Migrants Rights International

Dichiarazione Internazionale per la Giornata Internazionale dei Migranti 18 Dicembre 2006

2006-12-21T17:33:00.000+08:00

Dichiarazione Internazionale per la Giornata Internazionale dei Migranti

18 Dicembre 2006

Oggi, in occasione del 18 dicembre 2006 in coincidenza della Giornata Internazionale dei Migranti, Migrants Rights International (MRI) Chiama la comunità internazionale e le Nazioni Unite a sostenere i diritti umani di tutti i migranti in tutto il Mondo. Ricordiamo i problemi dei migranti che lamentano la separazione dalle loro famiglie, che affrontano i rischi delle migrazioni, che sono costretti a lavorare in misere condizioni, e soffrono del razzismo e della discriminazione in molte delle nostre società. Ricordiamo anche l’ingente contributo che i migranti apportano a tutti i paesi del Mondo, con il loro duro lavoro, le loro capacità e creatività – e il ruolo dei migranti nel connettere le culture e le nazioni e nel contribuire socialmente, culturalmente, ed economicamente alle società delle nazioni sia di provenienza che di destinazione.

Si sono verificati alcuni sviluppi cruciali nel 2006, che indicano il crescente riconoscimento da parte degli Stati e di altri settori della società, del valore delle migrazioni internazionali. Ma allo stesso tempo, siamo estremamente preoccupati circa il progressivo deterioramento dei diritti umani dei migranti dappertutto nel Mondo.

Nello scorso Settembre 2006, l’Assemblea Generale delle Nazioni Unite si è incontrata per animare un Dialogo di Alto Livello sulle Migrazioni e lo Sviluppo (UNHLD). I vari contributi dei migranti sono stati considerati poco durante il Dialogo di Alto Livello, ivi inclusi l’ammontare delle cifre di denaro che i migranti spediscono a casa nei paesi di origine, il modo nel quale i migranti suppliscono alla carenza di manodopera in alcuni paesi, il modo in cui i migranti ispirano diversi approcci per ripensare su argomenti politici e sociali, e come i migranti formino un legame umano tra culture, economie, e società[1].

Salutiamo il riconoscimento da parte di molti Stati Membri durante il Dialogo di Alto Livello circa l’importanza di proteggere i diritti umani dei migranti nello sviluppo delle politiche migratorie. Come ha richiamato Ali Hassani, Presidente del Consiglio Economico e Sociale delle Nazioni Unite ai delegati del Dialogo di Alto Livello, “Migration can only be beneficial if the rights of migrants are respected.” “Le migrazioni possono portare solo benefici se i diritti umani dei migranti sono rispettati”

In realtà, la maggior parte degli Stati Membri non ha assunto alcun impegno per la protezione dei diritti umani dei migranti, tra quegli impegni che servono per coerenti sviluppi in termini di politiche e pratiche internazionali. Siamo particolarmente preoccupati che non ci sia stato accenno degli obblighi degli Stati di intervenire sulle cause delle migrazioni, quali la mancanza di accesso ai diritti umani nei loro paesi, l’impatto delle politiche economiche internazionali, e i conflitti armati.

Più in dettaglio, siamo contrariati a causa della significativa esclusione delle voci dei migranti stessi durante il Dialogo di Alto Livello. Ci aggiungiamo alla protesta di Jorge Bustamante, il Relatore Speciale delle Nazioni Unite per i Diritti Umani dei Migranti – quando rivolgendosi ai delegati di più di 50 organizzazioni per i diritti dei migranti che da tutto il Mondo si sono incontrati a New York dall’11 al 15 settembre 2006 per dare vita al Dialogo Comunitario sulle Migrazioni e lo Sviluppo organizzato da Migrants Rights International – quando ha esclamato: “We have been excluded from the high level discussions on migration policy!” (siamo stati esclusi dalle discussioni di alto livello sulle politiche migratorie! ). Inoltre continuiamo ad esprimere grave preoccupazione che la proposta del Segretario Generale di formare un Forum Globale sulle Migrazioni e lo Sviluppo possa implicare la partecipazione della Società Civile solo quando gli Stati Membri lo giudichino “desirable and appropriate.” (Desiderabile ed appropriato.)

Continuiamo a ricordare a tutti gli Stati Membri delle Nazioni Unite il bisogno della ratifica universale della Convenzione Internazionale del 1990 sulla protezione dei diritti umani di tutti i migranti lavoratori e i membri delle loro famiglie come veicolo per riconoscere e proteggere i diritti umani dei migranti in tutto il Mondo. Per quegli Stati che sono già parte della Convenzione, ci richiamiamo ai loro obblighi di implementare pienamente ed effettivamente la convenzione, mentre auspichiamo la partecipazione della Società Civile e dei gruppi dei migranti nel monitorare la sua implementazione.

Sollecitiamo maggiori attenzioni ai problemi delle donne migranti, in particolare le lavoratrici domestiche, così come per i lavoratori migranti senza documenti validi. A causa della loro condizione di donne e di migranti, le lavoratrici domestiche sono tra i più vulnerabili gruppi di lavoratori nelle nostre società, spesso discriminate ed esposte ad abusi e sfruttamenti come la mancanza di norme legislative lavorative per il lavoro domestico, pratiche incontrollate di agenti senza scrupoli per il reclutamento, il trattenimento dei passaporti, le norme che legano la residenza al datore di lavoro, condizioni di vita e di lavoro simil-schiavistiche, abusi verbali e fisici, e violenza sessuale, tra le altre cose. Quelle condizioni sono anche presenti in maniera eccessiva per i migranti lavoratori senza documenti validi, il cui status migratorio li porta ad essere particolarmente a rischio di sfruttamento ed abusi[2]. L’empowerment dei migranti senza documenti validi, e in particolar modo delle donne migranti lavoratrici domestiche, nel riconoscere il loro lavoro e nell’assicurare la protezione dei loro diritti lavorativi sono urgenze profonde. Permettere a quei lavoratori di associarsi alle associazioni e ai sindacati contribuisce a provvederli di migliore protezione della legge e a rappresentarsi come importanti contributori della società.

Condanniamo il deterioramento dei diritti umani dei migranti negli ultimi anni. Il crescere di politiche discriminatorie ai confini, in combinazione con abusi discutibilissimi e impuniti, hanno portato ad un aumento di morti tra i migranti e ad un aumento del ricorso ai trafficanti di esseri umani in molte regioni di confine in tutto il Mondo. In molti casi il deterioramento delle condizioni dei diritti umani presso quei confine é emerso dai crescenti dinieghi per lo status di rifugiati politici nei varchi di entrata per i richiedenti asilo, portando a crescenti numeri di migranti con documenti non validi e a deportazioni di massa verso regioni più povere, pericolose e instabili, con loro grave rischio.

Denunciamo ed esprimiamo grande allarme per la crescita di gruppi di vigilantes in diversi paesi, I quali hanno assunto il ruolo di fiancheggiatori delle leggi migratorie, sia in caso di sanzioni statali che senza. È largamente documentato che quei gruppi, spesso guidati da xenofobia, regolarmente hanno totale disprezzo per i diritti umani fondamentali dei migranti, fino al punto di causare morti tra i migranti, direttamente o indirettamente. Chiamiamo tutti quei gruppi di vigilantes che si occupano così dei migranti di cessare immediatamente e desistere, e per gli Stati di sostenere i diritti umani dei migranti anche vietando l’esistenza di quei gruppi paramilitari.

Infine, condanniamo con decisione il razzismo e la discriminazione praticati dalle Autorità Locali in relazione all’accesso ai diritti sociali, economici e culturali, nel basare quei diritti a seconda dell’origine nazionale e/o status immigratorio. Quei diritti sono universalmente riconosciuti come diritti umani che dovrebbero essere categoricamente tutelati, piuttosto che eradicati da restrittive ed illegittime leggi sull’immigrazione ed iniziative che sono in uso in molti Stati come gli Stati Uniti, la Francia, la Svizzera e l’Italia.

Con tutti questi convincimenti, continuiamo a chiamare per la continua vigilanza nell’approcciarsi ai diritti umani di tutti i migranti, specialmente i migranti senza documenti validi, quando celebriamo la Giornata Internazionale per i Migranti. Ricordiamo agli Stati il volto umano delle migrazioni e di assicurare che i migranti siano in grado di fruire delle loro libertà e dei loro diritti umani fondamentali, basati sui principi di inclusione, non-discriminazione e di partecipazione, al fine di sviluppare politiche e pratiche migratorie a partire innanzitutto dai diritti umani.

Migrants Rights International (MRI) é una organizzazione non governativa e federazione di organizzazioni di migranti e di organizzazioni non governative che promuovono I diritti umani dei migranti. La sua proposta consiste in: promuovere il riconoscimento e il rispetto per I diritti di tutti I migranti, di esercitare pressioni per la ratifica della Convenzione Internazionale per la protezione dei diritti umani di tutti I lavoratori migranti e I membri delle loro famiglie; di facilitare gli sforzi delle associazioni dei migranti e altre organizzazioni non governative nell’advocacy per i diritti dei migranti; e di monitorare le tendenze e gli sviluppi nell’ambito del benessere e dei diritti dei migranti. MRI é un’associazione non governativa in status speciale consultivo press oil Consiglio Economico e Sociale delle Nazioni Unite.

Migrants Rights International

migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.com

migrantsrightsinternational.blogspot.com

+01-510-465-1984 [ext. 306]

Traduzione :

Manfred Bergmann,

-CADI Comitato Antirazzista Durban Italia

-MRI Migrants Rights International

corsodirittiumani@yahoo.it

[1] Fonte: Discorso del Segretario Generale dell’ONU Kofi Annan per i lavori del Dialogo di Alto Livello sulle migrazioni internazionali e lo sviluppo (UNHLD).

[2] Fonte: Rapporto della Commissione Globale sulle Migrazioni Internazionali, ottobre 2005, Capitolo sulle migrazioni irregolari (Report by the Global Commission on International Migration, October 2005, chapter on irregular migration).

Una Declaración Para el Día Internacional del Migrante 18 de diciembre de 2006

2006-12-21T17:26:00.000+08:00

Una Declaración Para el Día Internacional del Migrante

18 de diciembre de 2006

Hoy, 18 de diciembre del 2006, en conmemoración del Día Internacional del Migrante, la Internacional de Derechos Migrantes (MRI, Migrant Rights Internacional) hace un llamado a la comunidad internacional y a las Naciones Unidas para que apoyen los derechos humanos de todos los migrantes alrededor del mundo. Recordamos la situación difícil de los migrantes, cuando estos sufren la separación de sus familias, desafían las pruebas duras de la migración, se les obligada a trabajar en condiciones precarias, y sufren el racismo y la discriminación en muchas de nuestras sociedades. También recordamos la contribución enorme que las y los migrantes hacen a todos los países de nuestra mundo, con trabajo arduo, habilidades y creatividad—y el papel de los migrantes al crear puentes entre culturas y naciones y contribuir social, cultural y económicamente a las sociedades en ambos países de origen y de recepción.

Hubo un número de acontecimientos claves en 2006 que ilustran el creciente reconocimiento de los Estados y otros miembros de la sociedad del valor de la migración internacional. A la misma vez estamos altamente preocupados por el deterioro continuo de los derechos de las y los migrantes mundialmente.

En septiembre de este año, la Asamblea General de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas convocó a su Diálogo de Alto Nivel sobre Migración y Desarrollo. Las distintas contribuciones de los migrantes fueron recalcadas a través del Dialogo de Alto Nivel, incluyendo la cantidad de dinero que los migrants envían a sus países de origen, como los migrantes llenan la falta de mano de obra de ciertos países, la manera en la cual los migrantes inspiran nuevas formas de pensar los asuntos sociales y políticos, y como los migrantes forman un vinculo humano dinámico entre culturas, economías y sociedades.[1]

Aplaudimos el reconocimiento por parte de muchos Estados Miembros en el Diálogo de Alto Nivel sobre la importancia de proteger los derechos humanos de las y los migrantes en el desarrollo de la política migratoria. Como les recordó a los delegados Ali Hassani, Presidente del Concilio Económico y Social de la ONU en el Dialogó de Alto Nivel, “La migración solo puede tener beneficios si los derechos de los migrantes son respetados.”

Sin embargo, muchos de los Estados Miembros no ofrecieron compromiso alguno con la protección de los derechos humanos de las y los migrantes que necesitan para desarrollar legítimamente como política y práctica internacionales. Estamos particularmente preocupados que no hubo casi ninguna mención de las obligaciones de los estados de tratar con las causas principales de la migración, tales como la falta de acceso a los derechos humanos en sus países, el impacto de las políticas de comercio internacional, y los conflictos armados.

Además, estamos desilusionados con la significante exclusión de las voces de las y los migrantes mismos en el Diálogo de Alto Nivel. Hacemos eco de las palabras de Jorge Bustamante, el Rappoteur Especial de los Derechos Humanos de los Migrantes, cuando este, dirigiéndose a los grupos de migrantes reunidos en la asamblea paralela en el Dialogo Comunitario sobre Migración y Desarrollo organizado por la Internacional de Derechos Migrantes, cuando exclamó, “Hemos sido excluidos de las discusiones de alto nivel sobre la política migratoria!” Además, continuamos expresando nuestra grave preocupación que la propuesta del Secretario General de formar un Foro Global sobre Migración y Desarrollo donde sólo se pueda incluir la participación de la sociedad civil cuando los Estados Miembros crean que esta “deseable y apropiada.”

Continuamos recordándoles a todos los Miembros Estados de las Naciones Unidas de la necesidad de la ratificación universal de la Convención Sobre los Derechos de los Trabajadores Migrantes y sus Familias de 1990, como un medio para reconocer y proteger los derechos de los migrantes alrededor del mundo. Para esos estados que son Partes Contratantes de la Convención, les hacemos un llamado a su obligación de implementar la Convención plena y efectivamente al mismo tiempo que comprometemos la participación de la sociedad civil y los grupos de migrantes en vigilar su implementación.

Continuamos hacienda un llamado para que se de atención a la difícil condición de las mujeres migrantes, especialmente las trabajadoras domesticas, así como también a otros trabajadores indocumentados. Dado sus estados de mujeres y de migrantes, las trabajadoras domesticas están entre los grupos de trabajadores mas vulnerables en nuestras sociedades, discriminadas con frecuencia y expuestas a los abusos y explotación, como la falta de leyes laborales de trabajo domestico, practicas desenfrenadas de agentes de reclutamiento sin escrúpulos, la confiscación de sus pasaportes, reglas de residencia estrictamente atadas a los patrones, condiciones de casi esclavitud en la vivienda y el trabajo, abuso físico y verbal, y violencia sexual, entre otros. Los trabajadores indocumentados enfrenten estas condiciones arrolladoras, cuyos condición migratoria los expone particularmente a la explotación y el abuso.[2] Dándole poder a las trabajadoras domesticas migrantes, reconociendo su trabajo y asegurándoles la protección laboral son llamadas urgentes. Otorgando permiso para que las trabajadoras domesticas se puedan afiliar a asociaciones y sindicatos contribuirá hacia proveerlas con una mejor protección bajo la ley y la representación de ellas mismas como contribuidoras importantes a la sociedad.

Condenamos el deterioro de los derechos humanos este año pasado. El incremento de políticas fronterizas, conjuntamente con la impunidad sin escrúpulos de abusos, han resultando en el aumento de muertes de migrantes y de la susceptibilidad al trafico humano en muchas regiones fronterizas alrededor del mundo. En muchos casos, las condiciones en deterioro de los derechos humanos en estas fronteras también emergieron debido a las desaprobaciones de las peticiones de asilo político en los puertos de entrada a los que buscan refugio, incluyendo a un número creciente de migrantes indocumentados y las deportaciones masivas a regiones empobrecidas, peligrosas y volátiles.

Denunciamos y expresamos nuestra gran alarma entorno al crecimiento de grupos milicianos en varios países, que han asumido el papel de policías de leyes migratorias sea con o sin la sanción de los Estados. Se ha documentado ampliamente que estos grupos, motivados por la xenofobia, hacen caso omiso de los derechos básicos de los migrantes en forma rutinaria, al punto de causarles la muerte, directa o indirectamente. Hacemos un llamado a todos estos grupos milicianos similares victimizando a los migrantes, que cesan y desistan de inmediato, y a los Estados, que avalen los derechos humanos de los migrantes prohibiendo la existencia de estos grupos milicianos.

Finalmente, condenamos resolutamente el racismo y la discriminación practicada por gobiernos locales en torno a al acceso a los derechos económicos, sociales, y culturales, al basar estos según el origen nacional y/o la condición migratoria. Tales derechos son derechos humanos reconocidos universalmente, los cuales deben de ser protegidos categóricamente en lugar de ser erradicados por leyes e iniciativas restrictivas e ilegitimas que están siendo aprobadas por muchos estados tal como los EEUU, Francia y Suiza.

Con todos estos aciertos, continuamos llamando por una vigilancia sostenida en el tratamiento de los derechos humanos de todos los migrantes, especialmente de los migrantes indocumentados, conforme celebramos el Día Internacional del Migrante. Le recordamos a los Estados que no olviden la cara human de la migración y que aseguran que los migrantes sean capaces de disfrutar de sus libertades y derechos humanos básicos, en base a los principios de la inclusión, la no-discriminación, y la participación, mientras que se desarrollan políticas y prácticas migratorias centradas en los derechos.

La Internacional de Derechos Migrantes (MRI, Migrant Rights Internacional) es un organización no-gubernamental y una federación de organizaciones migrantes y no-gubernamentales promoviendo los derechos humanos de las y los migrantes. Su metas son: promover el reconocimiento y respeto para los derechos humanos de todas las y los migrantes, abogar por la ratificación de la Convención para la Protección de los Derechos de Todos Los Trabajadores Migratorios y los Miembros de Sus Familias; facilitar los esfuerzos de las asociaciones de migrantes y otras organizaciones no-gubernamentales abogando por los derechos de las y los migrantes; y vigilar las tendencias y acontecimientos en la situación de los derechos y el bienestar de las y los migrantes. La MRI es una asociación no-gubernamental en estatus consultivo especial con el Consejo Económico y Social de las Naciones Unidas.

Internacional de Derechos Migrantes

Migrants Rights International

migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.com

migrantsrightsinternational.blogspot.com

+01-510-465-1984 [ext. 306]

[1] 1. Fuente: Discurso del Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas al Diálogo de Alto Nivel de la Asamblea General sobre Migración y Desarrollo.

[2] Fuente: Informe de la Comisión Global sobre la Migración Internacional, Octubre 2005, el capítulo sobre la migración irregular.

An International Statement for International Migrants Day

2006-12-21T17:23:00.000+08:00

An International Statement for International Migrants Day

18 December 2006

Today, on the 18^th of December 2006, in observance of International Migrants Day, Migrants Rights International (MRI) calls upon the international community and the United Nations to uphold the human rights of all migrants around the world. We remember the plight of migrants, who brave separation from their families, face the ordeals of migration, are forced to work in poor conditions, and suffer from racism and discrimination in many of our societies. We also remember the enormous contribution that migrants make to all countries of the world, with hard work, skills, and creativity – and migrants’ role in bridging cultures and nations and contributing socially, culturally, and economically to societies in both home and host countries.

There have been a number of key developments in 2006 indicating the growing recognition by states and other members of society of the value of international migration. Yet at the same time, we are extremely concerned about the continued deterioration of migrants’ human rights throughout the world.

In September 2006, the United Nations General Assembly convened its High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development. The various contributions of migrants were underscored throughout the High Level Dialogue, including the amount of money migrants remit back to their countries of origin, how migrants alleviate labour shortages in certain countries, the way in which migrants inspire new ways of thinking about social and political issues, and how migrants form a dynamic human link between cultures, economies, and societies[1].

We applaud the acknowledgement by many Member States at the High Level Dialogue about the importance of protecting migrants’ human rights in the development of migration policy. As Ali Hassani, the President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council reminded delegates at the High Level Dialogue, “Migration can only be beneficial if the rights of migrants are respected.”

However, most Member States did not offer any commitment to the protection of migrants’ human rights that it needed to legitimately develop as international policy and practice. We are particularly concerned that there was almost no mention of states’ obligations to deal with the main causes of migration, such as the lack of access to human rights in their countries, the impact of international trade policies, and armed conflicts.

