ASEAN, EU ADOPT PHILIPPINE PROPOSAL ON PROMOTING AND
PROTECTING MIGRANT WORKERS’ RIGHTS 

22 NOVEMBER 2007 SINGAPORE The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) have adopted the Philippine proposal to explore ways of further intensifying cooperation in promoting and protecting migrant workers rights. 

ASEAN and EU leaders adopted the proposal in the Joint Declaration of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit held during the 13^th ASEAN Summit here. 

In the Declaration, both organizations agreed to “identify possible ways and mechanisms to cooperate to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of migrant workers.” 

Describing the Declaration as “another significant step forward for the Philippines’ advocacy of upholding, promoting and protecting migrant workers’ rights,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo said ASEAN and EU’s expressed support was “important” as the Philippines strived to “further broaden global collaboration to harness international migration for the benefit of all.” 

Secretary Romulo represented President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the ASEAN-EU 30^th Anniversary Commemorative Summit. 

“People are at the very core of global development.  It is, therefore, necessary that on our collective march towards greater progress and prosperity, we must ensure that no one – especially the most vulnerable sectors – is left behind,” said Secretary Romulo after the adoption of the Declaration. 

“Vulnerable sectors, such as women and children, show the impact of migration on people.  By committing to protect and promote migrant workers rights, we make sure that the human dimension of migration and development are not overlooked,” Secretary Romulo added. 

Secretary Romulo stressed that with greater understanding of migration, “the international community could harness its potentials for the benefit of both sending and receiving states.” 

“It is important for the Philippines and ASEAN to further advance this advocacy and we welcome this latest expression of joint support from ASEAN and EU.  We look forward to engaging more partners in future activities on migration and development,” said Secretary Romulo. 

In 2008, the Philippines will host the 2^nd Global Forum on Migration and Development which will bring Governments, civil society and other relevant sectors together in a single venue to comprehensively discuss ways of addressing global concerns and issues on migration. 

The protection and promotion of migrant workers’ rights was among the key issues advanced by the Philippines during its Chairmanship of the ASEAN.  At the 12^th ASEAN in Cebu, Leaders of the Association agreed on an ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers.   

/Gary