PHL Championed Interests of Labor Sending States at the UN Consultations on Irregular Migration 

Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva delivers the Philippine interventions at the 6th Thematic Consultations on global compact on safe, orderly and regular migration (GCM) in Geneva, Switzerland. With him is DOLE Assistant Secretary Joji Aragon, member of the DOLE Technical Working Group on GCM

20 October 2017 GENEVA – The Philippine delegation at the 6th Thematic Consultations on safe, orderly and regular migration held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva October 12 to 13, led by Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva stressed the importance of the recognition of the principle of shared responsibility of States in addressing irregular migration.

Ambassador Garcia, speaking in behalf of the Colombo Process, pointed out that “there should be a universal recognition that comprehensive orientations for migrant workers and their families at the appropriate stages of migration.”

“This would empower them to make informed decisions to maximize the benefits of safe, decent and regular labor migration, reduce their vulnerability in countries of destination, and facilitate their workplace and social integration,” he added.

Ambassador Garcia also stressed that the recommendations put forward by the Philippines are in the spirit of promoting the principle of shared responsibility in pursuit of doable outcomes among of countries of origins, transit and destination. He added that the GCM should be “desirous that international cooperation would be a norm in international migration in international migration governance.”

The two day 6th GCM Thematic Consultations is focused on addressing irregular migration and enhancing regular pathways to migration.

The Colombo Process is a regional consultative process among 12 Asian countries on management of overseas employment and contractual labor for countries of origins in Asia. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam are the current member States of the Colombo Process. END