In addition, we are disappointed over the significant exclusion of migrant voices themselves at the High Level Dialogue. We echo the words of Jorge Bustamante, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Migrants – when he addressed representatives from more than 50 migrants rights groups from all over the world gathered in New York from 11-15 September at the Community Dialogue on Migration and Development organized by Migrant Rights International – by exclaiming, “We have been excluded from the high level discussions on migration policy!” Furthermore, we continue to express grave concern that the Secretary General’s proposal to form a Global Forum on Migration and Development might only include the participation of civil society when Member States deem it “desirable and appropriate.”

We continue to remind all Member States of the United Nations of the need for universal ratification of the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families as a vehicle to recognize and protect the human rights of migrants around the world. For those states that are parties to the convention, we call on their obligation to fully and effectively implement the convention, while engaging the participation of civil society and migrant groups in monitoring its implementation.

We call for more attention to the plight of women migrants, particularly domestic workers, as well as undocumented workers. Due to their status as women and migrants, domestic workers are among the most vulnerable group of workers in our societies, often discriminated and exposed to abuses and exploitation such as the lack of labor legislation of domestic work, unchecked practices of unscrupulous recruitment agents, the withholding of passports, strict employee-tied residency rules, slavery-like working and living conditions, physical and verbal abuse, and sexual violence, among others. These conditions are also overwhelmingly faced by undocumented workers, whose migration status leads them to be particularly at risk of exploitation and abuse[2]. Empowering undocumented workers, and especially women migrant domestic workers, recognizing their work and ensuring labor protection are urgent calls. Allowing these workers to join associations and unions will contribute towards providing them better protection under the law and representation for themselves as important contributors to society.

We condemn the deterioration of migrants’ human rights throughout this past year. The increases in discriminatory border policies, coupled with unscrupulous abuse with impunity, have resulted in increasing migrant deaths and susceptibility to trafficking in many border regions around the world. In many cases, the deteriorating human rights conditions at these borders also emerged due to the escalating denials for asylum at ports-of-entry to asylum-seekers, leading to increasing numbers of undocumented migrants and mass deportations to poverty-stricken, dangerous and highly volatile regions.

We denounce and express great alarm over the growth of vigilante groups in various countries, which have assumed the role of migration law enforcement whether with or without States’ sanctions. It is widely documented that these groups, often driven by xenophobia, routinely have total disregard for migrants’ basic human rights, to the point of causing migrant deaths, directly or indirectly. We call on all such vigilante groups preying on migrants to immediately cease and desist, and for states to uphold the human rights of migrants by prohibiting the existence of such groups.

Finally, we resolutely condemn the racism and discrimination practiced by local governments with regards to access to economic, social and cultural rights, by basing these according to national origin and/or immigration status. Such rights are universally-recognized human rights which should be categorically protected, rather than eradicated by restrictive and illegitimate immigration laws and initiatives being passed by many states such as the U.S., France and Switzerland.

With all of these assertions, we continue to call for sustained vigilance in addressing the human rights of all migrants, especially undocumented migrants, as we celebrate International Migrants Day. We remind states of the human face of migration and to ensure that migrants are able to enjoy their basic human rights and freedoms, based on the principles of inclusion, non-discrimination, and participation, while developing rights-based migration policies and practices.

Migrants Rights International (MRI) is a non-governmental organization and federation of migrant organizations and non-governmental organizations promoting the human rights of migrants. Its purposes are: to promote recognition and respect for the rights of all migrants; to advocate for ratification of the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families; to facilitate the efforts of migrant associations and other non-governmental organizations in advocating for migrants rights; and to monitor trends and developments in the situation of migrants' rights and welfare. MRI is a non-governmental association in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Migrants Rights International

migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.com

migrantsrightsinternational.blogspot.com

+01-510-465-1984 [ext. 306]

[1] Source: United Nations Secretary General Address to the High Level Dialogue of the General Assembly on International Migration and Development.

[2] Source: Report by the Global Commission on International Migration, October 2005, chapter on irregular migration.

Declaración de MRI ante la XVI Cumbre Iberoamericana de Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno

2006-12-21T16:55:00.000+08:00

Montevideo, 4 de noviembre de 2006

Declaración de Migrants Rights Internacional ante la

XVI Cumbre Iberoamericana de Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno

Sres. y Sras. representantes de los Estados Iberoamericanos:

Migrants Rights International (MRI) es una red global independiente integrada por instituciones sociales, de derechos humanos, comunidades de base, organizaciones religiosas, académicas, etc., locales, nacionales y regionales, cuyo objetivo esencial es la promoción y defensa de los derechos humanos de las personas migrantes. MRI es una asociación no gubernamental con status consultivo ante el ECOSOC.

MRI ha estado participando activamente en los diferentes diálogos y debates desarrollados en torno a la migración y el desarrollo, cuyo evento central ha sido el Diálogo de Alto Nivel (HLD) realizado el pasado mes de septiembre en Nueva York. Allí, MRI ha sido una de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil que ha integrado una de las Mesas Redondas celebradas entre el 14 y 15 de septiembre. El día 14, MRI organizó un “evento paralelo”, con el apoyo del gobierno argentino, titulado La migración desde una perspectiva de derechos humanos”. Tanto en el HLD como en las Audiencias Interactivas con la Sociedad Civil del mes de julio, MRI ha presentado dos Declaraciones en las cuales exponía sus puntos de vista sobre este proceso, y particularmente sobre las políticas y medidas que podrían tomarse (a nuestro entender) para la plena protección de los derechos humanos de las personas migrantes y, en consecuencia, para vincular en forma debida la migración y el desarrollo. Adjuntamos a esta carta dichos documentos.

En esta trascendente cumbre, de la cual celebramos la decisión de escoger como tema central la cuestión de la migración y el desarrollo, nos vemos en la necesidad de transmitirles una preocupación a los representantes de la región iberoamericana.

A lo largo de todo este proceso, hemos comprobado una y otra vez la escasa participación que han podido tener las organizaciones de la sociedad civil y las comunidades de migrantes. En los últimos años, ante las diversas instancias e iniciativas desarrolladas bajo la órbita de las Naciones Unidas, la sociedad civil ha ido teniendo cada vez mayor participación, a partir del reconocimiento que los propios Estados han hecho -en múltiples oportunidades- acerca de la relevancia y la legitimidad de tal participación. Sin embargo, en todo lo concerniente a la cuestión migratoria, y particularmente a los debates sobre migración y desarrollo, las oportunidades de la sociedad civil de participar e interactuar junto a los Estados ha sido preocupantemente exigua. Tenemos conocimiento de que han sido varios Estados (no precisamente de esta región) quienes han requerido que esto sea así. A su vez, de acuerdo a las distintas informaciones que hemos recibido en las últimas semanas, nos preocupa que las siguientes etapas de estos diálogos, incluyendo la reunión del Foro a celebrarse en Bruselas, previsto para julio de 2007, se caractericen también por los límites a la participación de la sociedad civil.

Somos conscientes de que numerosos Estados iberoamericanos han expresado públicamente la necesidad y conveniencia de reconocer y/o ampliar la participación de la sociedad civil en estas iniciativas en torno a la temática migratoria. Otros han destacado expresamente la importancia de dialogar e incluso trabajar conjuntamente a la sociedad civil (en los planos local y nacional) para intentar desarrollar políticas migratorias eficaces, legítimas y respetuosas de los derechos fundamentales.

Por estas razones, es que solicitamos a los Estados de la región Iberoamericana que tanto en esta importante Cumbre como en el ámbito multilateral (y particularmente en las reuniones preparatorias al Foro sobre Migración y Desarrollo), apoyen enérgicamente la participación amplia de la sociedad civil y de comunidades de migrantes.

Saludos muy cordiales,

Migrants Rights International

c.p. 135, 15 route des Morillons

1211 Geneva, Switzerland

migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.com

Migrants Rally

2006-12-21T16:34:00.000+08:00

Declaration Migrants Rights International Presentada en el Diálogo de Alto Nivel sobre Migración y Desarrollo, en la Mesa Redonda Nro. 2,

2006-12-21T16:26:00.000+08:00

New York, 14 de septiembre de 2006

Declaración de Migrants Rights Internacional,

presentada en el Diálogo de Alto Nivel sobre Migración y Desarrollo, en la Mesa Redonda Nro. 2,

“Medidas que pueden adoptarse para asegurar el respeto y la protección de los derechos humanos de todos los migrantes, y para prevenir y combatir el tráfico de migrantes y la trata de personas”,

en la ciudad de Nueva York, el 4 de septiembre de 2006.

MRI saluda con beneplácito la decisión de la Secretaría General de asegurar la participación de representantes de la sociedad civil en este importante y constructivo diálogo para un tema tan crucial en el ámbito de los derechos humanos, como son los derechos fundamentales de las personas migrantes.

En numerosas declaraciones y resoluciones adoptadas por diferentes agencias de las Naciones Unidas, como las adoptadas en la Conferencia de Viena sobre Derechos Humanos o la Cumbre de Johannesburgo para el desarrollo, los Estados han acordado y reafirmado repetidamente que el concepto de desarrollo se encuentra inseparablemente ligado a los derechos humanos. O más precisamente, que el desarrollo sostenible de los países y los pueblos no podrán alcanzarse si no es a través del pleno respeto, protección y satisfacción de todos los derechos humanos a todas las personas, sin discriminación alguna.

Por esta razón, si el objetivo de este Dialogo de Alto Nivel es atender la cuestión migratoria de modo tal de maximizar los beneficios para el desarrollo, pues entonces no habrá otro camino mas indicado para ello que a través del cumplimiento de los compromisos asumidos en las normas internacionales de derecho humanos. En este sentido, la cuestión no puede estar, indudablemente, en debatir acerca de cómo obtener ciertas rentas o ganancias económicas y financieras a partir de la migración, sino, justamente, en cómo garantizar los derechos humanos de todas las personas involucradas en el proceso migratorio (en países de origen, tránsito y destino) para, luego, asegurar el desarrollo sostenible para todas las sociedades.

Debe tenerse en cuenta, a su vez, que la migración es en la mayoría de los casos es producto de la privación de derechos fundamentales en los países de origen. La falta de acceso a estos derechos, o la discriminación en su reconocimiento o su ejercicio, es una de las causas principales de la migración. Por ello, el nexo entre migración y desarrollo sólo puede ser viable (y no contradictorio en sí mismo) si los derechos humanos constituyen la base, el medio y el fin de ambos aspectos.

Para lograr este objetivo, las Naciones Unidas y cada uno de sus Estados miembros, cuentan con las herramientas apropiadas: los instrumentos internacionales de derechos humanos. De esta manera, una primera obligación central está en la ratificación de esas normas, particularmente la Convención Internacional de la ONU de 1990 sobre la Protección de los Derechos de Todos los Trabajadores Migrantes y miembros de sus Familias. Por otra parte, para dar cumplimiento con las obligaciones impuestas por cada uno de estos tratados, los Estados deben adoptar medidas para respetar, proteger y satisfacer los derechos humanos a todas las personas, las cuales deben ser implementadas en cada etapa de la migración, es decir, en países de origen, tránsito y destino.

Como se ha señalado, el pleno respeto de los derechos humanos en los países de origen supone necesariamente adoptar las medidas pertinentes para lidiar con las causas de la migración. Y allí encontramos tanto causas nacionales y locales como internacionales. En el ámbito internacional, cuestiones tales como los tratados de libre comercio, las políticas de inversiones, algunos lineamientos indicados por organismos multilaterales de crédito, o los conflictos armados, se encuentran entre los principales aspectos a considerar, ya que en todos estos casos, está debidamente comprobado el considerable impacto que tienen en la vulneración de derechos fundamentales de millones personas en países que son expulsores de migración. Por ello, resulta imprescindible que los Estados, la comunidad internacional y los organismos y agencias involucrados revisen sus políticas para revertir sustancialmente esta situación.

En cuanto a las causas locales o nacionales de la migración desde los países de origen (interconectadas con las internacionales), hallamos que la privación de los derechos económicos, sociales y culturales constituye uno de los problemas centrales de la pobreza generalizada y la exclusión social estructural y sistemática. Al respecto, los instrumentos internacionales de derechos humanos (entre ellos, el PIDESC) y su interpretación por los órganos de protección y monitoreo, establecen claras y precisas obligaciones que los Estados deben seguir para acabar con dichas violaciones y garantizar plenamente (y sin discriminación) tales derechos. Asimismo, lidiar con las causas de la migración exige que los países adopten medidas para, entre otras cuestiones, profundizar la democratización de las instituciones públicas, combatir la corrupción, asegurar el acceso a la justicia (independiente e imparcial) y garantizar mecanismos de participación democrática amplia de la sociedad civil y los diferentes pueblos y culturas que la integran. La privación de derechos civiles y políticos de grandes sectores de la población en numerosos países también debe revertirse urgentemente. Finalmente, atender seriamente las causas de la migración también demanda que todas y cada una de las políticas públicas respeten íntegramente el principio de no discriminación, de modo tal de que por acción u omisión, no se prive el ejercicio de los derechos (en condiciones de igualdad) a ninguna persona, grupo o pueblo por ninguno de los motivos prohibidos por el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos.

Los países de transito, por su parte, también deben adoptar medidas y políticas para asegurar los derechos de las personas migrantes, particularmente el derecho a la libertad ambulatoria, el debido proceso, el derecho a la vida y el acceso a la justicia.

En cuanto a los países de destino, la migración será un elemento de desarrollo (sostenible, justo, equitativo) sólo si se cumple debidamente con la obligación de respetar y satisfacer los derechos de los y las migrantes. Para ello, los Estados deben tomar medidas urgentemente para: eliminar todo elemento discriminatorio en todas sus políticas públicas (y no sólo las leyes migratorias) en razón de la nacionalidad y el status migratorio de las personas; garantizar el acceso igualitario a los derechos fundamentales, particularmente los derechos económicos, sociales y culturales (como salud, educación, empleo, derechos laborales, etc.); promover y facilitar la integración social de los y las migrantes; asegurar el ejercicio de derechos civiles esenciales como la libertad ambulatoria, el acceso a la justicia y el debido proceso; y, si estos países pretenden que la migración contribuya al desarrollo, debe asegurárseles también, luego de cierto plazo de residencia, el pleno ejercicio de sus derechos políticos. Por último, sostenemos que un modelo de ciudadanía que contribuya a un desarrollo sostenible y equitativo, sólo puede ser aquél que sea incluyente, es decir, que asegure los derechos a toda persona que habite en un territorio, y no excluyente (como ocurre en la mayoría de los países de destino), otorgando derechos diferenciados (o negando su reconocimiento) según la nacionalidad o el tipo de residencia.

En conclusión, sostenemos con plena convicción que no hay mejor camino que el de los derechos humanos para alcanzar el desarrollo y para atender debidamente la cuestión de la migración (en todos sus aspectos). O mejor dicho, no hay otro camino. Los derechos humanos de todas las personas en los países de origen, tránsito y destino son la única garantía para asegurar un desarrollo sostenible, equitativo y jurídicamente legitimo en nuestras sociedades. Constituyen el único medio para lograr que la migración sea ordenada, regular y voluntaria. Asimismo, son el mejor antídoto para resolver las causas más profundas del aumento de la trata y el tráfico de personas. Si los derechos humanos no son el núcleo de todas y cada una de las políticas públicas (locales, nacionales, regionales e internacionales) por parte de todos los países, la migración continuará siendo vista –erróneamente- como algo negativo, como una supuesta amenaza a la seguridad nacional o internacional, o al bienestar social y económico de una sociedad. Asimismo, el desarrollo seguirá siendo inequitativo, desigual y únicamente medido en términos económicos y financieros, beneficiando a pocos, excluyendo a la mayoría de las personas y generando mayores flujos migratorios en búsqueda de condiciones de vida más dignas.

Muchas gracias,

Presentada por:

Pablo Ceriani Cernadas

Migrants Rights International (MRI)

Migrants Rights International

c.p. 135, 15 route des Morillons

1211 Geneva, Switzerland

migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.com

MRI Statement Presented at the High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development, in Roundtable No. 2,

2006-12-21T16:21:00.000+08:00

New York, September 14, 2006

Migrants Rights International Statement,

Presented at the High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development, in Roundtable No. 2,

“Measures that can be adopted to ensure the respect and protection of the human rights of

all migrants, and to prevent and combat the trafficking of migrants and persons,”

In New York City, 4^th of September 2006.

MRI greets with goodwill the decision of the General Secretary to ensure the participation of representatives of the civil society in this important and constructive dialogue so crucial to the sphere of human rights, as to the basic rights of migrants.

In numerous declarations and resolutions adopted by different agencies of the United Nations, such as those adopted by the Vienna Conference on Human Rights or the Johannesburg Summit on Development, the States have agreed and reaffirmed repeatedly that the concept of development is intrinsically linked to human rights. More precisely, the sustainable development of nations and peoples cannot be achieved if not with the full respect, protection and satisfaction of the human rights of all persons, without any discrimination.

For this reason, if the objective of the High Level Dialogue is to address the question of migration in a way that maximizes the benefits of development, then there is no other path more indicated for that than through the fulfillment of the commitments assumed through the international norms of human rights.

The lack of access to those rights, or discrimination in their recognition or exercise, is a principal cause for migration. For that reason, the nexus between migration and development can only be viable (and not contradictory in itself) if human rights constitute the base, the method and the end of both aspects.

To reach this objective, the United Nations and each of its member States, counts with appropriate tools: the international instruments of human rights. In this manner, a primary central obligation is the ratification of the norms, particularly those in the UN International Convention of 1990 regarding the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families. On the other hand, to comply with the obligations mandated by each of these treaties, the States should adopt measures to respect, protect and satisfy the human rights of all persons, which should be implemented in each of the stages of migration -- that is in the countries of origin, transit, and destination.

As it has been indicated, the full respect of human rights in the countries of origin necessarily presupposes adopting pertinent measures to deal with the causes of migration. And there we find national and local causes as well as international ones. At the international level, in questions such as free trade agreements, investment policies, some features indicated by multilateral credit institutions, or armed conflicts, are found some of the principle aspects to consider. In all of these cases, the considerable impact in the vulnerability of the basic rights of millions of persons in countries of origin that drive migration has been dully proven. For that reason, it is indispensable that States, the international community and the entities and agencies involved review their policies to substantially reverse this situation.

As to the local or regional causes of migration form the countries of origin (interconnected with those internationally), we find that the deprivation of cultural, social and economic rights constitutes one of the central problems in generalized poverty and systematic, social structural exclusion. In this respect, the international human rights instruments (among these, the PIDESC) and their interpretation by protection and monitoring bodies, establish clear and precise obligations that the States must follow with these transgressions and with full guarantee (without discrimination) of such rights. Likewise, addressing the causes of migration require that the countries adopt measures for, among other issues, deepening the democratization of public institutions, combating corruption, ensuring access to (independent and impartial) justice and guaranteeing mechanisms for the wide, democratic participation of civil society and the different peoples and cultures that are present. The denial of political and civil rights of large sectors of the population in numerous countries also need to be urgently reversed. Finally, seriously dealing with the causes of migration also demands that all/and each of/ the public policies respect in its entirety the principle of non-discrimination in a way that neither for action or omission, should the exercise of rights be violated (in conditions of equality) for any person, group or people for any of the reasons prohibited by the international law of human rights.

The countries of transit, for their part, should also adopt measures and policies to ensure the rights of migrant persons, particularly, the right of freedom of movement, due process, the right to life and access to justice.

As to the destination countries, migration will be a factor of development – sustainable, just and fair – only if the obligation to respect and satisfy the rights of migrants, male and female, is duly complied with. For this, the States should take steps urgently to: eliminate all elements of discrimination in public policies (not only immigration laws) on the basis of nationality and migratory status of persons; guarantee the equal access to all basic rights, especially economic, social and cultural rights (such as health, education, employment, labor, etc.); promote and facilitate the social integration of both male and female migrants; ensure the exercise of basic civil rights like the freedom of movement, access to justice and due process. In addition, if these countries believe that migration contributes to development, they should guarantee, that after a length of residency, the full exercise of political rights. Finally, we sustain that the model of citizenship that contributes to fair and sustainable development, can only be that one that is inclusive – that is, that ensures rights to each person living in a territory – and not exclusive (as it happens in the majority of destination countries), only granting differential rights (or denying their recognition) along nationality or duration of stay.

