Asian Migrants Demand Rights, Dignity and Solidarity Statement for the 4th Colombo Process
— April 19, 2011We, the participants of the Civil Society Consultation for the 4th Colombo Process organized by Migrant Forum in Asia on 17-18 April 2011 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, coming from 14 countries of labour sending and receiving states, welcome the revival of the Colombo Process Ministerial Conference taking place in Dhaka on 19-21 April 2011. The 4th Colombo Process, with the theme “Migration with Dignity,” shows the renewed commitment of labor-sending and receiving countries to improve interstate cooperation on labor migration, strengthen protection of the rights of migrant workers and optimize information sharing.
Having considered the recommendations of governments who took part in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 Colombo Process Ministerial Meetings, we remind governments participating in the 4th Colombo Process that it is imperative to evaluate the progress that they have made since then.
We note the invitation of the government of Bangladesh for civil society participation in this year’s Process. In succeeding meetings, however, we look forward to a more meaningful engagement in all stages of the process including the preparations, actual meetings and the follow ups.
Based on the consultations we have had over the last year with migrant groups across the region, and the deliberation of the last two days, we submit the following observations and recommendations on the issues dwelt upon in previous meetings of the Colombo Process:
Read the full recommendations in Asian Migrants Demand Rights, Dignity and Solidarity Statement for the 4th Colombo Process
NOTE: This statement is read in conjunction with “Protecting Asian Migrants’ Rights: Recommendations to Governments of the Colombo Process,” a joint statement with Human Rights Watch and CARAM Asia.