News archives 2014

  • Protection of overseas Filipino workers in countries in conflict, April 21, 2014

This policy brief analyzes the challenges of the Philippine government with respect to the repatriation of OFWs from Syria. It aims to enhance policy formulation and implementation regarding the repatriation of Filipinos in conflict torn countries. The brief starts with a short background of the conflict in Syria, followed by explaining the response of the Philippine government and the repatriation process. Click here

  • CMA reports to the UN Committee on Migrant Workers on the implementation of the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, April 16, 2014

As a requirement of the Convention on Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the State Party is obliged to report every 5 years to the UN Committee on Migrant Workers to monitor the compliance of the Convention. In this second periodic review, the UN CMW identifies a list of issues that need to be addressed by the respective states. The Philippine State must submit a report to reply to these issues. Likewise, the Civil Society, Trade Unions and the Commission on Human Right is invited to submit a parallel report responding to these issues. Among other organizations, CMA has submitted its report. For more information on the reporting procedure and the corresponding reports of the UN Committee on Migrant Workers, the State Response and the Civil Society Responses please click here.

  • CMA publishes policy note on the protection of OFWs in countries of conflict, focussing on Syria, April 16, 2014

Civil conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region threatens the lives and welfare of thousands of overseas Filipinos. To date over 5 thousand have been repatriated from war torn Syria. The government faces unprecedented challenges in the repatriation operation from Syria. Migrants in particular are vulnerable to various forms of abuse and exploitation in countries of destination. Conflicts worsens the vulnerabilities experienced by migrant workers. Despite the repatriation of 5 thousand Filipinos, many remain in Syria. the government faces unprecedented challenges to the repatriation operations. CMA has published a policy brief that analyses, the Philippine government’s response to the conflict and formulates recommendations including the implementation of a information system on migrant workers, encouraging a  proactive approach, improving bilateral, regional and international cooperation with assistance of the civil society, tailoring reintegration programs to the needs of repatriates and streamlining, and simplifying policy coherence. To download the brief please click here.

  • A preparatory consultation with civil society on the Global Forum for Migration and Development, March 18, 2014

In preparation for the 7th  Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Stockholm, Sweden, the Center for Migrant Advocacy, in coordination with Migrant Forum in Asia and supported by CCFD – Terre Solidaire organized a consultation with Civil Society Organizations and Government Agencies to discuss the role of the Philippines and the Civil Society in the coming GFMD. The GFMD is a state led, non binding, informal dialogue on the global implications of migration on development. Presentations by CMA and Migrant Forum in Asia analysed previous GFMDs, the civil society participation in the forum and the global platforms for civil society to participate in migration and development. The presentation were followed by a workshop intended to formulate issues that should be addressed by the Philippine representatives in the coming GFMD

  • CMA publishes policy note on Filipino au pair migration to Europe, March 19, 2014

Responding to reports of exploitation, abuse and even physical violence, CMA initiated research into the programs governing au pair migration and protection in Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. The mostly unregulated au pair programs provides limited protection and have not deterred violence against Filipinos. European household have misused the program as a tool to attract cheap domestic labor. The outdated policies and legislation both in the Philippines as well as Europe have proved to be insufficient and inadequate to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino au pairs in Europe.  Based upon a comprehensive analysis, CMA sets forth recommendations for the Philippine government and the European governments.Among these recommendations CMA urges the European government to formulate and review their policies governing au pair programs, monitor compliance, establish complaint procedures, penalize the misuse of the program, promote dialogue and ensure that the program is respected as a cultural exchange program. CMA urges the Philippine government to coordinate with European governments to report cases of misuse and abuse, mainstream au pair issues in illegal recruitment and human trafficking programs and urge European governments to implement effective complaint procedures.For the full report pleas click here.