CEDAW/C/PHL/CO/7-8 Women migrant workers 37. The Committee welcomes the adoption, in 2010, of the amended Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 10022) to protect migrant workers working in the State party. It is concerned, however, at the widespread exploitation and abuse of Filipina migrant workers work ing abroad, in particular as domestic workers, and the insufficient support provided to reintegrate those who return. The Committee also notes that the protection of migrant workers under ASEAN migration policies does not cover unskilled migrants, who cons titute the majority of Filipina migrant workers. 38. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Enhance its efforts to effectively protect the rights of Filipina migrant workers abroad, through bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding with countries and regions to which Filipinas migrate in search of work; (b) Strengthen the regulation and inspection of recruitment agencies for migrant workers and the sanctions applicable in case of breaches of relevant regulations; (c) Continue its efforts to raise awareness among women migrant workers about their rights, the risks that they may face and the channels that they can use to seek remedies in case of violations of their rights, through pre-departure briefings and public information campaigns; (d) Investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of exploitation and abuse of women migrant workers, in particular domestic workers, who are under its jurisdiction; (e) Provide gender-responsive support to returning women migrant workers for their reintegration. Health 39. The Committee notes that, in 2014, the Supreme Court recognized the constitutionality of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act and that the Act has subsequently entered into force. It also notes that some le gislation, including local executive orders inconsistent with the Act, has been revoked by the Act. The Committee is concerned, however, that women’s access to sexual and reproductive health services is still severely restricted and: (a) That early pregnancies, unsafe abortions and HIV/AIDS infections are increasing, in particular among adolescent girls; (b) That there has been a lack of specific measures to implement the recommendations of the Committee’s inquiry conducted in 2012 (CEDAW/C/OP.8/PHL/1), including with regard to access to modern contraceptives and the legalization of abortion under certain circumstances; (c) That the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act has not been consistent throughout the State party, no 16-12874 11/16

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