Migrants' Challenge to the GFMD

An International Assembly of Migrants, Refugees and Advocates

October 28-30, 2008
Manila, Philippines

ANNOUNCEMENT


Migrants from all over the world will gather in Manila on October 28-30, 2008 and will speak for themselves when the inter-government-led Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) holds its second session to discuss about issues surrounding migration and development. This concerted voice is the Migrants' Challenge to the GFMD.

This international assembly of migrants, refugees and advocates is organized by the International Alliance of Migrants (IMA), Migrante International (Philippines), Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM-HK) IBON Foundation (Philippines) and BAYAN (New Patriotic Alliance-Philippines). IMA is the first-ever global alliance of more than a hundred grassroots associations, organizations, unions, networks and alliances of migrant workers, immigrants, refugees and displaced peoples.

The international gathering aims to: 1) to develop awareness on the GFMD process and discuss and analyze critical issues surrounding the GFMD agenda ; 2) critically discuss and analyze the impact of neoliberal globalization and its devices, strategies and policies (i.e. labor export policy) on the lives of migrants, refugees and their families; 3) build the process of attaining the migrant consensus as the legitimate and genuine platform of migrants to the GFMD; and 4) help strengthen the unity and solidarity among migrants, refugees and advocates.

The theme for the International Assembly is - "Migrants' Challenge to the GFMD: End poverty, ensure jobs at home, stop forced migration! Uphold and Protect the rights of Migrants and Refugees!

The three-day International Assembly shall hold a conference, workshops, a speak-out (co-organized with Asia Pacific Forum of Women in Law and Development or APWLD) and other activities. Please see attached concept paper and indicative program for details.

There shall be a registration of USD 100 for each participant to cover for food, accommodation, conference and mobilization expenses. The venue for IAMR will be announced soon.

For inquiries, please write to the secretariat at this email address: iamr.sect.08@gmail.com. You may also call the organizing committee and secretariat at the following numbers:

+632-927-6981 (attn: Joy Sison)
+632-421-0708 (attn: Rina Anastacio)


"For many years, many have spoken on our behalf.
This time, we will speak for ourselves."