The UN Migrant Convention Coming Into Force… What Now ??
Migrant Forum in Asia in coordination with Kanlungan Center for Migrants’
Rights, Kakammpi( Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-anak ng Migranteng Manggagawang
Pilipino, Inc., Unlad-Kabayan Migrant Services Foundation, Inc., Global
Filipinos, Daughters of Charity, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Overseas
Filipino Communitites, Migrante Anak Pamilya Foundation, Inc., and Women’s
Legal Buresu, Inc. decided to organize a forum on July 25, 2003 at the University
of Philippines, Bahay ng Alumni.
The forum had a two-pronged objective:
To celebrate the coming into force of the UN Convention on the Protection
of Migrant Workers’ Rights on July 1, 2003 and at the same time analyze
the strengths and shortcomings of the stated UN Convention. Speakers came
from both the government and non-government sectors. Representing the government
sector were Hon. Heherson T. Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino
Communities and Hon. J. Apolinario L. Lozada, Jr. whose message was read
by his representative. Responses from the non-government sectors came from
two well – known advocates of the migrant workers’ rights: Prof.
Mary Lou Alcid and Ma. Angela Villalba. Emily Vicente, representing migrant
workers’ families shared her personal experience and reflections on
the UN Convention.
The following issues and concerns were raised during the
forum: 1. The Convention may be a victory after more than a decade
of struggle for its ratification since its adoption in 1990 but may not
be able to protect migrant workers stationed in countries which have not
ratified it.
2. Countries which ratified the convention were primarily from countries
where many migrant workers originate or the so called sending countries.
Countries which have been receiving many migrant workers refrained from
ratification the convention, this situation raised the fear among those
present that the Convention might just be a paper tiger.
3. The Convention is ambiguous when discussing the rights of seafarers,
seafarers in the audience felt that the Convention marginalizes them. The hall where the forum was held was packed with more
than a hundred people from migrant workers’ organizations, organizations
of migrant workers’ families, advocates, students and media people.
The forum was capped by cocktails and further sharing among those who
attended the forum.
Migrant Forum in Asia
Regional Secretariat, 9B Mayumi Street, UP Teachers' Village,
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel: 632-433-3508; Fax: 632-433-1292; mfa@pacific.net.hk
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