In conclusion, we are fully convinced that there is no better path than that of human rights to achieve development and to rightfully address the question of migration (in all its aspects). Or said better, there is no other path. The human rights of all persons in the countries of origin, transit and destination are the only guarantee to ensure a sustainable, fair and legally legitimate development in our societies. They constitute the only means to achieve migration that is voluntary, regular and orderly. Likewise, it is the best antidote to resolve the deeper causes in the increase in human trafficking and slavery. If human rights are not the nucleus of all and each of the public policies (local, national, regional and international) on behalf of all nations, migration will continue to be seen – erroneously – as something negative, as a supposed threat to national and international security, or social and economic well-being of a society. Also, development will continue to be unfair, unequal and only measured in economic and financial terms, benefiting few, excluding the majority of persons and generating greater migratory flows of persons seeking conditions for a more dignified life.

Thank you,

Presented by:

Pablo Ceriani Cernadas

Migrants Rights International (MRI)

Migrants Rights International

c.p. 135, 15 route des Morillons

1211 Geneva, Switzerland

migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.com

Press Release

2006-09-16T18:02:00.000+08:00

Migrants Rights Groups Applaud Governments’ Focus on Protecting Migrants but Urge Greater Consultation with Migrants

September 15, 2006

Migrants rights groups in New York today for the opening session of the High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development at the United Nations headquarters congratulated governments on recognising the importance of protecting the human rights of all migrants in the development of migration policy.

The two-day dialogue, the first inter-governmental forum devoted exclusively to discussing migration and development, saw representatives of regional organizations and Member-States in the developed and developing worlds call for greater protections of migrant workers and stronger efforts to combat the scourges of human trafficking and human smuggling. As Mr Ali Hassani, the President of the UN Economic and Social Council reminded delegates: “Migration can only be beneficial if the rights of migrants are respected.”

The HLD is expected to be only the first step in an ongoing international dialogue on migration. The Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, has recommended the creation of a permanent global forum that is consultative and non-binding for sharing new research and successful practices. The proposal for a permanent forum was supported by a number of States. Governments also stressed the importance of international cooperation on migration and for involving non-governmental organizations and the private sector in any future global forum on migration.

Noting the sensitivity of migration in many countries and policies that too often are not based on reliable data, Mr Annan called on all Member-States to oversee the future Forum: “The HLD will succeed to the extent that it ushers in a new era of migration policy…it is now time to turn to the evidence and use it to create a common understanding for how migration can be of benefit to all.”

Mr. William Gois of Migrant Forum in Asia, a regional migrant rights group based in the Philippines, commented: “We are pleased to hear the commitment of member States to protect the rights of migrants and combating exploitative labour practices. We hope this will be translated into action, for example, by easing discriminatory border protections and replacing of exploitative temporary worker programmes with programmes that respect migrant’s rights to economic, social and cultural rights. It is imperative that any follow-on forum includes the voices of migrants and their advocates”. Mr. Gois reminded all Member-States of the United the need for more states to sign and ratify the 1990 Convention on the Rights of Migrants and their Families.

The HLD will continue with roundtable discussions and a closing plenary session on 15 September.

# # #

The Civil Society Parallel Events on Migration, Development and Human Rights are being held at the Queens College Workers Education Extension Center, 25 W 43rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in New York City until September 15, 2006.

For interviews and more information, please contact:
Eleanor, Global Alliance against Traffic in Women
191/41 Sivalai Condominium
Soi 33, Itsaraphap Rd
Bangkok, Thailand 1060
Email: eleanor@gaatw.org

Joey Dimaandal
Tel: +639175267171, +639278775810
Email: j-mod@rocketmail.com
Address: West Side YMCA, 5 West 63rd Street between Broadway and Central Park West, New York City.

Arnoldo Garcia (For Spanish language media organizations)
Tel +1 510 928 0685
Email: agarcia@nnirr.org

Press Release

2006-09-16T17:56:00.000+08:00

Former UN Human Rights head Mary Robinson to governments on migration and development: Do not forget human rights

(New York City) “Migrants are the human face of globalization. Now is the time for us to act. We have to make globalization fair and ethical.”

That was the call Mary Robinson made at the rally yesterday of various migrant rights organizations and other human rights advocates in a plaza across the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York City where permanent mission representatives and ministerial delegates from around the world gathered for the UN High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Development. The former President of Ireland and High Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Commission said that there is a need to link migration to development without sacrificing human rights.

“Our job is to emphasize the role of governments in migration and to link it to development. There should be shared responsibility…co-development based on human rights principles,” said Robinson. “Before, migration is associated with criminality, barbed wires and taking one’s job. Also, human rights groups in the past did include migration in their advocacies. However, migration is a very important human rights issue. We must now forge a different movement where migrants’ issues are top priority, where people have dignity and rights are respected.”

According to the rally organizers, Migrants Rights International (MRI), Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) and the US-based National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR), the protest action sought to remind the government representatives inside the UN to place human rights at the top of the agenda of the two-day dialogue. Sajida Ally of MRI said she hoped for a more systematic analysis of how migration impacts on labor and human rights of migrants: We caution the governments’ overemphasis on labor market economics of migration that treat migrant workers as commodities.”

Ellen Sana of the Philippine-based Center for Migrant Advocacy and member of MFA said that now is the time for governments to implement the International Convention for the Protection of Migrant Workers and their Families. “I say enough to the discussions that are confined within the four walls of the UN. Policies, attitudes and practices that are inimical to the interests of migrants should be changed. Migrants have human rights and we should respect that.”

The rally was attended by more than a hundred people representing migrants rights organization in Asia, North America, Latin America and the Middle East.

# # #

The Civil Society Parallel Events on Migration, Development and Human Rights are being held at the Queens College Workers Education Extension Center, 25 W 43rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in New York City until September 15, 2006.

For interviews and more information, please contact:
Joey Dimaandal
Tel: +639175267171, +639278775810
Email: j-mod@rocketmail.com
Address: West Side YMCA, 5 West 63rd Street between Broadway and Central Park West, New York City.

Arnoldo Garcia (For Spanish language media organizations)
Tel +1 510 928 0685
Email: agarcia@nnirr.org

Press Release

2006-09-15T13:36:00.000+08:00

"We have been excluded from the High Level Dialogue": Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Migrants

Addressing the more than 50 migrant rights groups gathered in the Community Dialogue on Migration, Development and Human Rights in New York today, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Migrants stated: "We have been excluded" from the high level discussions on migration policy. "The physical distance we are from the United Nations building," stated Mr Jorge Bustamente, "is symbolic of our distance from the migration policy discussions being held there."

The Community Dialogue is running in parallel to the UN High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development being held in the United Nations Headquarters in New York and attended by ministerial delegates from around the world. The two-day event, held to highlight the economic advantages to both origin and destination countries of migration, has provided only extremely limited opportunity for those affected by the policies, the migrants themselves, to present their views and aspirations.

Mr Bustamente, the also highlighted the need to raise awareness of migrant concerns. He noted: "Migration is a rational and reasonable behaviour; people move to where opportunities are and where they can find a better life. It is also an inherently international issue. Thus, any policy that relies on unilateral means to curb natural migration, will never be successful."

Migrant Rights International (MRI) organised the parallel Community Dialogue to bring the voices of migrants into the debate. Opening the event, Cathi Tactaquin from MRI explained: "In this conversation on migration and development, we want human rights, the rights of migrants and their families to be part of any ongoing discussion and activity."

Three percent of the world's population now live in a country not their country of birth, the number rising to 9.5% of the population in developed countries. Migrant workers, including irregular migrants, allow industrialised countries to maintain blue collar sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, and also aid the development of home countries through their remittances, which now total more than all of the world's aid. Yet, say migrants rights groups, the rights of migrant workers are routinely violated. Migrant workers are regularly paid less than local workers, have little access to health and education services and have no avenue for redress in a labour dispute.

Mr Bustamente ended his address by stating: "Migrants are a large and powerful electorate worldwide. We need to tap into this power and encourage our colleagues to organise and demand a place at the policy-making table." Migrants and their advocates will take up this call on 14 September at a rally to be held in the United Nations Plaza. As Bandana Pattanaik from the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women stated: "The vulnerability of migrants marginalised by unjust government policies must be recognised by those attending the HLD. Migrants rights are human rights and this must be a part of any further dialogue process."

The Paralell Event to the UNHLD: Global Civil Society Dialogue on Migration, Development and Human Rights is being held at the Queens College Workers Education Extension Center, 25 W 43 rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in New York City until September 15, 2006.

Migration from the Perspective of Human Rights

2006-09-15T13:34:00.000+08:00

Migration from the Perspective of Human Rights

Migrants Rights International (MRI) have the pleasure to invite you to a side event "Migration from the Perspective of Human Rights", organized by Migrants Rights International and supported by the Permanent Mission of Argentina in the United Nations. This is a side event to the UN High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development, and the details are below:

Date: 14th September, 2006

Time: 13.15 – 14.30

Place: Room 9, United Nations Headquarters, New York

Speakers: Federico Villegas Belterán
Cathi Tactaquin, Migrants Rights International
Pablo Ceriani, Migrants Rights International/CELS/CAREF

Dr. Jorge Bustamante, the UN Special Rapportueur for the Human Rights of Migrants, and speakers from other permanent missions and international NGOs have also been invited to the event.

For further information, please contact Cathi Tactaquin at +1 510 459 4457 or Sajida Ally at +1 408 966 21 35.

Global Community Dialogue on Migration, Development and Human Rights

2006-09-13T12:26:00.000+08:00

Parallel Event to the UN High Level Dialogue
On Migration and Development

Global Community Dialogue
On Migration, Development & Human Rights

13-15th September, 2006

Queens College Worker Education Center
New York, NY

Organized by Migrants Rights International (MRI)
National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (NNIRR), Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA)
MRI International UNHLD Work Group[1]& New York UNHLD Work Group[2]

Background

The UN’s High-Level Dialogue (HLD) on Migration & Development on 14-15 September 2006 is intended to examine “the multi-dimensional aspects of international migration and development” in order to “maximize its development benefits and minimize its negative impacts.”

Due to the limited number of civil society and non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives to the HLD (only 8 civil society and NGO representatives from around the world are invited), the voices and perspectives of the communities who will be most impacted by the policies and outcomes of this HLD, might not be adequately and comprehensively represented. (For more information on the HLD, go to http://www.unmigration.org/ or http://migrantsrightsinternational.blogspot.com/)

As a response, MRI, MFA and NNIRR alongside our respective members and partners in New York and from around the world are organizing a parallel forum – a “Community Dialogue on Migration, Development and Human Rights” – to provide an alternate space to share perspectives on the current situation, challenges and proposed solutions around migration and of migrants’ rights from communities around the world.

The organizers express their appreciation to the Ford Foundation
and NOVIB (Oxfam Netherlands) for their generous support of this effort.

Expected Outcome
1. A collective understanding and vision on migration, development and human rights that reflects the context of migration from the different global regions.
2. Greater understanding on the UNHLD, its intended goals and its policy implications for global migration, development and human rights.
3. Initial observations on the commonalities and differences between the advocacy responses of migrants and their support organizations in Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa and North America that are working to achieve international recognition of migrants’ human rights.
4. A press statement and critical civil society position on the UNHLD.

Organization & Core Themes

The organizers have deliberately chosen not to structure discussions and workshops based on regional divisions as we felt it was important to promote dialogue on common themes of migration that cut across regional lines. In addition, all workshops will aim to highlight not only issues and analyses, but responses and strategies that are being undertaken to overcome these issues in the various regions. Speakers and participants are encouraged to discuss examples of responses being undertaken in your respective countries or sub-regions, e.g. organizing & unionizing migrants, policy advocacy, service provision, legal access, social mobilization, public awareness raising, documentation and research, and networking at the national, regional & international levels.

The majority of the Forum will comprise of “breakout workshops” or workshops taking place simultaneously. The first set of breakout workshops will discuss on themes related to the root causes and key consequences of migration: trade and global economic systems; war and conflict; development and remittances; and undocumented migration. The second set of workshops will discuss themes related to the promotion and violation of international standards on migrants’ human rights (economic, social, cultural and political rights) such as: national immigration regimes; borders and national security; and the abuse of migrants with impunity. And the final set of breakout workshops will focus on the particular needs of specific groups of migrants: trafficked persons; the feminization of migration and domestic workers; and lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-sexual migrants.

Most workshops had been initially proposed to the Program Committee by organizations and or networks. Please note that the final workshops have been based on the speakers, content and discussion topics initially proposed by workshop proponents. However, in order to promote broader representation from across the regions and more focused discussion based on common themes, we have incorporated some modifications. Workshop facilitators will be encouraged to refer back to the core objectives and the expected outcome of the Community Dialogue.

Workshops will generally follow a dialogue format, whereby a facilitator will begin by putting forward key questions to panel discussants. The Program Committee will be open to working together with facilitators to help identify questions. The discussants will take turns to respond to the questions put forth in the form of a dialogue between the panel discussants and the facilitator. This will be followed by an open forum where participants in the workshop will be asked to put forward their own questions, make observations, or build on the interventions of the discussants within their own comments. However, some workshops may follow the process of presentations called upon by a facilitator, followed by an open forum for discussion and questions.

For more information on the global community dialogue on migration, development and human rights, please contact:
sajida ally—Tel: +1 408 966 2135 / Email: migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.com; and
colin rajah—Tel: +1 415 203 8763 / Email: crajah@nnirr.org

For Media Information & Interviews, please contact:
Joey Dimaandal, +63 917 526 7171, +63 927 877 5810 / Email: j-mod@rocketmail.com; and
Arnoldo Garcia (Spanish language media), +1 510 928 0685 / Email: agargia@nnirr.org

Please See Also:
http://www.migrantrightsinternational.blogspot.com/
http://www.mfasia.org/

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
Wednesday, September 13

Venue: Queens College Worker Education Extension Center, 25 W 43rd St. between 5th & 6th Ave.

9.00-9.30 am Registration

9.30-10.45am

Welcome & Introductions

Energizer
Welcome from MRI
Catherine Tactaquin, Executive Council, Migrants Rights International (MRI) and
Director, National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (NNIRR)
Welcome from NNIRR—local hosts
Sandra Sebastian & Colin Rajah, NNIRR
Group introductions
Overview of the Forum
Sajida Ally, MRI Program Consultant

10:45am-12:30pm

Framework Setting & Regional Perspectives on Migration, Development & Human Rights:
Overview to the UN High Level Dialogue on Migration & Development

Moderator: William Gois, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) & MRI International UNHLD Work Group

Individuals from the regions will provide a three-minute overview
· Natividad Obeso, MIREDES, Latin America
· North America
· Europe
· Asia
· Pacific Oceania
· West Asia

Special Guest:Jorge Bustamante, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Migrant Workers

12:30 – 2:00 pm LUNCH

2:00 – 5:00 pm Breakout Workshops 1:
Root Causes & Key Consequences of Migration

Global Economic Systems: Empty Promises for Developing Countries and Forced Migration

This workshop will convey personal stories and experiences with the forces of the global economy and its role in migration, placing these personal experiences within a larger context. It will demonstrate the power dynamics behind trade negotiations and how wealthy countries are benefiting from a rigged system.

It will focus on: the role of the global economy in forcing migration; how these forces have manifested on a personal level; how wealthy countries have responded to Global South resistance and changed the nature of

trade agreements; and why developing country governments remain at the trade negotiating tables when the agenda continues to not serve their needs?

Facilitator: Jessica Walker Beaumont, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Panel Discussants:
Carolyn H. de Leon Hermogenes, CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities, New York
Manuel Hidalgo, MIREDES, Chile
Allison Lee, Hope Workers Centre, Taiwan/Migrant Forum Asia
Rex Varona, Asian Migrant Centre (AMC), Hong Kong/Migrant Forum Asia

Organized by: US Trade Migration Work Group

War and Armed Conflict and its Impact on Local and Migrant Populations

In today’s globalized economies, migrants leave their countries due to war, armed or ethnic conflict, or to simply search for better opportunities abroad as a survival strategy to provide for their families. In the process of doing so, many leave difficult situations only to find themselves in dangerous conditions where their lives are at stake. The recent war in Lebanon highlighted the extremely volatile situation, where migrant workers who were abandoned by their employers and home and host governments alike, found themselves trapped in a situation with little or no access to food or shelter.

Migrants fleeing and or caught in situations of war and conflict therefore find themselves not only ending up in a situation few of them understand, but with their dreams for a better life shattered. Ironically, some have no option but to remain exposed to tenuous situations at the cost of their lives, and largely unnoticed by those who benefit from the sweat of their labor and the flow of their remittances.

The workshop aims to highlight the precarious links between migration and situations of war and conflict that migrants either flee from or find themselves in. It will reflect on the recent war in Lebanon, the ongoing conflict and occupation of Palestine, and conflicts in Latin America and Africa. Discussants will put forward some of the challenges facing the international community, and host and home governments to address the situation that migrants find themselves in and how any attempt towards stabilization and reconstruction must similarly take into account the rebuilding of the migrants’ lives.

Facilitator: Jose Maria Dimaanda -- MFA

Panel Discussants:
Manori Withanara, Action Network for Migrant Workers (ACTFORM)/Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Sri Lanka
Seta Margossian, Lebanon
Jackie Pollack -- Migrant Action Programme (MAP)/Mekong Migration Network (MMN)/Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW), Thailand/Burma
Ricardo Cristo, MIREDES, Colombia

Organized by: MFA & MRI

Shared Responsibilities and Co-Development Between Sending and Destination Countries: Creating Strategies for Compensation and Remittances

Globalization and great trade and economic inequalities between countries and regions have contributed to the sharp rise in labor migration. Migrant worker households have increased purchasing power and often are able to access better education and health services, while national and local economies have benefited from foreign exchange, employment generation and what is often the largest source of financial inflow – remittances. Moreover, in the last year the economic benefits to destination countries, particularly because of the labor and fiscal implications of demographic shifts, have been increasingly recognized by governments and by institutions like the UN and The World Bank. However, there is too little recognition of what is being sacrificed by sending countries, and the costs to households and societies as a whole.

What is often overlooked is the social cost of migration: the social and psychological strain placed on families and societies, including children growing up without their parents. Other important issues include the depletion of both “skilled” and “unskilled” workers from developing countries and impacts on national health services, for example. Is there an ethical obligation then on the part of receiving countries to compensate for the pool of migrant labour it hires to maintain its own social and economic stability while effectively causing the collapse of vital social services and facilities in sending countries?

The workshop will explore the concept of shared responsibilities and co-development between sending and receiving countries and generate ideas about compensation from destination countries for the loss of human resources and social services and facilities for the development of sending countries. It will also serve as an arena for civil society organizations to discuss the issues and possible proposals for compensation mechanisms, the role of im/migrant organizing in affecting the terms of the development equation, as well as helping to create an environment for the forging of alliances on this issue.
Facilitator:

Panel Discussants:
Rosario Canete, Unlad Kabayan (Philippines)/Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA)
Francis Calpotura, Transnational Institute for Grassroots Research and Action (TIGRA)
Heather Grady, Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative

Organized by: TIGRA, EGI and MFA

The Global Economy and Strategies for Advancing the Rights
of Undocumented Migrant Workers

This workshop will present strategies for advancing the rights of undocumented migrant workers, who labor at the most difficult, dirty and dangerous jobs in the economies of receiving countries, often in situations of wage exploitation and abuse of human rights. The strategies discussed will be: organizing migrant workers, reporting and documentation, policy development and cross-border use of legal mechanisms. After brief initial presentations, a discussion directed towards the development of shared strategies will be facilitated.
Facilitator: Rebecca Smith, National Employment Law Project (NELP), USA
Panel Discussants:
Ai-Jen Po, Domestic Workers United, USA
Michele LeVoy, Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), Belgium/Europe
Pablo Asa, Centro de Estudio Legales y Sociales (CELS)/Servicio Ecumenico de Apoyo y Orientacio a Migrantes y Refugiados (CAREF), Argentina
Cathleen Caro, Global Workers, US, Mexico & Guatemala
Kim Misun, Joint Committee for Migrant Workers Korea (JCMK)/Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Korea

Organized by: NELP, PICUM & Global Workers Justice Alliance

END OF DAY 1

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
Thursday, September 14

Venue: Queens College Worker Education Extension Center, 25 W 43rd St. between 5th & 6th Ave.

