Home > Pinoy Abroad > Top Stories Seal labor pacts, not just consensus in GFMD - NGO

The second Global Forum for Migration and Development (GFMD), which will be held in the Philippines in October, must be used as an occasion to clinch bilateral labor agreements with countries hosting overseas Filipino workers, a non-government organization said Thursday.

The Kapisanan ng mga Kamag-anak ng Migranteng Manggagawang Pilipino, Inc. (Kakammpi) is urging the Philippine government to focus on sealing labor deals as it hosts the GFMD because mere consensus on some migration issues would not immediately translate into workable protection mechanisms for OFWs.

“Mere talks and consensus forming on some issues confronting migrant workers would just end up as pieces of nonbinding documents that cannot be expected to address the problems of OFWs," said Ma. Fe Nicodemus, executive director of Kakammpi.

Nicodemus was reacting to an earlier statement of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos Jr that by hosting the GFMD the country could expect to reach consensus that might lead to better treatment of OFWs.

“Labor deals with OFW-receiving countries are quickest and surest way to protect our workers abroad. Better understanding on migrant issues among states participating in the GFMD 2008 is desirable, but this cannot give immediate protection for OFWs," Nicodemus said.

In an earlier statement, Conejos said that the Department of Labor and Employment will make sure that the forum will not be another “talk shop" for foreign leaders by taking out ‘politics’ in the meeting and instead invite “high-level policy practitioners" and migration experts in the discussions.

“We are looking for practical solutions for practical problems," said Conejos in a press conference in Makati City after signing a memorandum of agreement designating the Ayala Foundation to head the civil society component of the GFMD.

He noted that the Philippines must show to participating states that the government is serious in safeguarding the welfare of OFWs. Over 192 United Nations-member states are expected to participate in the event in Manila.

Brussels hosted the first global forum on migration in July 2007. - Luis Gorgonio, GMANews.TV

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