Message O n July 5, 1995 the Republic of the Philippines ratified the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their families, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers Convention. The Philippines is the fifth State party to voluntarily commit itself to work for the realization of the provisions of the Convention as applied to Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families as well as to all other migrant workers and their families in the Philippines. Ellene Sana Executive Director Center for Migrant Advocacy The Convention represents the comprehensive set of human rights of all migrant workers –both documented and those in irregular status-- and members of their families. It sets the minimum universally-accepted human rights standards on the protection of migrants and their families. The Philippines is regarded by the international community as a model for protection policies for migrant workers. Not only has it ratified the Convention and all other related Conventions of both the UN and ILO. It has also nominated labour organizations and put in place programs and services to comply with this commitment. It is observed however that despite serious efforts by the State and civil society organizations and like minded groups, countless OFWs continue to experience various forms of abuse and exploitation at every stage in the migration cycle –from pre-departure, onsite in the destination country and upon return and reintegration back to the Philippines. There is a need for concerted efforts, cooperation and collaboration between and amongst stakeholders –the Philippines and other countries of origin and destination, CSOs and the private sector to comprehensively and effectively address the multifaceted issues that beset the migrant workers and their families. Thus the Center for Migrant Advocacy, as an advocacy NGO for migrants rights, welcomes the Handbook of Rights for Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. This handbook will be a useful resource guide for policy makers and migrants rights advocates, Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, as we continue the advocacy journey to respect, promote and fulfil the human rights of all migrant workers and their families. This latest addition to the Rights Series of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is a fitting tribute to mark the 25th year of the Migrant Workers Convention in 2015. It informs the reader of the level of compliance of the Philippines as a State Party to the Convention. It also identifies relevant recommendations on how to further improve compliance and close the gaps between law and practice. Moreover, it invites and inspires the reader to take part in the global campaign for ratification of the Convention.