9:30am to 12:30pm
Breakout Workshops 2:
Violation & Promotion of International Migrants’ Human Rights Standards

National Immigration Policy Regimes: “The Race to the Bottom”
& Challenges for the Implementation of International Migrants Human Rights Standards

International human rights norms and labour standards provide the normative framework for the protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families, regardless of their immigration status. These international human rights law instruments, namely: the 1990 UN Migrant Workers Convention, ILO Conventions on Migrant Workers No. 97 and 143 and the core human rights treaties (the latter widely ratified by States) provide for governments’ obligations to protect and promote migrants’ human rights. However, current national immigration and labour policies, particularly in the host countries of migrants, appear to be in violation of or in complete disregard of these internationally accepted human rights norms.

The discussion will allow for the exchange of information on these internationally accepted norms and will provide direct examples of current migration and labour law and practice inconsistent with universally accepted human rights frameworks. By identifying these cases of violations and inconsistencies, the discussion will then proceed to identifying strategies and actions, or learn from positive experiences in campaigning, to make immigration and labour policies in line with internationally accepted human rights norms and standards.

Facilitator: Genevieve Gencianos, Public Services International (PSI), Geneva, Switzerland

Panel Discussants:
Pablo Asa, Centro de Estudio Legales y Sociales (CELS)/Servicio Ecumenico de Apoyo y Orientacio a Migrantes y Refugiados (CAREF), Argentina
Samydorai Sinapan, Think Centre, Singapore/Migrant Forum Asia (MFA)
Catherine Tactaquin, National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Silvana Michaca, Collectif des Travailleurs et Travailleuses Sans Droits/MIREDES International, Switzerland/Columbia

Organizers: MRI, MFA & CELS/CAREF

Enforcing Borders: An International Snapshot on How Border Enforcement
Violates Core Standards of Migrants Human Rights

The intensification and almost exclusive reliance on immigration enforcement to address issues of migrants human rights has created more militarized borders around the world, aimed at controlling entry while pushing already desperate would-be migrants to take greater and greater risks in often volatile and dangerous terrain. In this workshop, representatives from various border regions from the Middle East, the Americas, Asia, and Europe relate the tragedies they consistently face in combating border militarization and immigration enforcement, and dialogue about strategies to raise awareness about these while pushing for recognition and upholding of migrants' rights at the borders of the world.

Faciliator: Arnoldo Garcia, NNIRR, USA

Panel Discussants:
Isabel Garcia, Coalicion de Derechos Humanos, Arizona, USA
Monica Gonzalez,MIREDES, Bolivia
Manfred Bergmann, Comitato Antirazzista Durban Italia (CADI), Italy
Speaker on Palestine
Reyes Castillo, Associacion Catholica Espanola de Migrantes (ACCEM), Spain

Organized by: NNIRR & MRI

The Abuse of Migrant Workers with Impunity

In many migrant destination countries of the world, abuse and exploitation of migrant workers continue with impunity. In the face of vested interests in such countries, silence prevails. Many Asian, West Asian and Latin American countries receive large numbers of migrant workers, even despite abusive working conditions for migrants and host government efforts to stem the tide of migration. Due to prevailing political, socio-economic and geo-political concerns, organizations advocating for the rights of migrants in such countries face serious obstacles in their efforts to promote and protect the labor and human rights of migrants.

The workshop will discuss the specific problems faced by migrants’ advocates operating in the most challenging political contexts, in countries where severe restrictions are placed on civil and political rights in general, and human rights advocacy work in particular. It will pose concerns for the host and home governments and inter-governmental agencies to consider as they appear to only consider the benefits of exporting migrants to such countries en masse.

Facilitator: Nisha Varia, Human Rights Watch

Panel Discussants:
Ellene Sana, Centre for Migration Advocacy (Philippines)/Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA)
Seta Margossian, Lebanon
Manuel Hidalgo, MIREDES, Chile

Organized by: MFA, Human Rights Watch & groups from the Middle East

Arresting, Detaining & Deporting Migrants:
The Global Growth of the Prison Industrial Complex

As global conversations focus on the potential benefits that migrants can offer to sending and receiving countries, attempts to limit migration or punish migrants through arrest, detention and deportation are increasing. New detention centers to hold immigrants are being built in the hope of boosting local economies, without regard to the human or civil rights of migrants. This workshop will explore the impact of these policies on individuals, families, and communities through testimony of a family member of an immigrant detainee in the US, and presentations by advocates from the US, Asia, and the Middle East on the increasing use of detention.

The workshop will be in the format of an open discussion about the ongoing criminalization and scapegoating of immigrants. It will end with an excerpt from a play dramatizing the experience of a detained asylum seeker.

Facilitator: Amy Gottlieb, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Panel Discussants:
Jackie Pollack, Mekong Migration Network, Thailand
Seta Margossian, Middle East Council of Churches, Lebanon
Alix Nguefack, American Friends Service Committee, US
Norma Valbuena

Organized by: American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), New Jersey

1:00 – 5:00 pm BREAK (no workshop sessions)

Migrant Rights Rally & Media Briefing
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (across from UN, East 44th St. & 1st Ave)
5:00 to 7:00 pm

Speakers:
· Mary Robinson, Ethical Global Initiatives (EGI)
· Ellene Sana, Migrant Forum Asia
· Catherine Tactaquin, on behalf of Migrant Rights International
· Natividad Obeso, MIREDES, Argentina

Invited: Luis de Alba, UN Human Rights Council
Jorge Bustamante, UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants
Sharon Burrow, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

END OF DAY 2

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
Friday, September 15

Venue: Queens College Worker Education Extension Center, 25 W 43rd St. between 5th & 6th Ave.

9:30 am
Breakout Workshops 3:
Specific Groups of Migrants

The Feminization of Migration

The facilitator, speakers and concept are in the process of being identified.

Organized by: MFA & MIREDES

The Migration-Trafficking Nexus: Why and How Should Migrant Rights
and Anti-Trafficking Activists Work Together

Migration and trafficking are separate but closely related issues. People migrate through a plethora of methods and work in a diversity of jobs and conditions. Where migrants have less control of their migration, they become more vulnerable to opportunists, smugglers and traffickers. This situation is escalating as globalisation causes imbalances between developed and less developed countries and more and more people are displaced through economic, social and environmental circumstances. Sadly, most governments respond to this by closing their borders to working class people further, exacerbating vulnerability and the likelihood of migrant workers falling into trafficking situations.

This workshop will bring together colleagues working on migration and trafficking in Asia, North America, Europe and Latin America to engage them in a “conversation” on the situation of cross-border migration and trafficking and the implications for future collaborative action.

Facilitator: Bandana Patanaik, Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW)

Panel Discussants:
Jackie Pollack, Migrant Action Programme (MAP)/Mekong Migration Network (MMN)/GAATW, Thailand/Burma
Michelle Gueraldi, Projeto TRAMA, Brazil
Juhu Thukral, Urban Justice Project, USA
Saiful Haque, Welfare Association For Repatriated Bangladeshi Emigrants (WARBE)

Organized by: GAATW

Global Strategy Session for Migrant Domestic Workers Rights

In Southeast Asia, the changing labor markets due to unbridled globalization have seen women migrating in the millions to look for better opportunities. According to a report by the International Labor Organization, women migrant workers account for about half of the total migrants in the region. In the Philippines, women make up about 60 percent of legal migrant workers. In Indonesia, documents show two female migrants for every male migrant.

For many women, labor migration is a positive experience but for many it is far from that. Migration exposes women to specific gender-based human rights abuses. Women domestic workers are among the most vulnerable group of migrants. They are not recognized as workers in most countries, and therefore not awarded the rights of regular workers. They often work for long hours under deplorable conditions.

The workshop will tackle issues of migrant domestic workers and will discuss strategies in promoting the rights and well being of migrant domestic workers. Currently domestic workers are included in the ILO decent work agenda and migrant domestic workers are covered in the ILO multilateral framework on labor migration which includes a clause in promoting migrant domestic workers rights. The workshop will also focus on the issue of diplomatic immunity: when diplomats and other UN officials abuse their domestic workers, they are often shielded from accountability by diplomatic immunity.

Facilitator: Nisha Varia, Human Rights Watch

Organized by: Human Rights Watch, Andolan: Organizing South Asian Workers, CAAAV, Domestic Workers United, Sindicato Nacional de Empleadas del Hogar Bogotá (SINTRASEDOM), and Commission for Filipino Migrant Workers (CFMW)/RESPECT

Migrant LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual & Transgender) Rights

This workshop will explore the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity and migration experiences. It will present the opportunity for panelists and participants to share experiences, strategies and organizational opportunities with each other on the intersection of migration and lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community members’ experiences.

Facilitator: Trishala Deb, Audre Lorde Project, New York

Panel Discussants:
Audre Lorde Project/NNIRR, USA
Manfred Bergmann, Comitato Antirazzista Durban Italia (CADI), Italy
Ricardo Cristo, Rom People Association/MIREDES International, Columbia

Organized by: Audre Lorde Project & NNIRR

12.30 – 1.30pm LUNCH BREAK

1.30 – 4:00pm:

Closing Event (auditorium)
[1] Members of the MRI International UNHLD Work Group: NNIRR, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), Comitato Antirazzista Durban Italia (CADI), Centro de Estudio Légales y Sociales (CELS), Servicio Ecuménico de Apoyo y Orientacion a Migrantes y Refugiados (CAREF), Sindicato nacional de trabajadores del hogar, and Collectif de soutien aux sans-papiers de Génève).
[2] Members of the New York UNHLD Work Group: American Friends Service Committee - New Jersey (AFSC), Audre Lorde Project, CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities, Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), Esperanza del Barrio.

THE UNHLD & PARALLEL EVENTS

2006-08-29T13:41:00.000+08:00

Community Dialogue on
Migration, Development & Human Rights

Center for Labor, Community and Policy Studies, CUNY
25 W. 43rd Street (between 5th & 6th Ave.)

13-15 September 2006, New York

PROGRAM OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

Overview

The United Nations High Level Dialogue (UNHLD) on Migration and Development will take place on September 14 and 15, 2006 in New York at the UN headquarters. Migrant Rights International (MRI) will convene organizations promoting the rights of migrants from the global regions to raise awareness on the UNHLD process, highlight key migration issues from a community perspective, and strategize collectively on how to achieve international recognition and enforcement of migrants’ human rights. Through organized parallel activities outside of the UN, and MRI’s presence inside the governmental meeting, MRI will generate a clear migrant civil society response to the HLD process, emphasizing particularly its implications to migration and human rights. The momentum generated by this convergence will also help to strengthen alliances among migrants’ associations and NGOs from across the world.

The stated purpose of the UNHLD is to discuss the multidimensional aspects of international migration and development in order to “identify appropriate ways and means to maximize its development benefits and minimize its negative impacts,” and to achieve internationally agreed-upon development goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

It is MRI’s position, however, that the UNHLD process thus far has severely restricted the participation of the migrant voice and appears to promote an economic justification of international migration at the expense of migrants’ human rights. This is apparent from the preparatory report on the UNHLD released by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in June 2006, in which he, “stresses that international migration constitutes an ideal means of promoting co-development, that is, the coordinated or concerted improvement of economic conditions in both areas of origin and areas of destination based on the complementarities between them.” The summary also makes no mention of the necessary involvement of migrants and their advocates in its suggestion of the creation of a “permanent forum” on issues of migration and development as an outcome of the HLD.

Recognizing that the UNHLD will potentially set into place a critical infrastructure for ongoing governmental deliberations on migration policy, MRI has been working inside the HLD process to promote human rights as the dominant framework of the HLD’s “co-development” strategy. MRI has been present at the preparatory meetings for the HLD, including the July Interactive NGO Dialogue. In September, MRI will serve as one of the eight selected civil society representatives participating in the roundtable sessions, and it will strategize with these representatives on interventions inside. Parallel events with UN agencies and allied governments inside the UN may also be co-organized by MRI, depending on whether these events are approved. MRI is also preparing with its partners to lobby governments in anticipation of the event.

MRI believes that organizations promoting the rights of migrants, especially representatives of migrant communities themselves, should be provided with an alternative forum to understand the intended goals of the HLD, to monitor the course of the deliberations, and to provide their perspectives and inputs. Towards these goals, MRI will organize parallel activities—an International Migrants’ Rights Tribunal, a Community Dialogue on Migration and Development, a rally, and a media briefing—targeting local and international organizations promoting the rights of migrants, including organizations of migrants and their families.

Program Objectives

1. To advocate in the UNHLD and with UN member states the perspectives of migrants and migrant civil society organizations through MRI participation inside the governmental meeting, monitor the course of deliberations inside the HLD, assess outcomes, and identify critical tasks to play in relation to these outcomes.
2. To collectively inform and co-educate participating migrants’ rights organizations about the UNHLD and its intended goals, and build understanding, visioning and strategizing about policy implications for global migration and human rights;
3. To highlight key migration issues from a community perspective, strategize collectively on how to achieve international recognition and enforcement of migrants’ human rights, and develop and adopt a unity statement that will be submitted to the HLD.
4. To strengthen alliances among organizations promoting the rights of migrants and migrants’ groups from across the world through collective understanding, visioning and strategizing on how to converge the advocacies and struggles of migrants’ movements from the different global regions.
5. To use the opportunity provided by this international convergence of organizations to discuss and plan MRI’s organizational development, including issues of MRI’s structure and governance.

Summary of the Informal Internative Hearings ! ! !

2006-08-23T12:55:00.000+08:00

The summary of the informal interactive hearings of the General Assembly with representatives of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector - Note by the President of the General Assembly, Please find the link to the English document below:

English PDF file

There will be a link made to it from the NGLS website as well as from the unmigration.org website (in the Mandated Inputs section of the HLD page, as well as a top of the bill link in the Hearings page). The link should be up sometime soon.

The other language versions are available at:
the French version: http://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/447/87/pdf/N0644787.pdf?OpenElement
the Spanish version: http://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/447/89/pdf/N0644789.pdf?OpenElement
the Russian version: http://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/447/88/pdf/N0644788.pdf?OpenElement
the Arabic version: http://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/447/84/pdf/N0644784.pdf?OpenElement
the Chinese version: http://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/447/85/pdf/N0644785.pdf?OpenElement

Please check the MFA website: www.mfasia.org , or the mri website: www.migrantsrightsinternational.blogspot.com for updates on the HLD.

Organization of the High-level Dialogue on

2006-08-03T10:54:00.000+08:00

Sixtieth session
Agenda item 54 (c)
Globalization and interdependence: international
migration and development
Organization of the High-level Dialogue on
International Migration and Development
United Nations Headquarters, 14 and 15 September 2006
Note by the Secretary-General

I. Introduction
1. The General Assembly, in its resolution 58/208 of 23 December 2003, decided
to devote a high-level dialogue to international migration and development in 2006
during its sixty-first session, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the
Assembly, with modalities to be decided upon. In the same resolution it requested
the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its sixtieth session on the
organizational details of the High-level Dialogue. This request was reconfirmed by
the Assembly in its resolution 59/241 of 22 December 2004.
2. At its sixtieth session, the General Assembly, in its resolution 60/227 of
23 December 2005, decided to convene the High-level Dialogue on International
Migration and Development in New York on 14 and 15 September 2006 to discuss
the overall theme of the multidimensional aspects of international migration and
development in order to identify appropriate ways and means to maximize its
development benefits and minimize its negative impacts.
3. In the same resolution the General Assembly decided that the High-level
Dialogue would consist of four plenary meetings and four interactive round tables,
within existing resources. It further decided on the organization and themes for the
four round tables.
4. Recognizing the importance of the contribution of civil society in the
preparatory process of the High-level Dialogue, the General Assembly decided to
hold, within existing resources, one-day informal interactive hearings with
representatives of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and
the private sector.
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A/60/864
5. The General Assembly invited the President of the General Assembly, within
existing resources, in consultation with Member States, and with the assistance of
the Secretariat, to organize prior to the High-level Dialogue up to two panel
discussions with a focus on its overall theme.
6. The General Assembly also invited relevant United Nations agencies, funds
and programmes, as well as the International Organization for Migration, to
contribute to the preparation of the High-level Dialogue.
7. The General Assembly further invited the regional commissions to contribute
to and coordinate dialogue at the regional level in preparation for the High-level
Dialogue, and also invited appropriate regional consultative processes and other
major initiatives undertaken by Member States in the field of international migration
to contribute to the High-level Dialogue.
8. The General Assembly reiterated that the outcome of the High-level Dialogue
would be a Chairperson’s summary, which would be widely distributed to Member
States, observers, United Nations agencies and other appropriate organizations.
9. In addition, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to prepare
a note on the organization of work of the High-level Dialogue. The present note is in
response to that request.
II. Organizational arrangements
A. Plenary meetings
10. The High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development will
consist of four plenary meetings, as follows:
Thursday, 14 September 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to
6 p.m.
Friday, 15 September 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
11. Introductory statements will be made by the President of the General
Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council and the
Secretary-General at the opening of the plenary meeting on Thursday morning,
14 September.
12. The High-level Dialogue will be open to the participation of Member States,
which are invited to participate at the ministerial or highest level possible; the Holy
See, in its capacity as Observer State, and Palestine, in its capacity as observer, the
International Organization for Migration, as well as other intergovernmental entities
and organizations having received a standing invitation to participate as observers in
the sessions and the work of the General Assembly and the relevant United Nations
agencies, funds and programmes. Participation will be in accordance with the rules
of procedure of the General Assembly.
13. In order to accommodate all the speakers, statements will be limited to four
minutes, on the understanding that that would not preclude the distribution of more
extensive texts.
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14. Summaries of the deliberations of the four round tables will be presented
orally by the chairpersons of the round tables at the concluding plenary meeting of
the High-level Dialogue (see also para. 24).
B. Interactive round tables
15. The High-level Dialogue will hold four interactive round tables, as follows:
Thursday, 14 September 2006, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Round table 1: Effects of international migration on economic and
social development.
Round table 2: Measures to ensure respect for and protection of the
human rights of all migrants, and to prevent and combat
smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.
Friday, 15 September 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Round table 3: Multidimensional aspects of international migration and
development, including remittances.
Round table 4: Promoting the building of partnerships and capacitybuilding
and the sharing of best practices at all levels,
including the bilateral and regional levels, for the benefit
of countries and migrants alike.
16. The four round tables will have 40 to 48 seats each for heads of delegation and
other participants in the round tables. Each head of delegation attending a round
table may be accompanied by one adviser.
17. All other participants in the High-level Dialogue will be able to follow the
proceedings of the round tables via a closed-circuit television in the overflow
rooms.
18. The chairpersons of the four round tables shall be Ministers from the African
States, the Eastern European States, the Latin American and Caribbean States, and
the Western European and other States. Those four chairpersons shall be selected by
their respective regional groups in consultation with the President of the General
Assembly.
19. The composition of the four round tables will be subject to the principle of
equitable geographical distribution. Thus, for each regional group, the distribution
of its members for participation in each round table shall be made in the following
manner:
(a) African States: 11 Member States;
(b) Asian States: 11 Member States;
(c) Eastern European States: five Member States;
(d) Latin American and Caribbean States: seven Member States;
(e) Western European and other States: six Member States.
20. Each delegation will be requested to indicate its preference for one of the
round tables to the chairperson of its respective regional group. Space permitting,
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delegations may be able to attend more than one round table. The chairpersons of
each regional group shall communicate to the President of the General Assembly
which of its members wishes to participate in each round table, ensuring that
equitable geographical distribution is maintained and allowing for some flexibility.
Member States are encouraged to be represented at the round tables at the highest
possible level.
21. A Member State that is not a member of any of the regional groups may
participate in a round table to be determined in consultation with the President of
the General Assembly. The Holy See, in its capacity as Observer State, and
Palestine, in its capacity as observer, the International Organization for Migration,
as well as other intergovernmental entities and organizations having received a
standing invitation to participate as observers in the sessions and the work of the
General Assembly may each participate in a round table to be determined in
consultation with the President of the General Assembly.
22. Each round table may accommodate up to four heads of entities of the United
Nations system, determined in consultation with the President of the General
Assembly.
23. Pursuant to resolution 60/227, representatives of non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, civil
society organizations and the private sector, one from each grouping having been
selected during the informal interactive hearings, may also participate in each of the
round tables of the High-level Dialogue. The President of the General Assembly
will determine the list of such representatives, taking into account the principle of
equitable geographical representation, in consultation with Member States (see also
para. 36).
24. Summaries of the deliberations of the four round tables will be presented
orally by the chairpersons of the round tables at the concluding plenary meeting of
the High-level Dialogue (see also para. 14).
25. The round tables will be closed to the media and the general public.
C. Panel discussions
26. The panel discussions will take place as follows:
Panel discussion 1: Thursday, 8 June 2006, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
in New York
Panel discussion 2: Tuesday, 4 July 2006, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
in Geneva
27. The panellists will be selected by the President of the General Assembly. They
may include heads of relevant United Nations agencies, funds, programmes and
regional commissions, as well as the International Organization for Migration.
28. The panel discussions will be open to the participation of Member States, the
Holy See, in its capacity as Observer State, Palestine, in its capacity as observer, and
other intergovernmental entities and organizations having received a standing
invitation to participate as observers in the sessions and the work of the
General Assembly.
5
A/60/864
29. Representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council, civil society organizations and the private sector
may also attend the panel discussions.
D. Informal interactive hearings
30. The one-day informal interactive hearings with representatives of
non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector
will be held on Wednesday, 12 July 2006, and will be presided over by the President
of the General Assembly.
31. The hearings will consist of two meetings. Each meeting will comprise two
sequential segments and will consist of brief presentations by invited participants
from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private
sector.
32. Following the presentations, there will be an interactive discussion with
alternate interventions from Member States and invited participants from
non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector.
Those intervening will be requested to identify themselves prior to their intervention
and will be allowed a maximum of two minutes each to speak.
33. The meetings shall take place as follows:
Wednesday, 12 July 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Segment 1: Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to
international migration, and ensuring respect for and
protection of the human rights of all migrants and their
families.
Segment 2: International migration and development — challenges
for social and economic policies in sending and
receiving countries.
Wednesday, 12 July 2006, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Segment 3: International migration and development — challenges
for social and economic policies in sending and
receiving countries (continued).
Segment 4: Policy responses — promoting the building of
partnerships and capacity-building and the sharing of
best practices at all levels, including the bilateral and
regional levels, for the benefit of countries and migrants
alike.
34. The hearings will be open to the participation of accredited representatives of
non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector,
Member States and observers of the General Assembly.
35. The President of the General Assembly will determine the list of invited
participants and the exact format and organization of the hearings, in consultation
with Member States and representatives of non-governmental organizations in
6
A/60/864
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, civil society
organizations and the private sector.
36. Pursuant to resolution 60/227, representatives of non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, civil
society organizations and the private sector, one from each grouping having been
selected during the informal interactive hearings, may also participate in each of the
round tables of the High-level Dialogue. The President of the General Assembly
will determine the list of such representatives, taking into account the principle of
equitable geographical representation, in consultation with Member States (see also
para. 23).
37. A summary of the hearings will be prepared by the President of the
General Assembly prior to the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and
Development.

