Justice for Adelina and all abused and neglected migrant domestic workers

The Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) joins the family of Adelina, migrant communities and advocates in Malaysia and elsewhere in calling for justice for Adelina who died due to multiple organ failure in February 2018. Recently, the High Court upheld the acquittal of Adelina’s employer, Ambika MA Shan.

This is a travesty of justice. When found, Adelina’s body showed the extreme abuse and neglect she suffered while under Ambika’s employment.

She was found with a swollen face, bruises all over her body and puss-filled wounds which were a result of the burns on her arms and legs. Instead of seeking treatment for Adelina, her employer instead forced her to sleep outside with the dog to prevent her serious wounds from “dirtying the home”.

Despite the overwhelming evidence pointing to her employer’s abuse, neglect and deprivation that caused her untimely death the High Court acquitted Ambika from culpabilities.

What more despicable abuses can be done to domestic workers for justice to be on their side? How many more Adelina’s must die before domestic workers get the protection they deserve?

Ambika’s acquittance and the absence of justice it showed exacerbates the already vulnerable situation of millions of migrants, particularly migrant domestic workers, in Malaysia.

 The country as foremost destination for Southeast Asian migrants is hosting more than 3.43 million migrants at least 1/3 of it are undocumented migrants. Cases of abuse, exploitation, discrimination, xenophobia, trafficking and modern slavery that have cost the lives of many migrant workers in the country are too many. The High Court’s decision sends a very dangerous message that perpetuates abuse, exploitation, neglect and deprivation of the rights and humanity of migrants.

Justice must be served. ###