Dichiarazione Internazionale per la Giornata Internazionale dei Migranti 18 Dicembre 2006

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

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[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

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]

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[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

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]

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[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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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 ! ! !

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

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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A/60/864
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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A/60/864
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.