Impact of cross-border migration discussed

Today, out of 191 million people living outside their home countries worldwide, about 58 million or one third live in the Asian and Pacific region. International migration is becoming part of the region’s economic, social and political fabric. In view of the growing importance of the issue, a side-event on the Gender Dimensions of International Migration and preparation for the high-level Dialogue on International Migration 2006 took place as part of the 62nd session of ESCAP’s Commission held in Jakarta. The event which attracted over 250 participants was held on 12 April and was organized jointly by the Indonesian Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Regional Thematic Working Group on International Migration, including Human Trafficking.

Migrant workers from Myanmar working in a garment factory in Thailand (Photograph by Han Htay Aung)

The event was aimed at highlighting key issues concerning the gender dimension of migration from the perspective of both source and destination countries, raise awareness of gaps and challenges as well as role of regional cooperation in the effective management of migration. It provided a timely opportunity to discuss updates on migration trends, its link with economic, social and human resources development, and differential impact on men and women.
Opening the event, Ms. Mutia Hatta Swasono, Minister of Women Empowerment, Indonesia commented: “To a country like Indonesia, the economic contributions of women, who form the majority of migrant workers, are very significant. Constituting more than 70 per cent of the country’s 2.8 million migrant workers, they contributed more than US$ 2.9 billion to the Indonesia economy last year… In view of their contributions, it is only fair and just … to give them better protection than they are receiving now”, she said.
Other speakers included representatives from international organizations such as ESCAP, ILO, UNIFEM and IOM, who reported on their preparations for the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development in September.
“With its growing scale and complexity, international migration is emerging as a priority issue that calls for regional and international cooperation on its management. The international community has strengthened its efforts to address international migration issues in order to maximize its benefits while minimizing its negative impacts”, said Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary, ESCAP during his opening speech.
The event took place on the last day of the annual ESCAP Commission Session, which focused on “Enhancing Regional Cooperation in Infrastructure Development, including that related to Disaster Management”.