IOM, ITUC- Africa, ILO Calls For Ratification Of Conventions For protection Of Migrants
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Regional office of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa ) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have stressed the need to ratify and institutionalize relevant conventions and instruments for the protection of migrants.
They also call for the provision of a wide range of vocational, flexible employment opportunities, decent working conditions and life skills for sustainable livelihood, as well as empower the youths through employment generation activities; and expand and diversify rights-based pathways for migration to address labour market shortages as well as ensure that returns and readmissions are safe, dignified and in full accordance with international laws.
Speaking at the Strategic Session on Coordinating African Trade Unions and Civil Society Organizations Engagement on Migration and Labour Migration Governance in Abuja, Nigeria, the National Project Officer, Labour Migration and Diaspora, at the IOM, Ms Elizabeth POAGE, said the organisation is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the protection of migrants.
According to Ms POAGE, migration has been and will continue to be an important feature of the world. She added that they are key actors across all dimensions of sustainable development as they contribute their knowledge, networks, and skills to build stronger, more resilient communities.
“In 2020, the number of international migrants worldwide was estimated at 281 million (up from 232 million people in 2019), representing around 3.6 per cent of the world population. Migration for employment and its linkage with development has emerged as a global issue which affects most countries in the world, including Nigeria.
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“It is acknowledged that migrants are key actors across all dimensions of sustainable development as they contribute their knowledge, networks, and skills to build stronger, more resilient communities. Through their work, remittances, and the links they build between countries, they reduce poverty, provide vital services, and support families and communities in countries of origin, transit, and destination.
“Given its development potential, the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (SDGs) and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) call for the transformation of migration from the hazardous journey it is today to a safe, regulated, and de-stigmatized circulation of talent and workforce to achieve key development outcomes at home and abroad”.
“IOM remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the protection of migrants.
“IOM believes that Civil Society Organizations, Trade Union and Employers have a huge role to play in ensuring compliance with the implementation of migration policies and ensuring that the migration agenda reflects existing international legal standards for the protection of migrants, as the GCM considers them as full partners for the achievement of a safe, orderly, and regular migration at the regional and global level”.
Also, in his remarks, the Deputy General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Comrade Joel Odigie said the plights of African migrants is a worrisome situation that requires trade unions and their allies should take action.
He said covid-19 has further widened the situation, as irregular migration, trafficking and smuggling of human beings constitute major challenges to the protection of human and labour rights.
According to him, the war in Ukraine has also unearthed how African migrants are treated differently.
The International Labour Organisation(ILO) senior specialist at the Abuja office, Inviolata Chinyangarara however calls for partnership among stakeholders to achieve her goals.
Speaking on Effective Strategies for implementing ATUMNET 2022-24 Action Plan, Ms Chinyangarara listed 7 pillars of a strategic action plan which include ” organisation and coordination, Research and analysis, Advocacy and campaign, collaboration, partnership and engagement.
Others are aggressive organising, building capacity and monitoring and documentation – knowledge management.