Oral Statement on Segment 2 Presented at the Informal Interactive Hearings

2006-08-02T12:12:00.000+08:00

Challenges for Social and Economic Policies in Sending & Receiving Countries:
Empowering Migrants and Ensuring Rights-Based, People-Centered Development

Oral Statement on Segment 2 Presented at the Informal Interactive Hearings
on International Migration and Development
12 July 2006, New York

Asian Migrant Centre (AMC) and Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA)

Distinguished delegates and guests:

I make this statement on behalf of the Asian Migrant Centre (AMC), an Asian regional research and training NGO promoting the human rights and empowerment of Asian migrant workers and their families. I am also speaking on behalf of the Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), the biggest migrants’ rights advocacy network in Asia representing over 260 migrant organizations, unions and civil society groups in Asia.

Migrants as Primary Stakeholders in Development

Responding to the abuses, violations of human rights, discrimination, and the intersecting racial, class and gender vulnerabilities of migrants, we were among the pioneers since the 1980s, and we continue to be at the forefront, of campaigns for protection of migrants’ rights. We are part of the international advocacy, since the 1990s, for the universal ratification of the U.N. Migrant Workers Convention, and the adoption and effective implementation of the core human rights standards of the UN and ILO.

Recognising that migrants are not all helpless victims, but are – more importantly – women, workers, and human beings who have multiple capacities, skills, strengths and the will to overcome the dangers and difficulties of overseas work, we pioneered since the late 1980s, the unionization and self-organisation of migrants, especially women; community organizing in the home and host communities; and the advocacy for the representation and participation of migrants in policy-making in the host and home countries.

Emphasizing that “migrants” is not a homogeneous population, we highlight the need to ensure particular measures to ensure participation of the various categories of migrants – migrant workers, families of migrants, women migrants, youth migrants, undocumented migrants, indigenous peoples migrating overseas, as well as refugees displaced by conflicts or development/ecological disasters.

Asserting the enormous economic power and potential of migrants, we started the advocacy in Asia in the 1990s, on migration and development and the strategic role of migrants in the development process. Therefore, we initiated the “migrant savings and alternative investments” (MSAI) strategy to emphasize that migrants and their families are primary stakeholders in any people-centered, rights-based, gender-fair and social justice-oriented development process. Their “modern day heroism” is not simply because they remit billions of dollars back home; it is because migrants can help shape and propel the development process, by utilizing their social and economic assets in order to address poverty, development problems, and the root causes that compelled millions of migrants to work abroad.

“Migrant Savings & Alternative Investments” (MSAI) and other Civil Society Strategies on Development

The MSAI strategy promotes the central role of migrants and their families by: (a) helping migrants economically prepare for their eventual return/reintegration to their home countries (the bulk of migrants in Asia are denied residency rights in the host countries being temporary, contract-based, or undocumented workers); and (b) helping mobilize and build migrants’ assets – their organizations, skills, networks, knowledge, savings, remittances – for social entrepreneurship, productive investments, and community and national development. Such development-oriented investments are guided by the principles of economic sustainability, gender-fairness, social justice, ecological sustainability, and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of migrants.

The MSAI strategy further asserts that the central responsibility in providing enabling policy and operational conditions to promote social and economic development is the government’s. People-centered development is also necessarily multi-stakeholder, thus the importance of intermediary (support) role of the private sector. Relevant UN or intergovernmental bodies in Asia, e.g. ILO, UNIFEM, UNDP, have been supporting the building up of this strategy.

Recently, the migrant community has firmed up links with the decades-long cooperatives, rural development, microfinance and microenterprise movements in Asia. We are trying to build upon our mutual strengths and expertise so that migrants’ savings, remittance and economic resources are best used for rural and community development.

Additionally, various diaspora philanthropy strategies, including the “3-for-1” strategy pioneered by Mexican migrants and immigrants, are also being built up and promoted in order to contribute to social development. Therefore, the migrant, diaspora and civil society sectors have ongoing, vibrant efforts in helping build sustainable and people-oriented development.

The Challenge: Realizing People-Centered Development and The Right to Development

However, the main challenges and difficulties they are facing, both in the host and home countries, are: (a) the lack or absence of enabling policies and operational conditions to sustain and scale up development efforts;
(b) the marginalization and exclusion of migrants from policy and decision-making, especially in national economic development planning;
(c) restrictive, repressive or discriminatory policies in the host countries that deny or severely limit migrants’ rights/capacity especially in terms of organizing, accessing the banking and financial systems, and undertaking economic and entrepreneurial activities; and,
(d) the lack of comprehensive, people-centered and rights-based development frameworks or policies at the national and international levels.

The absence, at the international level, of a binding international convention or instrument on rights-based, people-centered development is a critical gap that prevents the flowering of migrants’ efforts on social development. Substantive, multi-stakeholder, cross-country development collaboration among migrants, civil society and governments is difficult to pursue without a common guiding framework which spells the rights and accountabilities of the various stakeholders. Supportive and enabling national policies are hard to discuss and formulate in the absence of international standards on the right to development.

The UN has a long-standing “Declaration on the Right to Development” – adopted by the General Assembly in 1986, and subsequently reaffirmed in the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the 2000 Millennium Declaration, and the 2001 Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. These declarations affirm the ‘Right to Development’ as a universal and inalienable human right, with the following basic components:

a) comprehensive concept of development – defines development as comprehensive and multi-faceted with social, cultural, political and economic elements;
b) people-centered – places the human person at the centre of development;
c) respect for all human rights – development process should respect all basic human rights; failure to observe these rights constitute an obstacle to development;
d) participation – requires that States and the international community formulate appropriate development policies in a participative manner, and ensure participation of women;
e) social justice – the development process should promote social justice, equality of opportunity for all, access to basic resources and services, and the eradication of social injustices;
f) international cooperation – development requires not only appropriate national policies, but also proper international policies and cooperation.
g) self-determination – affirms the right of peoples to self-determination.

We therefore call on all governments to adhere and commit to the 1986 Declaration and subsequent affirmations, as a common framework to guide migration and development efforts.

We note with regret that the Report by the Secretary General on migration and development emphasizes “co-development” that highlights the flow of migrants and remittances, but does make any reference to the Right to Development Declaration, and hardly references the Migrant Workers Convention and the core UN and ILO human rights frameworks as a basis for development. We urge the Secretary-General to reiterate the rights-based approach, the core human rights principles and instruments, and the Right to Development declaration as overarching principles guiding the migration and development agenda.

We also note the overemphasis on remittances as a beneficial facet of international migration. We reiterate that remittance does not necessarily imply or lead to people-centered development. Indeed, divorced from a rights-based and the right to development framework, the singular agenda of ‘maximising remittances’ can result to acceleration in the mass export of labour, the primacy of profit-seeking motives especially by money-transfer companies, and the failure of governments to confront and address national economic and financial problems (e.g. chronic budget deficits, huge foreign debt, continued reduction of budget for social services and community development).

Remittance should not be made the substitute to the governments’ responsibility of putting up funds for national development – through the national budget, overseas development aid (ODA), or FDI. Migrants should not be made to finance development; instead, sending countries have to properly allocate funds from the national budget; developed countries should fulfill their MDG commitment of allocating 0.7% of their GNP for ODA. Since migrants and their families, are usually the ‘unbankable’ sectors in the home country – i.e. with limited or no access to credit or banking channels – the enormous remittance of migrants can end up in the credit portfolio of local elites and big companies – i.e. further deepening the wealth gap in the home countries.

Moving Forward

We commend the convening by the Secretary-General of this informal hearing on migration and development, and the forthcoming High Level Dialogue in September 2006. These are positive initial steps in building multi-stakeholder and international understanding on migration and development.

We support the proposal of the Secretary General for a subsequent follow-up forum. However, we believe that all these are not enough to push the momentum forward. We propose that there should be continuing forums or dialogues organized by the United Nations, with substantive participation by migrants and civil society in order to build consensus and encourage collaboration on people-centered development. Such discussions need to be organized at the national, regional and international levels.

We call for the ratification, adoption and effective implementation by all member states of all the core UN and ILO human rights instruments, particularly the Migrant Workers Convention. We further urge the United Nations to promote the Right to Development Declaration. These core standards and frameworks should be the basis in building collaboration and pursuing local and international “migration and development” agendas.

We call on the UN and members states to support, provide enabling policies, help scale up people-oriented development strategies spearheaded by migrants and civil society groups, e.g. MSAI.

We urge the individual member states to dialogue and explore areas of consensus and collaboration with migrant groups and advocates, towards building national migration and development agendas based on the rights-based approach, social justice and people-centered development.

Submitted by: Rex Varona
Asian Migrant Centre / Migrant Forum in Asia
12 July 2006

MRI Oral Statement Presented at the Informal Hearings

2006-07-18T15:52:00.000+08:00

Oral Statement Presented at the Informal Interactive Hearings of the General Assembly with NGOs, Civil Society Organizations and the Private Sector

Segment 1: Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to international migration, and ensuring respect for and protection of the human rights of all migrants and their families.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, in view of the UN Secretary General’s report and the General Assembly High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development, I make this statement on behalf of Migrants Rights International (MRI)—a global civil society network of migrant workers associations and unions, labor and community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations promoting the human rights of migrants.

1990 UN Migrant Workers Convention & UN Human Rights Mechanisms & Procedures

MRI welcomes the effort of the UN Secretary General and the General Assembly to highlight the issue of migration and bring it to the forefront of discussions of the international community, particularly the need to protect the human rights of migrants and the reference made to UN international human rights instruments and Conventions of the International Labour Organization, with the 1990 UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families being cited as the “most comprehensive international treaty dealing with the rights of migrant workers.”

MRI notes with regret, however, that despite being a document of the UN Secretary General, this Report does not make full reference to these UN human rights mechanisms in order to further enhance the human rights perspective in addressing migration and development. These, along with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, the UN Commission on Human Rights and the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, all offer sound human rights framework for the treatment of migrant workers.

We urge the UN Secretary General to use these mechanisms as the fundamental normative and analytical framework for its treatment of the issue of migration and development, so as to continuously remind States of their obligation to protect, promote and fulfil migrants’ human rights.

Global Consultative Forum and Civil Society Participation

With regard to the idea put forward by the Report of an intergovernmental “consultative forum,” MRI is seriously concerned about the absence of participation by civil society, trade unions, and migrants themselves. In particular, para. 21 of the Report states that Governments would only engage with NGOs and civil society “when they deem it desirable and necessary”. We view this as a threat to genuine migrant civil society participation. Any consultative forum on migration and development which does not include representatives from civil society, the NGO community, trade unions, migrants and their organizations, would not articulate policy ideas that leading to sustainable development.

MRI Framework

MRI promotes the rights-based approach to international migration that:

rectifies inequalities between women and men in the migration process; and that
acknowledges the current imbalances in economic and trade relations between developing and developed countries, that are dictated by strong corporate interests in the North and a neo-liberal economic agenda that intensifies poverty, destroys the environment, depletes farmlands, heightens conflict and armed struggle, strips indigenous peoples of their ancestral domain and identity, and creates human suffering -- all of which constitute the real root cause of migration.

Examining the Consequences of Migration within the Frame of Human Rights

MRI notes with deep concern that the current mode of labour migration denies migrants’ access to their human rights, especially economic, social and cultural rights. Migrant workers exist as a cheap, exploited and un-unionized labour force. The complexity of the migration discourse thereby demands a more deliberate process of engagement in debunking the myths around migration, and developing policies that would make migration a valuable experience for all.

MRI is deeply disturbed by the arguments presented in the Report that are strongly concentrated on labor mobility and on enhancing the positive economic benefits of migration, while lacking a firm analysis of how the migration process impacts on migrants’ labour and human rights. We caution that an overemphasis on labour market economics commodifies the migrant worker and treats them as mere factors of production.

Programmes of managed migration to maximize economic benefit tend to be regressive and restrictive in the name of national sovereignty and security.

MRI asserts, therefore, that any development discourse that denies the fulfilment of migrants’ human rights is simply unacceptable to migrants and members of their families. To protect, promote and fulfil human rights of every person, including all migrants regardless of status, asylum seekers and refugees, are the core obligations of States. Fulfilling migrants’ right to decent employment, equitable wages and proper working conditions, trade union rights, access to basic public services and social security, and the right to family reunification is essential to ensuring migrants’ well-being and integration in the host country.

The Human Rights of Vulnerable Groups of Migrants

MRI places special attention to the most vulnerable groups of migrants, which include undocumented migrants, women migrants and migrant domestic workers, children of migrant workers and aged migrants.

MRI views that the Report lacks systematic analysis of the reasons why irregular migration occurs on the scale it does across the world. In MRI’s experience, irregular migration increases when national immigration policies operate in excessively bureaucratic ways, with States imposing fragmented immigration policies that only exacerbate the further exploitation of migrants, placing them in dangerous and clandestine situations.

MRI urgently calls on Governments to regularise undocumented migrant, establish comprehensive solutions that incorporate migrant workers’ rights and perspectives, and create the social space in which migrants can prosper and achieve their full aspirations for a better life for themselves, their families, communities and countries.

Recommendations to the Continued Process of the UNHLD

Finally, in addition to the accredited participation for a 12-person civil society representation at the HLD, we urge the General Assembly and the Secretary General to recommend to all member States to include in their delegation to the HLD at least one civil society representative with considerable experience in working on migration, and that a consultative process be initiated at the country level prior to participation at the HLD.

Presented by:

Sajida Ally
Migrants Rights International
12 July 2006

Deputy Secretary General on the Role of CSO's in migration debate

2006-07-18T15:49:00.000+08:00

CIVIL SOCIETY’S ROLE IN MIGRATION DEBATE TO ENSURE REAL RISKS NOT OVERLOOKED,
SAYS DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEARING

Following are Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch Brown’s remarks at the informal, interactive hearings of the General Assembly with non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector on international migration and development, in New York, 12 July:
These civil society hearing have become an important part of how the General Assembly prepares for debates, such as the forthcoming one on international migration and development. We had two similar hearings recently: one on HIV/AIDS during the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on that subject, and the second on the challenges facing the least developed countries.

We have already seen the consequences of these kinds of hearings in the meeting of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS. It was quite clear that, as a consequence of the hearings, a very high degree of mobilization of civil society, and its willingness to lobby for a resolution at the General Assembly meeting itself, led to a hugely improved final resolution, which tackled a number of issues that Governments, left to themselves, would have skirted around for reasons of delicacy, protocol and just a reluctance to tackle socially difficult issues.

This is very clear proof of the importance and value of these hearings. They offer the opportunity to expand the debate beyond the vital critical inner circle of Governments, to those of you with very strong points of view, representing very strong and important constituencies. It is a huge strengthening of the UN’s convening role that hearings such as these take place. I can already suspect the kind of contribution you will make today on the issue of international migration and development.

I hope you have all looked at the Secretary-General’s report. It is a very optimistic report. It is a report that he, his Special Representative, Peter Sutherland, and the authors in DESA all believe offers a vision of how migration, if it is well managed and well supported, can be a win-win situation for both countries of origin and countries of destination.

Countries of destination gain enormously in economic, social, cultural, intellectual and many other ways, through the many contributions that migrants make, which are listed in the report. Countries of origin benefit through remittances and other economic returns. This win-win situation is vital, critical and true.

The role of civil society is to warn us, and to make sure that we don’t overlook the real risks of international migration, particularly in the area of human rights.

We have all seen, in all of our countries, how migrants are often the victims of unscrupulous employers without protection in the workplace. We have seen how they are denied rights in new host states -- not just political and civil rights, but also through the denial of access to education and health care for their families. We have seen the particular challenges that women -- who now form almost half the international migrant flow -- face, in particular during the period of their journey to new homes, when there is a risk that they will fall into the hands of those seeking to make a trade out of sexual exploitation. There is also the marginal role they often play in the new workplaces of their host countries, compared to their male counterparts, and the discrimination they face in the new host society.

Equally, I am sure you would want to press hard on the issue of the cost to the countries that migrants leave, and how we redress the “brain drain”. I, as a former head of UNDP, was very impressed by many of the debates in Southern Africa about how to protect the human capital in the health and education sectors, when so many doctors and nurses were leaving for higher-paid employment elsewhere. What was the economic way of compensating the Governments for this? What were the training and other approaches that could be used to minimize this loss of a critical and skilled service group to these economies, particularly to societies already under so much stress and challenge from HIV/AIDS?

Of course, it is all very well to say that remittances contribute to a win-win situation. But, remittances are most useful when they are protected by banking systems that allow money to reach relatives back home without exploitative charges, and which prevent the loss of monies through corrupt and inefficient banking sectors that don’t really have the rural networks.
Without this kind of support, the potential value to the societies of origin is often lost. So I hope these points, which sometimes we at the intergovernmental level tend to put aside in the rush to stress the win-win elements, will not be forgotten. I hope that you will contribute to enriching the debate with these kind of points.

