e. Establishing shelters for migrants in distress in destination countries preferably
within embassies and other diplomatic outposts. Outposts can also ensure a more
responsive and comprehensive hotline program, as s'ell as ensure the presence of
psychologists, social workers and human rights personnel in shelters. Particularly
benefiting would be victims of violence against \\'onen sho can stay to ensure
the prosecution of cases against perpetrators.
6)
Create a more comprehensive policy for migrant returnees and immediately
implement concrete and effective measures for their reintesratiern: job security,
livelihood, counseling, support for the families, and others-
7)
Provide financial and political support to advocacies tbr migrant rights with
particular stress on concerns of women and children migrants. r'iolence against
women, victims of illegal recruitment, and trafficking and HIV victims. Resources
for related services are vital and must be ensured.
Specific recommendations for the Phitippine government
l)
The Philippine goverrrment is particularly urged to nnke a paradi,em shift from
aggressively marketing Filipino labor to concretelv addressing the root causes of
forced migration. One important expression is the adoption of a genuine migrants
charter with a more appropriate framework than cheap labor e\port.
2)
Review current schemes for monitoring migrant ri_ehts and selthre. identify
weaknesses and problems in current monitoring slstems. propose and implement
concrete resolutions. There is already standing legislation mandatin-e a
comprehensive inter-agency monitoring scheme.
3)
Ensure the swift prosecution of violators of migrants'rights especially, but not only,
illegal recruiters and traffickers. The government can u'ork more closely with the
CHR to identify barriers in the low rate of prosecution of ille_sal recruiters and
traffickers.
4)
Ensure that OWWA funds serve the needs of OFWs and their families through
concrete services and benefits including medical assistance. burial, repatriation,
social security, pensions and other welfare essentials.
s)
Create a national inter-agency/inter-disciplinary body' to revieu. current policies and
legislations that are inimical to the rights and welfare of OF\\-s (such as the
scrapping of the OWWA Omnibus Policies), to exchange information and coordinate
on data-gathering, and to come up with recommendations on hou' to address the
various problems of migrants rights violations especially its root causes. This body
can include among others the CHR, representatives from genuine rnigrants
organizations and institutions, social work institutions, health professionals, and
academics.
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