SEANF Paper on Migrant Workers
the SEANF recommends the Government to perform regular performance
audits of overseas government personnel and agencies dealing with migration
issues.
101. The SEANF believes that there must be an effective system of outreach to
migrants in trouble overseas, led by the Embassies and supported by all the
key agencies working with migrants. The SEANF recommends that the
Government establishes shelters for migrants in distress in destination
countries, and notes that for security reasons, those shelters should preferably
be within embassies and/or diplomatic outposts, such as a dedicated facility
under the protection of the embassy. Shelters should have necessary personnel
trained in a variety of skills related to human rights and victim support, with
expertise in psychology, social work, legal assistance, and human rights advocacy.
Support/outreach by shelter staff operating a hot-line should be implemented.
102. The SEANF finds that the efficiency, relevance and significance of Philippine
government policies on reintegration remain in doubt. More than paperprograms, the SEANF urges adoption of realistic and effective mechanisms to
ensure employment, business opportunities and family and community
reintegration programs to the migrant workers. The SEANF concurs with
the findings of the CMW in its review of the Philippines record on ICRMW that
the existing reintegration programs must be strengthened and provided
with sufficient budget resources to operate effectively, and innovative
approaches developed in skills development, entrepreneurship training and
micro-credit programs that ensure successful reintegration to the Philippines
and obviate the need for future migration.
103. The SEANF agrees with the recommendation of the CMW about the critical
importance of expanding human rights education and information campaigns
for officials (such as consular officials, border police officers, social workers,
judges and prosecutors) working with migrant workers, and for the migrant
workers themselves. Migrant worker orientation and pre-departure seminars
should employ the rights-based approach, and have clear objectives, country
specific information, and nationwide reach. The SEANF recommends that
education programs should be carried out with civil society organizations and
representatives of the media, to ensure it reaches the grass-roots communities
where intending migrant workers are located.
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