The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) champions universal values, including respect for the rule of law, democratic institutions, and human rights. The Bureau’s work helps bolster democratic institutions, confront democratic backsliding, promote accountability, uphold internationally recognized labor standards, and advance the rights and equity of members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and religious communities, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ persons.
The grant program from DRL seeks to empower migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Malaysia by improving labor rights, protections, and conditions of decent work. It focuses on addressing the policy and enforcement gaps that currently exist, with a specific funding amount set at $800,000 for targeted proposals in Malaysia. Key objectives include ensuring MDWs experience dignified working conditions through better enforcement of protective policies and encouraging both source countries and the Malaysian government to further safeguard the rights of MDWs in line with international labor standards.