together with the International Migrants Alliance (IMA), will be sponsoring the International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees (IAMR). “The IAMR, which will be attended by hundreds of migrants across the globe, will give voice to the migrants’ sentiments,” added Regalado.

The IAMR will be held on October 28 at the Bayview Hotel in Manila. On October 19 -29, progressive organizations led by Migrante International will stage a protest campaign called “Ten Days to Shake GFMD.”

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