The September high-level dialogue has three purposes.

One, of course, is to raise awareness on the issue of international migration and development -- although the headlines from around the world have made sure that few people are unaware of the challenges of this issue today.

Second is to really try and spell out the linkages between international migration and poverty reduction, both the pluses and the minuses, and how we can correct the minuses.
Third is to highlight the best practices and best policies being used by countries to tackle these issues.

The Secretary-General, Peter Sutherland, DESA and I see the consultative forum as one of the more important recommendations of the Secretary-General’s report. It reflects a feeling that work on migration policy at the national and international level is much too divided between different domestic ministries, between ministries of labour, interior, refugee affairs, social affairs and foreign ministries. Too few Governments have a locus for thinking about international migration and the range of domestic and international issues it raises.

Forming an international and consultative forum will force countries to assign responsibility for this issue, and then to engage with their counterparts in the North and South around the world to start getting the right tradeoffs between the issues of those countries from which migrants come, and those countries to which migrants go. Of course, it is no longer a simple North-South division; there is a lot of interregional migration and other flows, which have largely got lost in the debate so far.

We hope a discussion of this kind would involve Governments, UN agencies and the IOM, which has played an important role. We hope Governments would allow space for civil society participation at the appropriate moments in their discussions as well. We hope, if this happens, that we can start to institutionalize the discussion around migration, in order to drive better policies everywhere.

Today, with this hearing, we are embarking on an important process, which we hope will culminate in a much strengthened, much more thoughtful, much more just and equitable handling of the international migration issue in the years ahead.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS CIVIL SOCIETY HEARINGS ON MIGRATION

2006-07-18T15:38:00.000+08:00

Sixtieth General Assembly

Civil Society Hearings on Migration
and Development (AM & PM)

MIGRANTS HUMAN RIGHTS, COST OF ‘BRAIN DRAIN’, PROTECTING REMITTANCES AMONG ISSUES
RAISED AS GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS CIVIL SOCIETY HEARINGS ON MIGRATION

Gathered in New York today, representatives of non-governmental organizations called on the United Nations and its Member States to work in a spirit of genuine cooperation with civil society to come up with a comprehensive global people-centred policy on migration and development, and to put the “migration puzzle” together, while keeping the human rights of migrants central in the debate.

Ahead of the General Assembly High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development -- scheduled for 14-15 September 2006 –- representatives of non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector lead the four-part, informal and interactive hearings with Member States and United Nations agencies, which focused on the promotion of migrants’ human rights, socio-economic policy challenges for sending and receiving counties, and the promotion of partnerships and capacity-building to benefit countries and migrants alike. Acting Assembly President Cheick Sidi Diarra of Mali moderated the hearings.

While stressing the absolute necessity of highlighting “positives”, such as boosts for receiving country labour markets and the importance of remittances -- money earned abroad and sent back to the country of origin –- speakers cautioned against glossing over or discounting the human and social cost of migration. They called for greater overall attention to the root cause of much of today’s migration, as well as to the reality that many migrants continued to remain on the margins of societies, both in their home countries and in their host countries, with no effective social, economic or political participation.

Many were concerned that the Secretary-General’s report (document A/60/871), which served as the blueprint for the hearings, did not balance the economic dimension of migration with an equivalent emphasis on the people-centred, social dimensions of development. They were not “units of labour” said one speaker, who noted the intersecting race, class and gender vulnerabilities of migrants, as well as the discrimination and social marginalization they faced, and said that an effective consideration of international migration, therefore, must be squarely focused on, among others, employment, social inclusion and poverty eradication.

One speaker said that no real headway could be made, unless the international community squarely addressed the complex issues surrounding racism and gender equality. She urged migrants and activists working on their behalf to adopt a “nothing about us without us” stance to ensure that the concerns of all migrants were openly discussed and taken on-board in intergovernmental processes of refugees, as well as migrants. Another non-governmental organization representative urged everyone to take advantage of the hearings to press for action on issues that Governments would rather ignore. Others echoed that sentiment, calling for special attention to indigenous migrants, migrant victims of trafficking, migrant youth and internally displaced persons.

Examining challenges for social and economic policies, some participants took that notion a step further, with one non-governmental organization representative saying that the aim of connecting development and migration should be to reinforce the fight against the root causes of poverty. States must also consider how a deeper commitment to human rights would improve progress towards more equitable worldwide development, thereby reducing the pressure to migrate. Indeed, access to education, more and better jobs, decent working conditions and free access to basic health care were elements that contributed to the prevention of forced migration.
Several speakers pointed out, however, that simply providing jobs or access to employment was really only a half measure without ensuring that such employment was safe, dignified, non-exploitive and paid fair wages.

One speaker called on the Secretary-General and other top United Nations officials to press Member States to ratify or accede to the International Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers and Their Families, and to vigorously promote and support relevant International Labour Organization instruments and covenants, which together formed the core of the international normative framework on international migration.
Calling for an integrated and holistic approach, Peter Sutherland, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on International Migration and Development, via video-link from Rabat, where he had just attended a meeting between African and European Union ministers on the impact of migration, said that the complexities of migration today demanded that civil society and private sector actors participated actively in the debate. Indeed, civic actors, particularly those from migrant communities, were real partners in development today, and were critical to generating cooperation and partnerships among all stakeholders to minimize the negative effects of migration and to take advantage of the assets offered by migrants for development.
Mark Malloch Brown, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, said it was up to civil society to warn the international community to ensure the real risks of migration were not overlooked -- particularly in the area of human rights. And while the effective management of international migration could be a win-win situation for both receiving countries and countries of origin, it was no secret that many migrants, particularly women, were routinely marginalized, denied not only civil and political rights, but also access to education and health care, among others.

He expected that, during the hearings, civil society would press hard on such issues as the real costs to the countries that migrants left, and how “brain drain” could be more effectively addressed. By example he said, a major discussion was under way concerning Africa, and how to protect and compensate Governments for the human capital that was lost, say, in the health-care field in societies that were already under so much stress from HIV/AIDS. Further, remittances must be protected. International and regional banking systems must ensure that such funds were safely transferred back to home countries and not diverted, or co-opted by corrupt or abusive banking networks, otherwise, potential value would be lost.

Among the recommendations on the way forward, one non-governmental organization representative called for tax relief on remittances for development, boosting cooperation between sending and receiving countries on support for migrant business opportunities, and including migration for development strategies in poverty reduction strategies. Another suggested pouring money into training unskilled migrant workers, rather than into building detention centres and holding cells.

One speaker said that it was important for Governments to promote freedom of movement for migrant youth towards the creation of a “true path for development” beyond remittances that would link the diaspora with home countries, while establishing an international framework for an exchange of knowledge and skills. Still, others said that the global debate on migration must include the business community, regional processes, and must consider issues such as the erosion of the middle class in sending countries and voting while in the diaspora.

The participants in the hearings also expressed support for the Secretary-General’s proposal to create a “consultative forum” on migration and development issues, but were concerned that his report noted that such a panel would seek the participation of non-governmental organization representatives and civil society when Governments “deemed it desirable and necessary”.

They strongly reiterated their belief that any such forum that did not include civil society, trade unions, migrant and their networks, among others, could not fully articulate policy ideas that would lead to genuine and sustainable development.

Summing up the discussions, Mr. Diarra said the results of the hearings represented an important contribution to the upcoming High-Level Dialogue. Speakers had underlined the importance of ensuring respect and protection of the rights of all migrants and their families, particularly the right to life, work and equitable remuneration, among others. They had also insisted on promoting the ratification of relevant international treaties and covenants, particularly ahead of the September Dialogue. They had also recommended that the dialogue should be transparent and inclusive, so that any plans or initiatives that might flow from the event would be more people-centred, and to ensure that national security concerns or economic arrangements did not eclipse migration policies.

NGO Responses to the Secretary General's Report ! ! !

2006-07-12T13:00:00.000+08:00

The report on NGO comments on the Secretary General's report on international migration and development, which were solicited on-line and compiled by NGLS is now out.

The report is available on the NGLS and www.unmigration.org websites. It is also being distributed to all the Hearings participants and copies will be made available in the Trusteeship Council Chamber on 12 July for Member States and media to pick up.

To read the full report please click on the following link:

http://www.un.org/esa/population/hldmigration/Text/Migration.pdf

List of Speakers and Spokespersons for the Informal Interactive Hearings

2006-07-11T13:06:00.000+08:00

Informal Interactive Hearings of the General Assembly with Non-Governmental
Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and the Private Sector
on International Migration and Development
United Nations Headquarters, New York
12 July 2006

Trusteeship Council Chamber

Confirmed Speakers and Spokespersons as of 7 July

Segment 1: Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to international
migration, and ensuring respect for and protection of the human rights of all
migrants and their families

Speakers

Ms. Sajida Zarren Ally – Migrants Rights International
Mr. John Bingham – International Catholic Migration Commission
Ms. Genevieve Gencianos – Public Services International

Spokespersons

Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development- Ms. Nalini Singh
CCA- Mr. Charles Uwiragiye
Centro de Estudios Migratorios Latinoamericanos- Mr. Mario Santillo
December 18- Mr. Rene Plaetevoet
Human Rights Watch- Ms. Nisha Varia
Indigenous World Association for the Aldet Centre- Mr. Albert Deterville
La Strada- Ms. Ana Ravenco
Mekong Migration Network- Ms. Jacquline Pollock
Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants- Mr. Don Flynn
Realizing Rights- Ms. Heather Grady
Solidarity Center- Ms. Neha Misra
Youth International Sayhi Nigeria- Mr. Kingsley Essomeonu

Segment 2: International migration and development - challenges for social and
economic policies in sending and receiving countries

Speakers

Ms. Ana Avendano – AFL-CIO
Ms. Gloria Camacho – CEPLAES
Mr. Rex Marlo Y Varona – Asían Migrant Centre

Spokespersons

AfricaRecruit -Ms. Onome Ako
Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines- Ms. Ellene Sana
Essential Workers Immigration Coalition- Ms. Laura Reiff
Federation of Kenyan Employers- Ms. Jackline Mugo
The Foundation for Democracy in Africa- Mr. Fred Oladeinde
Institute for Public Policy Research- Mr. Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)- Ms. Helené Lackenbauer
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)- Mr. Marc Valadao

Hague Process on Refugees and Migrants- Mr. Philip Rudge
Migrant, Refugee and Displaced Continental Network- Ms. Manuela Natividad Obeso Gonzales
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights- Ms. Catherine Tactaquin

Segment 3: International migration and development - challenges for social and
economic policies in sending and receiving countries (continued)

Speakers

Ms. Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd – Jamaica Employers’ Federation
Ms. Anastasia Crickley – NCCRI, Pavee Point, OSCE, EUMC
Mr. Emeka Chikezie – African Foundation for Development
Mr. Santiago De La Cruz – CONAIE

Spokespersons

American Council on International Personnel- Ms. Lynn Shotwell
Christian Children's Fund- Ms. Asa Ekvall
Dialects - Ms. Diana Senior
Franciscans International- Ms. Alam Liliane
Joint Committee for Migrant Workers in Korea (JCMK)- Ms. Kim Mi-Sun
Philippine Resources for Sustainable Development, Inc.- Mr. Robert Sagun
International Presentation Association Sisters of the Presentation- Georgina Ann Costello
NGO Subcommittee on the Human Rights of Immigrants and Refugees- Richard Mandelbaum
Tebtebba Foundation and UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues- Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
Think Centre and Convener of the ASEAN Taskforce on Migrant Workers- Sinapan Samydorai

Segment 4: Policy responses - Promoting the building of partnerships and capacitybuilding
and the sharing of best practices at all levels, including the bilateral and
regional levels, for the benefit of countries and migrants alike

Speakers

Mr. Austin Fragomen – Fragomen, Del Ray, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
Ms. Hope P. White-Davis – The World Association of Former United Nations Interns
Mr. Michael Boampong – Young People We Care (Video Conference?) or Ms. Marioliva
Gonzalez - Red Global de Accion juvenil, GYAN Mèxico AC

Spokespersons

American Bar Association- Ms. Ellen Lafili Yost
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development- Ms. Pia Oberoi
Center For Migration Studies Of New York INC- Mr. Leonir Chiarello
Global Rights- Ms. Ann Jordan
International Center for Policy Studies, OSI/HESP Academic Fellowship Program- Ms. Olesya
Kotsyumbas
Pathfinder Group- Mr. Ikram Ul-Majeed Sehgal
Servicio Jesuita para Migrantes de Centroamérica- Mr. José Luis Rocha
Sumando Uruguay- Mr. Fabrizio Scrollini
Southern African Migration Project (SAMP)- Mr. Jonathan Crush
US Chamber of Commerce- Mr. Randel Johnson
Vancouver Status of Women- Ms. Angela Contreras
Welfare Association of Repatriated Bangledesh Employees- Mr. Syed Saiful Haque

Provisional Programme of the Informal Interactive Hearings

2006-07-07T21:58:00.000+08:00

Provisional programme of the Informal Interactive Hearings
of the General Assembly with non-governmental organizations,
civil society organizations and the private sector
on international migration and development

To be held at United Nations Headquarters, Trusteeship Council Room
12 July 2006, New York

10.00 – 10:40 Opening of the Hearings

10:45 – 11:45 Segment 1: Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach
to international migration, and ensuring respect for and
protection of the human rights of all migrants and their
families.

11:50 – 13:00 Segment 2: International migration and development -
challenges for social and economic policies in sending and
receiving countries.

15:00 – 16:15 Segment 3: International migration and development contd.-
challenges for social and economic policies in sending and
receiving countries.

16:20 – 17:30 Segment 4: Policy responses - Promoting the building of
partnerships and capacity-building and the sharing of best
practices at all levels, including the bilateral and regional
levels, for the benefit of countries and migrants alike.

17:30 – 18:00 Closing of the Hearings

CSO Hearings Orientation Meeting

2006-07-07T21:57:00.000+08:00

Civil Society Hearings on Migration
Orientation Meeting, 11 July 2006

The meeting will take place at the Church Center, located at the corner of 44th Street and
1st Avenue, New York, on the second floor and in other rooms, to be requested. No special
building pass is required to enter the building.

The meeting will serve as a preparatory event for NGOs/CSOs/the private sector, prior to
their interactive dialogue with UN Member States at the hearings on 12 July. It will
allow speakers, spokespersons and attendees to be briefed on the background, logistics
and organizational aspects of the hearings, on their respective roles, and on strategies to
enhance their participation. The objective is to ensure that the Hearings become an
important entry point for NGOs/CSOs/the private sector, into the High Level Dialogue on
International Migration and Development, to be held at UN Headquarters on 14-15
September 2006.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for civil society representatives to network
among themselves and with various UN agencies and programmes as well as other
international organizations involved in international migration issues. Speakers and
spokespersons will interact in thematic and regional breakout sessions with other civil
society actors, thereby working towards effective and coordinated messages for
presentation at the Hearings on 12 July and an informal working lunch with several UN
agencies, the IOM and the World Bank will take place from 12.30 to 2.30.

9:30- 10:15 Orientation
Welcoming remarks and general introduction
Vice President of the General Assembly (TBA)
General landscape of migration - background of Secretary General’s Report.
Mr. Gregory Maniatis, DESA (TBA)
Presentation of the Secretary General’s Report
Ms. Hania Zlotnik, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population
Division

10:15-11:00 Objectives and Logistics: Background and expectations for the day
Ms. Gemma Adaba - Task Force Member
Ms. Elisa Peter – United Nations Non Governmental Liaison Service
Ms. Shamina de Gonzaga – Office of the President of the General Assembly

11:15-12:30 p.m. Thematic Breakout Sessions
The sessions will feature small group discussion focused on the themes of the four panels
of the hearings. These are as follows:

Session 1. Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to international migration,
and ensuring respect for and protection of human rights of all migrants and their families.

Session 2. International migration and development – challenges for social and economic
policies in sending and receiving countries.

Session 3. International migration and development cont’d – challenges for social and
economic policies in sending and receiving countries.

Session 4. Policy responses – Promoting the building of partnerships and capacitybuilding
and the sharing of best practices at all levels, including the bilateral and regional
levels, for the benefit of countries and migrants alike.

12:30-2:30 p.m. Informal Interactive Working Lunch, sponsored by IOM
Lunch will be a round table event featuring tables presided over by representatives from
the International Organization on Migration (IOM), UNIFEM, UNICEF, UNFPA,
UNITAR and the World Bank. The working lunch will provide an opportunity for
participants to learn about the organizations and agencies’ migration-related programmes
and projects and will give participants a chance to network and discuss issues of
importance to them.

2:30-3:45 p.m. Regional Breakout Sessions
Small groups will discuss regional migration concerns.

4:00-5:00 p.m. Plenary Session
Rapporteurs from the breakout sessions will present conclusions and recommendations
from each group.

Notes: The Secretary General’s Report on Migration will serve as the background for all
discussions in both the thematic and regional breakout sessions.
Eight designated facilitators will implement breakout groups, set guidelines, generate
questions for discussion, and keep time. Rapporteurs, who will present the conclusions
and recommendations of their groups at the plenary session that will close the meeting.
Collection and Editing of reports: Rapporteurs from the breakout sessions will be
responsible for production of the conclusions and recommendations of their particular
session. Interns with laptops will facilitate collection, collation and editing of these
reports for distribution to participants at the end of the hearings on July 12.

International Migration and Development Report of the Secretary General

2006-07-07T21:44:00.000+08:00

In Praise of Migration
By Kofi A. Annan
5 June 2006
The Wall Street Journal

Ever since national frontiers were invented, people have been crossing them -- not just to visit foreign countries, but to live and work there. In doing so, they have almost always taken risks, driven by a determination to overcome adversity and to live a better life. Those aspirations have always been the motors of human progress. Historically, migration has improved the well-being, not only of individual migrants, but of humanity as a whole.

And that is still true. In a report that I am presenting tomorrow to the U.N. General Assembly, I summarize research which shows that migration, at least in the best cases, benefits not only the migrants themselves but also the countries that receive them, and even the countries they have left. How so? In receiving countries, incoming migrants do essential jobs which a country's established residents are reluctant to undertake. They provide many of the personal services on which societies depend. They care for children, the sick and the elderly, bring in the harvest, prepare the food, and clean the homes and offices.

They are not engaged only in menial activities. Nearly half the increase in the number of migrants aged 25 or over in industrialized countries in the 1990s was made up of highly skilled people. Skilled or unskilled, many are entrepreneurs who start new businesses -- from round-the-clock delis to Google. Yet others are artists, performers and writers, who help to make their new hometowns centers of creativity and culture. Migrants also expand the demand for goods and services, add to national production, and generally pay more to the state in taxes than they take out in welfare and other benefits. And in regions like Europe, where populations are growing very slowly or not at all, younger workers arriving from abroad help to shore up under funded pension systems.

All in all, countries that welcome migrants and succeed in integrating them intotheir societies are among the most dynamic -- economically, socially and culturally -- in the world. Meanwhile, countries of origin benefit from the remittances that migrants send home, which totaled around $232 billion last year, $167 billion of which went todeveloping countries -- greater in volume than current levels of official aid from all donor countries combined, though certainly not a substitute.

Not only do the immediate recipients benefit from these remittances, but also those who supply the goods and services on which the money is spent. The effect is toraise national income and stimulate investment. Families with members working abroad spend more on education and health care at home. If they are poor -- like the family in the classic Senegalese film, "Le Mandat" -- receiving remittances may introduce them to financial services, such as banks, credit unions and microfinance institutions. More and more governments understand that their citizens abroad can help development, and arestrengthening ties with them. By allowing dual citizenship, permitting overseas voting, expanding consular services and working with migrants to develop their home communities, governments are multiplying the benefits of migration. In some countries, migrant associations are transforming their communities of origin by sending collective remittances to support small-scale development projects.

Successful migrants often become investors in their countries of origin, andencourage others to follow. Through the skills they acquire, they also help transfer technology and knowledge. India's software industry has emerged in large part from intensive networking among expatriates, returning migrants and Indian entrepreneurs both at home and abroad. After working in Greece, Albanians bring home new agricultural skills that allow them to increase production. And so on.

