The Migrant Worker’s Centre (MWC) organized activities to celebrate the International Migrants Day. There were about 50,000 migrant workers who joined the launching of the event on Sunday, December 15, 2013. The events were simultaneously held at 3 dorms and 2 recreation centres where some migrant workers won prizes and goodie bags. Apart from that, MWC also gave brochures containing employment laws, rights and customs to the workers who attended the celebrations.

The International Migrants Day is celebrated every December 18. The UN (United Nations) General Assembly pushed this bearing in mind the increasing number of migrants around the world. Member States and NGOs (Non-government Organizations) are advised to recognized the International Migrants Day every year. The Member States and NGOs should disseminate information about the migrant’s human rights and freedoms wherever they are. Here are some things that you need to know about the UN Convention on Human Rights of all Migrant Workers and Member of their Families:

• Article 8: The workers and their families are free to leave any country (including their own). The workers and their families are free to re-enter and stay in their country of origin anytime.
• Article 9: The workers and their families have the right to life and it is protected by the law wherever they are in the world.
• Article 10: The workers and their families have the right to be free from torture, inhuman and demeaning treatments whatever the case.
• Article 11: In general, Article 11 clearly states that workers and their families should not be subjected to servitude or slavery. They should not be forced to perform anything beyond their will.
• Article 12: The workers and their families are free to think and practice religion wherever they are. The workers and their family should never be coerced into something that would harm their freedom.
• Article 13: The workers and their families are free to express their expression. No one should curb or interfere  the opinions of these people.
• Article 14: The workers and their families have the right to privacy and correspondence. No one should impede or interfere with this right.
• Article 15: The workers and their families have the right to own a property. They have the right to be compensated adequately and fairly.
• Article 16: In general, Article 15 clearly states that workers and their families have the right to security and liberty. They are entitled to the protection of the state from threats, violence and other injuries.
• Article 17: In general, Article 16 states that workers and their families who are denied of their independence should be treated humanely. The respect should still be there because it is inherent in the human person.

Actually, the list goes on. If you want to know more, you can refer to the complete document.

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is doing its best to keep drug addicts and traffickers away from the streets of Singapore. The problem of drugs is very serious. It should be curbed if not eliminated. All people know the punishment for committing drug-related offences but still there are others who deliberately ignore it. It is their loss.

It is important that you know how to spot addicts (and possibly traffickers) so you can help the enforcers. If you do not want drugs to reach your children and the people you know, you should help the enforcers apprehend addicts and traffickers. Here are signs and symptoms of drug addicts:

Physical Signs

The first sign is changes in physical appearance. You should look out if the person is not able to sleep, lazy and is awake at odd hours. Apart from that, the person may experience loss (or increase) of appetite. Look out for shaky, cold and sweaty palms. When you notice a deterioration of physical health or personal hygiene, he/she may be an addict. The classic physical sign is red and watery eyes.

Behavioural Signs

The next thing that you should consider is behaviour changes. If you notice that he/she has temper tantrums, forgetfulness, paranoia, suspicious and moodiness, he/she may be using. You might also notice unceasing dishonesty or lying. He/she may steal money to finance the drug. More importantly, if you caught drug paraphernalia in his/her belongings, it is time that you talk to him/her.

But you should keep in mind that the signs and symptoms mentioned above are not guarantee because it may be due to other health problem. If you know someone who is using or trafficking, you should advise them to stop before everything gets worse. Stopping and surrendering are not easy but if you take the first step, they will surely follow.