On International Migrants Day 2009

18 December 2009

Migrants are more often than not at the bottom of the society in times of financial crisis, while their families back home barely notice the difference!  While the costs of money transfers remain high and other financial impositions on migrants continue, migration has never been more linked with development than in the last decade. While some recognition of migrants’ socio-economic contributions has been achieved, the number of human rights violations on migrants in many countries cannot be denied.   

Within a rights-based framework, the Diaspora Forum for Development (DFD) marks  International Migrants Day 2009 in three-fold ways: Tune in on Radio1812, Take-A-Day-Off campaign and by holding a Dialogue with Civil Society on Migrant Rights.

Started in 2006, Radio1812 “is a global event that brings together migrant groups and radios from around the world to produce, broadcast and share programmes celebrating the achievements and highlighting the concerns of migrants worldwide’. In 2008 a total of 175 radio stations from 48 countries in 4 continents participated, ranging from community radio stations to national and international public broadcasters.  .

DFD encourages migrants to “take a day off” on December 18, 2009. The campaign aims to celebrate successes and contributions of migrants. Aside from their socio-political participation in host countries, diaspora philanthropy is getting prevalent; and a significant number of migrant organizations already engage in development projects and partnerships.

The IMD celebration culminates in a Dialogue with Civil Society on Migrant Rights to be held at the Vergadercentrum Hoogbrabant in Utrecht from 12.30 to 17.00 hours. The Dialogue gathers representatives of migrant organizations, development agencies, funding agencies, churches, unions, academe and policy makers to share insights and proposals on the issue of migrant rights.

DFD seeks compassion and appeals for solidarity from the Dutch Civil Society to reflect on the current prejudices against migrants as well as come out with proposals to make migrant organizations more visible and their contributions recognized.

One issue to look into is regularizing some undocumented but qualified migrant workers, like what is being done in Belgium and in other European countries. Another thing is the signing of the UN Convention for the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and their Families.

For more information:
Telephone: 06 57432064 / 015 2850663
E-mail: dfdmigrantrights@gmail.com
Website: www.d-f-d.org