Yes, migration can have its downside -- though ironically some of the worst effects arise from efforts to control it: It is irregular or undocumented migrants who are most vulnerable to smugglers, traffickers and other forms of exploitation. Yes, there are tensions when established residents and migrants are adjusting to each other, especially when their beliefs, customs or level of education are very different. And yes, poor countries suffer when some of their people whose skills are most needed -- for instance health-care workers from Southern Africa -- are "drained" away by higher salaries and better conditions abroad. But countries are learning to manage those problems, and they can do so better if they work together and learn from each other's experience.

That is the object of the "high-level dialogue" on migration and development that the General Assembly is holding this September. No country will be asked or expected toyield control of its borders or its policies to anyone else. But all countries and all governments can gain from discussion and the exchange of ideas.
That's why I hope the September dialogue will be a beginning, not an end. As long as there are nations, there will be migrants. Much as some might wish itotherwise, migration is a fact of life. So it is not a question of stoppingmigration, but of managing it better, and with more cooperation andunderstanding on all sides. Far from being a zero-sum game, migration can be made to yield benefits for all.

---Mr. Annan is secretary general of the U.N.

For the Full Text of the Report Please click on the link below:

http://www.un.org/esa/population/hldmigration/Text/Report%20of%20the%20SG%28June%2006%29_English.pdf

MRI's Comments on the Report of the Secretary General

2006-07-07T21:39:00.000+08:00

Comments to the Report of the UN Secretary General’s Report to the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on agenda item 54 (c): International Migration and Development

Migrants Rights International (MRI)—a global civil society network of migrant workers associations and unions, faith-based groups, labor, community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations promoting the human rights of migrants—submits this written comment to the report of the UN Secretary General in view of the UN General Assembly High Level Dialogue on Migration and Development on 14-15 September 2006. The comment refers to Segment one of the informal interactive hearings on 12 July 2006 and the September High Level Dialogue, i.e. “Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to the international migration, and ensuring respect for and protection of the human rights of all migrants and members of their families.”

1990 UN Migrant Workers Convention

MRI welcomes the effort of the UN Secretary General and the General Assembly to highlight the issue of migration and bringing it to the forefront of discussions by the international community. We welcome the emphasis made in the Report on the need to protect the human rights of migrants and the reference made to the UN international human rights instruments and Conventions of the International Labour Organization as “constituting the core of the international normative framework on international migration” (para. 283). Particular mention is made of the 1990 UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families as the “most comprehensive international treaty dealing with the rights of migrant workers.” Such reiteration should be constantly made by the UN Secretary General so as to continuously remind States of their obligation to protect, promote and fulfil migrants’ human rights and to join other States in ratifying the said Convention, and for those States that have already ratified, to implement the Convention fully and effectively.

Global Consultative Forum and Civil Society Participation

In exploring how the United Nations can better serve its Member States by facilitating intergovernmental cooperation on international migration issues, the UN Secretary General’s Report (hereafter referred to as the “Report”) suggests the creation of a “consultative forum” or “global consultative process” that would offer Governments “a venue to discuss issues related to international migration and development in a systematic and comprehensive way. Such forum or process would complement and add value to the regional consultative processes on migration” (para. 40).

MRI supports the idea of an intergovernmental cooperation such as a “forum” or “consultative process,” but is seriously concerned about the absence of participation by civil society, trade unions, and migrants themselves in this process. We are important partners and stakeholders in this issue of international migration and development. MRI’s members are migrant workers themselves: the ones that are and will be directly affected by these intergovernmental decisions. Therefore, we are deeply disturbed that the UN Secretary General wrote in para. 21 of his Report, with reference to the consultative forum:

“It would (also) offer an opportunity for Governments to engage, when they deem it desirable and necessary, with relevant stakeholders, who bear valuable knowledge and experience, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), experts and migrant organizations.” (italics added)

We underscore this conditional phrase -- “when they deem it desirable and necessary” -- as a threat to genuine migrant civil society participation. Many migration policies and regulations have failed because governments refused to acknowledge or to listen to the voices of migrants and civil society organizations working with migrants. Often in the past, the failure of States to consult with migrant civil society has led to the creation of incoherent, fragmented, highly bureaucratic and non-transparent migration policies that in turn have led, intentionally or unintentionally, to violations of migrants’ human rights.

It is now time for Governments and the international community to acknowledge the value of migrant civil society organizations in shaping migration policy and take the necessary steps to institutionalize their genuine participation in these processes.

MRI, with its member and partner organizations worldwide which include grassroots-based organizations and migrants themselves, offers its willingness to participate in such global consultative forum in order to bring in the voice and experience of the migrants and propose alternative solutions built on the foundation of human rights.

MRI Framework

As MRI, we promote the rights-based approach to international migration, based on the principles of human rights protection, promotion and fulfilment. This is a framework that:

recognizes inequalities between women and men in the migration process thereby calling for the promotion of gender-sensitive migration policies; and
acknowledges the current imbalances in economic and trade relations between developing and developed countries, dictated by strong corporate interests in the North and a neo-liberal economic agenda that intensifies poverty, destroys the environment, depletes farmlands, heightens conflict and armed struggle, strips indigenous peoples of their ancestral domain and identity, and creates human suffering -- all of which constitute the real root cause of migration.

Examining Root Causes and Consequences of Migration within the Frame of Human Rights

MRI believes that an international agenda to discuss migration and its relationship with development is a welcome though already long delayed initiative. However, we are deeply disturbed by the arguments and proposals presented in the Report. These are strongly concentrated on labor mobility and on enhancing the positive economic benefits of migration, while lacking a firm analysis of the real root causes of why people migrate and how these are linked to the lack of access to human rights, especially economic, social and cultural rights. Among these rights are the right to decent employment, equitable wages and proper working conditions, trade union rights, access to basic public services and social security.

The Report, while recognizing the centrality of human rights, only refers to the obligations of the States to protect the human rights of migrants, particularly in the receiving countries. However, MRI wishes to stress that States also have the additional obligation to promote and fulfil the human rights of every person under its jurisdiction, which includes all migrants regardless of status, asylum seekers and refugees. To protect, promote and fulfil are the core obligations of States to human rights, as provided for in the international human rights instruments. Implementation of these human rights obligations is essential to ensure migrants’ well-being and integration in the host country, and consequently contributing to development.

The Human Rights of Undocumented Migrants

MRI places special attention to the most vulnerable groups of migrants, which include women migrant domestic workers and undocumented migrants. MRI promotes and defends the human rights of these migrants through monitoring and denouncing cases of violations, conducting policy advocacy, establishing migrants` access to redress mechanisms, promoting grassroots organizing and capacity building among migrants, and providing direct assistance.

Working directly with vulnerable migrants, MRI views that the Report lacks systematic analysis of the reasons why irregular migration occurs on the scale it does across the world. Likewise, there is the lack of reliable, sex-disaggregated data to fully comprehend the scale of international migration, particularly the number of migrants going through irregular channels. In MRI’s experience, irregular migration increases when national immigration policies operate in excessively bureaucratic ways, usually considering only the interests of the host country and excluding those of the migrant workers. Insensitive to the migrants’ human rights situation, States continue to impose stringent “stop-gap” solutions or fragmented immigration policies that do not solve the problem but only exacerbate the further exploitation of migrants and place them in dangerous and clandestine situations.

MRI supports the regularisation of undocumented migrants as mentioned in para. 147 of the Report. However, we believe that regularization should go even further towards establishing comprehensive solutions that incorporate migrant worker rights and perspectives as well as allowing the social space in which immigrants can prosper and achieve their aspirations.

Promoting the Rights-Based Approach to International Migration

MRI notes with concern that throughout the Report, managing migration and the maximization of the economic benefits of labour mobility and remittances seem to take primacy over human rights considerations. The establishment of a new framework of “co-development” defined as “the coordinated or concerted improvement of economic and social conditions at both origin and destination countries based on the complementarities between the two” (para. 109) could undermine the rights-based framework to international migration if not properly defined within the frame of human rights.

With reference to co-development, para. 109 of the Report states:

“Migration plays a positive role by providing the workers to satisfy the labor demand in advanced economies and in the dynamic developing economies while at the same time reducing unemployment and underemployment in countries of origin and in the process, generating remittances, savings and know-how for the benefit of the latter.”

MRI cautions Governments and the international community that the overemphasis on the labor market economics of migration creates the risk of “commodifying” the migrant workers, i.e. treating them as mere factors of production and not as human beings with basic human rights.

Finally, we note with regret that despite being a document of the UN Secretary General, the Report itself does not make full reference to or utilize the contributions of existing United Nations human rights mechanisms and procedures in order to further enhance the human rights perspective in addressing migration and development. The UN human rights treaty bodies and their general comments, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, the UN Commission on Human Rights and the Durban Declaration and Program of Action of the 2001 World Conference Against Racism all offer sound human rights framework to the treatment of migration and migrant workers. The Report, as befits its status as a report from the UN Secretary General, could have done better by making full references to these instruments and mechanisms and using these instruments as the basic normative and analytical framework for its treatment and analysis of the issue of migration and development.

Submitted by:

Sajida Ally
On behalf of Migrants Rights International
Geneva, Switzerland
30 June 2006

This document was drafted by the MRI Secretariat with substantive inputs from MRI’s partners in the various global regions. The following individuals and organizations played a substantive role in the generation of this document:

1) Genevieve Gencianos, Switzerland
2) Nonoi Hacbang, Commission for Filipino Migrant Workers (CFMW), the Netherlands
3) Manfred Bergman, CADI, Italy
4) Pablo Ceriani & Pablo Asa, Centro de Estudio Legales y Sociales (CELS), Argentina
5) William Gois, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), the Philippines
6) Colin Rajah, National Network for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (NNIRR), USA
7) Don Flynn, Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), Belgium

MFA's Comments on the Secretary General's Report to the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on agenda item 54(c): International Migration and Development

MIGRANT FORUM IN ASIA (MFA) believes that migrants’ rights are human rights. Documented or undocumented, irrespective of race, gender, class, age and religious belief, migrant workers’ rights are guaranteed by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and other international conventions.
Conceived in 1990 in a meeting of migrant workers’ advocates in Hong Kong, MIGRANT

FORUM IN ASIA or MFA was formally organized in 1994 in a second forum, “Living and Working Together with Migrants in Asia”, held in Taiwan.

MFA is a regional network of non-government organizations (NGOs), associations and trade unions of migrant workers, and individual advocates in Asia that are committed to protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers. It is guided by a vision of an alternative world system based on respect for human rights and dignity, social justice, and gender equity, particularly for migrant workers.
MFA acts as facilitator, a regional communication and coordination point between member-organizations and advocates, forging concerted action to address discriminatory laws and policies, violence against women migrants, unjust living and working conditions, unemployment in the homeland, and other issues affecting migrant workers

MFA welcomes the draft report of the Secretary General in preparation for the High Level Dialogue (HLD) on ‘Migration and Development’ to be held on 14-15 September 2006 at the UN Head Quarters in New York. We recognize the significance and the timely nature of the HLD. The complexity of the migration discourse demands a more deliberate process of engagement in debunking the myths around migration and developing policies that would make migration a positively more valuable experience for all.

1) In this regard MFA supports the proposal in the report of a consultative forum under the auspices of the United Nations, “as a venue to discuss issues related to international migration and development in a systematic and comprehensive way (para 40).” However we draw the attention to the fact that there is a need to look at similar initiatives undertaken by the UN in order to foster dialogue, understanding and cooperation, and to their effectiveness in delivering the same.

We express grave concern at the statement in the report which explains that the consultative forum “would also offer an opportunity for Governments to engage, when they deem it desirable or necessary (emphasis mine),with relevant stakeholders, who bear valuable knowledge and experience, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), experts, and migrant organizations. (41).”

Any consultative forum on migration and development which does not include representatives from civil society, the NGO community, and migrants and their organizations in its constitutive element, cannot fully articulate policy ideas that would lead to genuine and sustainable development.

2) The report lacks a sharp gender perspective on the issue of migration, given the increase in the feminization of labour migration, on the development perspective shared in the report, and on the interfacing of the two.

3) The flip side of the ‘positive’ dimension of globalization would necessarily be the right to mobility. We cannot on the one hand speak of international migration today, as in earlier times, being “intrinsically linked to the development of both receiving and sending countries (109),” and then revert to manage migration programmes that are regressive and restrictive in the name of national sovereignty and security. Our experience has shown that such measures only serve to breed discrimination, fear of the other, racism, xenophobia, and an increase in irregular and undocumented migration.

We therefore reiterate the reports concern for establishing a genuine dialogue process that would go beyond the current level of regional consultative processes, “especially since the latter do not usually address issues related to development, focusing instead on managing regional migration flows (emphasis mine) (40).”

4) While the report dwells on the need for a freer international mobility of skilled and unskilled labour for an increase in global income and its equitable distribution (152-153), it fails to question the neo-liberal market economy which creates the very conditions that serve as push and pull factors for migrants in struggling and failing economies. Furthermore the report suggests that because international migration seemingly contributes to poverty reduction, “it is useful to take migration into account in developing countries poverty reductions strategies and in preparing and planning documents for the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) process, as is being done in some developing countries (189).” We therefore highlight in the report the temporary nature of international migration as a poverty reduction strategy
because of remittance flows, and caution against such a policy development as it can “ easily masquerade as a substitute for sound development policies and countries can become dependent on remittance flows (226).”

5) The general co-development perspective that emerges from a reading of the report tends to
emphasize the economic aspect of development, the commodification of migrant labour, and a view of remittances that shrouds the struggle and sacrifice of the migrants. It would be helpful if the discussions during the HLD would expound on a deeper understanding of co-development raising concerns from a humane and socially just alternative co-development framework.

6) We appreciate the instances in the report where the need for a rights based approach to the shaping of a co-development migration policy have been indicated. However we firmly believe that this must go beyond the level of “consideration (35).” The 1990 UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, together with the ILO Conventions 97 and 143, the Declaration and Programme of The World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, the other core human rights instruments and the outcomes of UN Conferences and summits held since 1990, provide a solid framework upon which a co-development migration policy by a constituent forum must essentially be built.

7) Finally while recognizing the accredited participation for a 12 persons civil society representation at the HLD we urge the General Assembly and the Secretary General to recommend to all member states to include in their delegation to the HLD at least one representative from civil society having considerable experience in the area of addressing issues related to migration, and that a consultative processes be initiated at country level prior to participation at the HLD.

Migrant Forum Asia30 th June 2006

Call For Comments on the Secretary General's Report ! ! !

2006-07-07T21:24:00.000+08:00

The NGLS Call for Comments on the Secretary-General’s Report is open until 30 June.
NGLS is calling for comments that will mirror the structure of the Informal Interactive Hearings with NGOs, Civil Society and the Private Sector and the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development in September:

Segment 1: Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to international migration, and ensuring respect for and protection of the human rights of all migrants and their families.

Segments 2 & 3: International migration and development - challenges for social and economic policies in sending and receiving countries.

Segment 4: Policy responses - Promoting the building of partnerships and capacity-building and the sharing of best practices at all levels, including the bilateral and regional levels, for the benefit of countries and migrants alike.

Respondents may respond to any theme or section of the report but please indicate which Segment is being responded to and, more specifically, which paragraph of the report.

Please limit comments to a maximum of 1,000 words.

Please indicate first your name in "Identity" box, then organization and region inside the

"Organisation" area before submitting text comments.

The Call for Comments is meant to create space for civil society, especially those organizations who will be unable to participate in the Hearings, to provide their views, suggestions and ideas on issues discussed in the Secretary-General’s Report on International Migration and Development which will provide the framework for discussion during the Informal Interactive Hearings with NGOs, Civil Society and the Private Sector and the High-Level Dialogue. Comments will be collected and, based on the response rate, a compilation of comments will be drawn up and made available to NGOs and Member States attending the 12 July Informal Interactive Hearings.

For more information click on the link below:
http://www.un-ngls.org/site/article.php3?id_article=49

Informal Interactive Hearings of the General Assembly with Non-Governmental

2006-07-07T21:22:00.000+08:00

United Nations Headquarters, New York
12 July 2006

Criteria for the selection of speakers and spokespersons

The Task Force will advise the President on the list of speakers and spokespersons
based on the following criteria:

• Broad substantive expertise from a policy, advocacy or programmatic perspective
on issues related to international migration and development;

• Representation of organizations or networks of a public interest nature, focused,
inter alia, on migration issues, and operating at the national, regional or
international level;

• Balance in terms of gender, geographic (sending and receiving countries) and
sectoral representation, as well as in relation to racial, ethnic, and intergenerational
diversity;

• Representation of organizations or community groups of migrants in host
countries. The selection process should attempt to capture experiences from
various types of migration flows: South/North; South/South; East/West (in the
case of Europe);

• Given the unique nature of the subject matter: “migration and mobility”, selection
and funding considerations should go beyond traditional criteria – emphasis on
participants from the south- to consider also the case of migrants from the south
resident in the north or south. Relevance and competence in terms of issues and
experiences should be overriding considerations in this case.

Migrant Forum in Asia invited to Join the Task force for CSO Hearings ! ! !

2006-07-07T21:21:00.000+08:00

Migrant Forum in Asia, a regional network of non-government organizations (NGOs), associations and trade unions of migrant workers, and individual advocates in Asia that are committed to protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers was invited to join the "Task Force" convened by the United Nations (UN) President of the General Assembly to help ensure effective and active participation of stakeholders in the informal interactive hearings to be held on 12 July 2006. The interactive hearings is part of the the lead up activities in preparation to the High-level Dialogue on migration and development scheduled for 14-15 September 2006.

Details on the task force can be found in the following link:

http://www.un.org/esa/population/hldmigration/Text/Task-Force_Terms-of-Reference.pdf

2006 PGA's TASK FORCE on Hearings for the High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development

2006-07-07T15:10:00.000+08:00

2006 PGA’s TASK FORCE on Hearings for the High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development

Terms of Reference

The President of the General Assembly is convening a ‘Task Force’ of civil society and private sector representatives as well as UN focal points to help ensure effective and active participation of stakeholders in the informal interactive hearings to be held on 12 July 2006, in the lead up to the High-level Dialogue on migration and development scheduled for 14-15 September 2006.

The Task Force will report to the President and seek to provide a link into the U.N. for some of the key civil society and private sector groupings and coalitions interested to contribute to the debate on international migration and development.

I Mission of the Task Force:

The Civil Society Task Force will help support the General Assembly President and his Office in key decisions relating to the attendance and participation of civil society and private sector organizations in the GA informal interactive hearings on migration and development, as well as contribute to format, topics for discussion and list of speakers for this event.

II Composition of PGA’s Task Force:

A Task Force of 8 individuals from NGOs, civil society, the private sector and U.N. departments will be comprised of the following:

A representative of NGO Network from sending countries
A representative of NGO Network from receiving countries
A representative of a development NGO Network
A representative of a migrants’ network
A representative of a human rights organization
A representative of a youth organization
A representative of the trade union movement
A representative of a faith-based organization dealing with migration
A representative of the private/business sector

Individuals will be invited following consultation and advice from a UN inter-departmental group consisting of officials from the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA), DGACM, DESA Population Division, NGLS, DESA-NGO Section, UNFPA and the Global Compact. This group will look to ensure that collectively the Task Force representatives:

- represent all key geographical regions;
- are able to speak on behalf of a large constituency or network;
- have worked on issues relating to international migration and development;
- are gender sensitive and gender balanced.

Task Force members will be selected on the understanding they can commit to volunteer the appropriate time and effort from April to July 2006.

The General Assembly President’s Office will be chairing the Task Force. Representatives from DESA Population Division, DGACM, UNDP-CSO Division, NGLS, Global Compact, DPI, DESA NGO section, DESA-Division for the Advancement of Women, DESA-Division on Financing for Development, DESA-Youth Unit and UNFPA would also be invited to attend.

