Migrant Forum in Asia
Telefax: +632.8277.9484 | Mobile: +63.921.540.5063
Email: mfa@mfasia.org | Website: www.mfasia.org

Report A Violation

Regional Consultation on Root Causes and Drivers of Migration

Participants of the Regional Consultation on Root Causes and Drivers of Migration

The Migrant Forum in Asia network has worked in monitoring the progress of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and had organized a series of consultations leading up to the process of adopting the 2030 Agenda. The consultations challenged the predominant discourse on migration and development, known to be narrowly focused on the economic aspect, as it shifts the discourse away from human and labour rights, and waives State responsibility to development. Discussions affirmed that governments’ efforts to engage with the root causes and drivers of migration need to be realized for genuine development.

The second objective of the global compact for migration is on: Minimizing the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin. The current economic model that has created societies with a gap of this nature has deemed movement a necessity, and not a choice. The lack of opportunities for decent jobs and sustainable life at home plays a huge factor to people moving. In hopes to sustain them and their families and to allow them to realize their dreams and aspirations, people often have the urge to move or migrate to achieve this.

Different actors and stakeholders attempted to create solutions and address some of these problems. However, researches and discourses show that a lot of it are short-term solutions and only address the symptoms of the problem and not the cause. There must be sustainable alternatives and long-term planning that takes into consideration the various social, economic, political, and environmental aspects of development with a human rights- based approach.

It is in line with this that MFA organized the consultation on root causes and drivers of migrationon 29 – 30 October 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka with thirty (30) participants from civil society. The consultation aimed at:

  1. Looking at root causes from a perspective of development, labour, gender, and humanrights.
  2. Understanding the linkages of development issues and drivers of migration3. Working in collaboration with human rights and development organisations (includingpeasant organizations) in building advocacy around the issue.

The consultation intended to look at development—its deficits and implications on human rights, labour, and gender. Moving forward, the consultation also tackled possible alternatives and building resilience on the adverse effects of development. In line with following through the recommendations of the Global Compact for Migration on “whole of society approach”, MFA worked with development organisations and peasant organizations in organising the program. Participants included MFA members and partners from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

Please find below photos from the consultation.

For more information please contact William Gois of the MFA Secretariat at: mfa@mfasia.org

About Us

MFA is a regional network of non-government organizations (NGOs), associations and trade unions of migrant workers, and individual advocates in Asia who are committed to protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers.

It is guided by a vision of an alternative world system based on respect for human rights and dignity, social justice, and gender equity, particularly for migrant workers.

Regional Secretariat

25 Matiyaga Street,
Central District, Diliman,
Quezon City 1100
Philippines

Phone: +63-2-8277-9484
Mobile: +639215405063

Social Media

Email: mfa@mfasia.org
Website: www.mfasia.org
Facebook: migrantforumasia

Featured Campaign