III Activities for the Task Force include:

Modus Operandi

Weekly or bi-weekly meetings/conference calls to be chaired by OPGA or a designated chair
Communication via email

Task Force to advise the President on:

Shaping the design for the informal interactive hearings, including format, topics for discussion and list of speakers

Working with broader civil society and private sector groupings to identify key speakers for the hearings
Communicating key issues to broader civil society and private sector groupings to keep them informed of pertinent developments
Preparation and briefing for the civil society participants and speakers
Recommend civil society and private sector representatives for press conference
Selection of civil society and private sector speakers for high-level dialogue

Task Force to advise on:

Advising on logistical issues and needs for civil society attending the hearings
Post-hearings debriefing

IV Task Force Timeline:

Agree Terms of Reference (send invitation)
19 April

Disseminate general information on hearings
20-30 April

Initial Conference Call of the Task Force:
- Design selection process of participants
21 April

2nd Task Force Meeting/Call:
- Design selection process of participants
- Discuss agenda/format for hearings
28 April

Deadline for submission of nomination form by NGOs, CSOs and private sector organizations interested to participate in the hearings
1 May

3rd Task Force Meeting/Call:
- Prepare for selection of participants and speakers
- Discuss agenda/format for hearings
5 May

Initial List of Participants for Hearings Submitted
8 May
4th Task Force Meeting:
- Follow-up on invitation of selected participants
- Set up short list of replacements (participants)
- Discuss agenda/format for hearings
- Discuss list of speakers for hearings
12 May

5th Task Force Meeting:
- Follow-up on invitation of selected participants
- Follow-up on replacements
- Finalize agenda/format for hearings
- Discuss list of speakers for hearings
19 May

6th Task Force Meeting:
- Follow-up on replacements
- Finalize list of speakers
- Discuss preparatory briefing for hearings
- Communicate to applicants who is invited to participate
31 May

7th Task Force Meeting:
- Finalize format of preparatory briefing
- Follow-up on list of speakers
- Follow-up on list of participants
2 June

Briefing for participants and speakers at the briefing
11 July
GA Informal Interactive Hearings
12 July

8th Task Force Meeting: Postmortem on hearings
Selection of CSO/PS speaker for September High-Level Meeting
Week of 17 July

Civil Society Hearings on Migration: Orientation Hearings

2006-07-07T13:56:00.000+08:00

Civil Society Hearings on Migration
Orientation Meeting, 11 July 2006

The meeting will take place at the Church Center, located at the corner of 44th Street and
1st Avenue, New York, on the second floor and in other rooms, to be requested. No special
building pass is required to enter the building.

The meeting will serve as a preparatory event for NGOs/CSOs/the private sector, prior to
their interactive dialogue with UN Member States at the hearings on 12 July. It will
allow speakers, spokespersons and attendees to be briefed on the background, logistics
and organizational aspects of the hearings, on their respective roles, and on strategies to
enhance their participation. The objective is to ensure that the Hearings become an
important entry point for NGOs/CSOs/the private sector, into the High Level Dialogue on
International Migration and Development, to be held at UN Headquarters on 14-15 September 2006.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for civil society representatives to network
among themselves and with various UN agencies and programmes as well as other
international organizations involved in international migration issues. Speakers and
spokespersons will interact in thematic and regional breakout sessions with other civil
society actors, thereby working towards effective and coordinated messages for
presentation at the Hearings on 12 July and an informal working lunch with several UN
agencies, the IOM and the World Bank will take place from 12.30 to 2.30.

9:30- 10:15 Orientation
Welcoming remarks and general introduction
Vice President of the General Assembly (TBA)
General landscape of migration - background of Secretary General’s Report.
Mr. Gregory Maniatis, DESA (TBA)
Presentation of the Secretary General’s Report
Ms. Hania Zlotnik, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population
Division

10:15-11:00 Objectives and Logistics: Background and expectations for the day
Ms. Gemma Adaba - Task Force Member
Ms. Elisa Peter – United Nations Non Governmental Liaison Service
Ms. Shamina de Gonzaga – Office of the President of the General Assembly

11:15-12:30 p.m. Thematic Breakout Sessions
The sessions will feature small group discussion focused on the themes of the four panels
of the hearings. These are as follows:
Session 1. Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to international migration,
and ensuring respect for and protection of human rights of all migrants and their families.
Session 2. International migration and development – challenges for social and economic
policies in sending and receiving countries.
Session 3. International migration and development cont’d – challenges for social and
economic policies in sending and receiving countries.
Session 4. Policy responses – Promoting the building of partnerships and capacitybuilding and the sharing of best practices at all levels, including the bilateral and regional levels, for the benefit of countries and migrants alike.

12:30-2:30 p.m. Informal Interactive Working Lunch, sponsored by IOM
Lunch will be a round table event featuring tables presided over by representatives from
the International Organization on Migration (IOM), UNIFEM, UNICEF, UNFPA,
UNITAR and the World Bank. The working lunch will provide an opportunity for
participants to learn about the organizations and agencies’ migration-related programmes
and projects and will give participants a chance to network and discuss issues of
importance to them.

2:30-3:45 p.m. Regional Breakout Sessions
Small groups will discuss regional migration concerns.

4:00-5:00 p.m. Plenary Session
Rapporteurs from the breakout sessions will present conclusions and recommendations
from each group.

Notes: The Secretary General’s Report on Migration will serve as the background for all
discussions in both the thematic and regional breakout sessions.
Eight designated facilitators will implement breakout groups, set guidelines, generate
questions for discussion, and keep time. Rapporteurs, who will present the conclusions
and recommendations of their groups at the plenary session that will close the meeting.

Collection and Editing of reports: Rapporteurs from the breakout sessions will be
responsible for production of the conclusions and recommendations of their particular
session. Interns with laptops will facilitate collection, collation and editing of these
reports for distribution to participants at the end of the hearings on July 12.

Click on the link below for more information

http://www.un.org/esa/population/hldmigration/NGO_Hearings.html

Civil Society Organizations Hearings to Prepare for The UNHLD ! ! !

2006-07-07T13:37:00.000+08:00

Informal Interactive Hearings with NGOs, Civil Society and the Private Sector - 12 July 2006

As part of the preparatory activities leading to the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, the General Assembly will hold Informal Interactive Hearings with representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and the private sector on 12 July 2006 at United Nations headquarters in New York. The objective of the Informal Interactive Hearings is to provide an opportunity for NGOs, civil society and the private sector to interact with Member States and offer input for the High-level Dialogue.
“I attach great importance to the Informal Interactive Hearings of the General Assembly with Non-Governmental Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and the Private Sector on International Migration and Development, which will take place on 12 July 2006 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. It is critical that Member States have an exchange of views with a wide range of constituencies, including migrants themselves, when they are preparing for the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development in September.”Kofi AnnanUnited Nations Secretary-General

Secretary General Appoints Peter Sutherland as Special Representative for Migration

2006-07-05T12:19:00.000+08:00

23/01/2006
Secretary-General
SG/A/976 BIO/3735

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

SECRETARY-GENERAL APPOINTS PETER SUTHERLAND AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR MIGRATION

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is delighted to announce that Peter Sutherland has agreed to act as his Special Representative to assist in the preparation of the high-level dialogue on international migration and development, to be held by the General Assembly in September.

Mr. Sutherland -- a former Attorney General of Ireland, former European Union Commissioner and former Director-General of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the World Trade Organization -- is currently Chairman of BP plc. He is also an honorary Ambassador for United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and has previously been a member of the Commission on Human Security (the idea for which was launched at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000). He has indicated that he wishes his new assignment to be on a pro bono basis.

The General Assembly has requested the Secretary-General “to prepare a comprehensive overview of studies and analyses on the multidimensional aspects of migration and development, including the effects of migration on economic and social development in developed and developing countries, and on the effects of the movements of highly skilled migrant workers and those with advanced education”, while also addressing short-term and seasonal workers within the context of labour movements. The Secretary-General hopes to provide this overview, drawing on various inputs, including in particular the report and recommendations of the Global Commission on International Migration, at latest by the end of May. He looks forward to benefiting from the advice of Mr. Sutherland, as well as other experts, in the preparation of the overview, and he relies on him to help bring it to the attention of Member States at the highest level during the run-up to the high-level dialogue.

Mr. Sutherland said today: “Migration can be an enormous force for good: one of the great drivers of economic growth, individual liberty and personal prosperity. As such, I am delighted to undertake this assignment for Kofi Annan. The goal is to maximise the benefits of migration and minimise potentially negative impacts.”

See biographical details below:

Peter D. Sutherland is Chairman of BP plc (1997 - current). He is also Chairman of Goldman Sachs International (1995 - current).

Of Irish nationality, he was born on 25 April 1946 and was educated at Gonzaga College, University College Dublin and the King’s Inns. Mr. Sutherland graduated in Civil Law. He was also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States of America. From 1969 to 1981 he practised at the Bar. He is a Bencher of the Middle Temple, London and is an Honorary Bencher of the King’s Inns.

In addition to his Chairmanships listed above, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, and is associated with the following organizations: Trilateral Commission (Europe), Chairman; World Economic Forum, Foundation Board Member; the European Institute (United States), Director; Chief Executive’s Council of International Advisers, Hong Kong; the Federal Trust, President; Chairman of the Consultative Board of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization; and Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (2 March 2005).

Prior to his current position, Mr Sutherland served as: Attorney General of Ireland (1981-1984); European Commissioner responsible for Competition Policy (1985-1989); Chairman of Allied Irish Banks (1989-1993); and Director-General of the World Trade Organization, formerly GATT (1993-1995).

His awards include an honorary Knighthood (United Kingdom 2004), the Gold Medal of the European Parliament (1988), the First European Law Prize (Paris 1988), the David Rockefeller International Leadership Award (1998), the Grand Cross of Civil Merit (Spain 1989), the Grand Cross of King Leopold II (Belgium 1989), the New Zealand Commemorative Medal (1990), Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (France 1993) Commandeur du Wissam (Morocco 1994) the Order of Rio Branco (Brazil 1996) and the Grand Cross of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique (Portugal 1998). He was also presented with the Robert Schuman Medal for his work for European Integration. Furthermore, he received the European Person of the Year Award (1988), the Irish People of the Year Award (1989), the Consumer for World Trade Annual Award (1994) for distinguished service, and the Dean’s Medal (1996) from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

He has received 14 honorary doctorates from universities in Europe and America. He was awarded an honorary fellowship of the London Business School in recognition of his contribution to business and trade (1997).

His publications include the book Premier Janvier 1993 ce qui va changer en Europe (1989) and numerous articles in law journals. He chaired the Committee that reported to the European Economic Community (EEC) Commission on the functioning of the Internal Market after 1992 (the Sutherland Report).

Mr Sutherland is married and has three children. His leisure interests include reading and sport.

For the Official UN announcement click on the link below:

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sga976.doc.htm

Organization of the High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development

2006-07-05T12:05:00.000+08:00

United Nations A/60/864

General Assembly Distr.: General

26 May 2006
Original: English
06-36555 (E) 010606

*0636555*

Sixtieth session
Agenda item 54 (c)

Globalization and interdependence: international
migration and development

Organization of the High-level Dialogue on
International Migration and Development

United Nations Headquarters, 14 and 15 September 2006

Note by the Secretary-General

I. Introduction

1. The General Assembly, in its resolution 58/208 of 23 December 2003, decided
to devote a high-level dialogue to international migration and development in 2006
during its sixty-first session, in accordance with the rules and procedures of the
Assembly, with modalities to be decided upon. In the same resolution it requested
the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its sixtieth session on the
organizational details of the High-level Dialogue. This request was reconfirmed by
the Assembly in its resolution 59/241 of 22 December 2004.

2. At its sixtieth session, the General Assembly, in its resolution 60/227 of
23 December 2005, decided to convene the High-level Dialogue on International
Migration and Development in New York on 14 and 15 September 2006 to discuss
the overall theme of the multidimensional aspects of international migration and
development in order to identify appropriate ways and means to maximize its
development benefits and minimize its negative impacts.
3. In the same resolution the General Assembly decided that the High-level
Dialogue would consist of four plenary meetings and four interactive round tables,
within existing resources. It further decided on the organization and themes for the
four round tables.

4. Recognizing the importance of the contribution of civil society in the
preparatory process of the High-level Dialogue, the General Assembly decided to
hold, within existing resources, one-day informal interactive hearings with
representatives of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and
the private sector.

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A/60/864

5. The General Assembly invited the President of the General Assembly, within
existing resources, in consultation with Member States, and with the assistance of
the Secretariat, to organize prior to the High-level Dialogue up to two panel
discussions with a focus on its overall theme.

6. The General Assembly also invited relevant United Nations agencies, funds
and programmes, as well as the International Organization for Migration, to
contribute to the preparation of the High-level Dialogue.

7. The General Assembly further invited the regional commissions to contribute
to and coordinate dialogue at the regional level in preparation for the High-level
Dialogue, and also invited appropriate regional consultative processes and other
major initiatives undertaken by Member States in the field of international migration
to contribute to the High-level Dialogue.

8. The General Assembly reiterated that the outcome of the High-level Dialogue
would be a Chairperson’s summary, which would be widely distributed to Member
States, observers, United Nations agencies and other appropriate organizations.

9. In addition, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to prepare
a note on the organization of work of the High-level Dialogue. The present note is in
response to that request.

II. Organizational arrangements

A. Plenary meetings

10. The High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development will
consist of four plenary meetings, as follows:
Thursday, 14 September 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to
6 p.m. Friday, 15 September 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

11. Introductory statements will be made by the President of the General
Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council and the
Secretary-General at the opening of the plenary meeting on Thursday morning,
14 September.

12. The High-level Dialogue will be open to the participation of Member States,
which are invited to participate at the ministerial or highest level possible; the Holy
See, in its capacity as Observer State, and Palestine, in its capacity as observer, the
International Organization for Migration, as well as other intergovernmental entities
and organizations having received a standing invitation to participate as observers in
the sessions and the work of the General Assembly and the relevant United Nations
agencies, funds and programmes. Participation will be in accordance with the rules
of procedure of the General Assembly.

13. In order to accommodate all the speakers, statements will be limited to four
minutes, on the understanding that that would not preclude the distribution of more
extensive texts.

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14. Summaries of the deliberations of the four round tables will be presented
orally by the chairpersons of the round tables at the concluding plenary meeting of
the High-level Dialogue (see also para. 24).

B. Interactive round tables

15. The High-level Dialogue will hold four interactive round tables, as follows:
Thursday, 14 September 2006, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Round table 1: Effects of international migration on economic and
social development.

Round table 2: Measures to ensure respect for and protection of the
human rights of all migrants, and to prevent and combat
smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.
Friday, 15 September 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Round table 3: Multidimensional aspects of international migration and
development, including remittances.

Round table 4: Promoting the building of partnerships and capacitybuilding
and the sharing of best practices at all levels,
including the bilateral and regional levels, for the benefit
of countries and migrants alike.

16. The four round tables will have 40 to 48 seats each for heads of delegation and
other participants in the round tables. Each head of delegation attending a round
table may be accompanied by one adviser.

17. All other participants in the High-level Dialogue will be able to follow the
proceedings of the round tables via a closed-circuit television in the overflow
rooms.

18. The chairpersons of the four round tables shall be Ministers from the African
States, the Eastern European States, the Latin American and Caribbean States, and
the Western European and other States. Those four chairpersons shall be selected by
their respective regional groups in consultation with the President of the General
Assembly.

19. The composition of the four round tables will be subject to the principle of
equitable geographical distribution. Thus, for each regional group, the distribution
of its members for participation in each round table shall be made in the following
manner:

(a) African States: 11 Member States;
(b) Asian States: 11 Member States;
(c) Eastern European States: five Member States;
(d) Latin American and Caribbean States: seven Member States;
(e) Western European and other States: six Member States.

20. Each delegation will be requested to indicate its preference for one of the
round tables to the chairperson of its respective regional group. Space permitting,

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delegations may be able to attend more than one round table. The chairpersons of
each regional group shall communicate to the President of the General Assembly
which of its members wishes to participate in each round table, ensuring that
equitable geographical distribution is maintained and allowing for some flexibility.
Member States are encouraged to be represented at the round tables at the highest
possible level.

21. A Member State that is not a member of any of the regional groups may
participate in a round table to be determined in consultation with the President of
the General Assembly. The Holy See, in its capacity as Observer State, and
Palestine, in its capacity as observer, the International Organization for Migration,
as well as other intergovernmental entities and organizations having received a
standing invitation to participate as observers in the sessions and the work of the
General Assembly may each participate in a round table to be determined in
consultation with the President of the General Assembly.

22. Each round table may accommodate up to four heads of entities of the United
Nations system, determined in consultation with the President of the General
Assembly.

23. Pursuant to resolution 60/227, representatives of non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, civil
society organizations and the private sector, one from each grouping having been
selected during the informal interactive hearings, may also participate in each of the
round tables of the High-level Dialogue. The President of the General Assembly
will determine the list of such representatives, taking into account the principle of
equitable geographical representation, in consultation with Member States (see also
para. 36).

24. Summaries of the deliberations of the four round tables will be presented
orally by the chairpersons of the round tables at the concluding plenary meeting of
the High-level Dialogue (see also para. 14).

25. The round tables will be closed to the media and the general public.
C. Panel discussions

26. The panel discussions will take place as follows:

Panel discussion 1: Thursday, 8 June 2006, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
in New York

Panel discussion 2: Tuesday, 4 July 2006, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
in Geneva

27. The panellists will be selected by the President of the General Assembly. They
may include heads of relevant United Nations agencies, funds, programmes and
regional commissions, as well as the International Organization for Migration.

28. The panel discussions will be open to the participation of Member States, the
Holy See, in its capacity as Observer State, Palestine, in its capacity as observer, and
other intergovernmental entities and organizations having received a standing
invitation to participate as observers in the sessions and the work of the
General Assembly.
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29. Representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with
the Economic and Social Council, civil society organizations and the private sector
may also attend the panel discussions.

D. Informal interactive hearings

30. The one-day informal interactive hearings with representatives of
non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector
will be held on Wednesday, 12 July 2006, and will be presided over by the President
of the General Assembly.

31. The hearings will consist of two meetings. Each meeting will comprise two
sequential segments and will consist of brief presentations by invited participants
from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private
sector.

32. Following the presentations, there will be an interactive discussion with
alternate interventions from Member States and invited participants from
non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector.
Those intervening will be requested to identify themselves prior to their intervention
and will be allowed a maximum of two minutes each to speak.

33. The meetings shall take place as follows:
Wednesday, 12 July 2006, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Segment 1: Promoting a comprehensive rights-based approach to
international migration, and ensuring respect for and
protection of the human rights of all migrants and their
families.

Segment 2: International migration and development — challenges
for social and economic policies in sending and
receiving countries.
Wednesday, 12 July 2006, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Segment 3: International migration and development — challenges
for social and economic policies in sending and
receiving countries (continued).

Segment 4: Policy responses — promoting the building of
partnerships and capacity-building and the sharing of
best practices at all levels, including the bilateral and
regional levels, for the benefit of countries and migrants
alike.

34. The hearings will be open to the participation of accredited representatives of
non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, the private sector,
Member States and observers of the General Assembly.

35. The President of the General Assembly will determine the list of invited
participants and the exact format and organization of the hearings, in consultation
with Member States and representatives of non-governmental organizations in

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consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, civil society
organizations and the private sector.

36. Pursuant to resolution 60/227, representatives of non-governmental
organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, civil
society organizations and the private sector, one from each grouping having been
selected during the informal interactive hearings, may also participate in each of the
round tables of the High-level Dialogue. The President of the General Assembly
will determine the list of such representatives, taking into account the principle of
equitable geographical representation, in consultation with Member States (see also
para. 23).

37. A summary of the hearings will be prepared by the President of the
General Assembly prior to the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and
Development.

For the PDF version of the above text pls. click on the link below:

http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N06/365/55/PDF/N0636555.pdf?OpenElement

For the official website of the UN High Level Dialogue please click on the link below:

http://www.un.org/esa/population/hldmigration/

UN High Level Dialogue

2006-07-04T18:03:00.000+08:00

The High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development will take place on 14 and 15 September 2006 in New York at UN Headquarters. In its resolution 58/208 of 23 December 2003, the General Assembly decided to devote a high-level dialogue to international migration and development during its sixty-first session in 2006. The purpose of the high-level dialogue is to discuss the multidimensional aspects of international migration and development in order to identify appropriate ways and means to maximize its development benefits and minimize its negative impacts. Additionally, the high-level dialogue should have a strong focus on policy issues, including the challenge of achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).