Bk June July2003

www. buklodkabayan.ch

NEW SLETTER FFOR OR THE FILIPINO COMMUNIT Y IN GENEV A NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY GENEVA Vol. 4 No. 2

Geneva, Switzerland

Second Steering Committee Excursion

Participants of the Steering Committee Excursion pose in front of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Independence Day ExcursionCelebrating History as one people by Linda B. Cacdac

The 2nd excursion organized by the Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva was a visit to the caves of Vallorbe and the underground river Orbe. This was one of the activities of the Steering Committee in celebration of the 105th Philippine Independence in Geneva. Vallorbe is one of the most important tourist attractions of Switzerland located in the Canton de Vaud. Around 80 persons participated in the excursion – most of whom are members of the Filipino Catholic Community in Geneva (FCCG), headed by their Chairwoman, Tess Baarde. Mother Olivia Racinez, Mother Superior of the Christ the Worker Congregation in the Philippines and Sister Luzviminda, who is based in Geneva, were the guest of honors. Smiling faces filled the two air-conditioned buses hired for the occasion, that left Geneva at about 9:00 a.m. of June 15. Upon arrival at Vallorbe, the participants gathered together and sung the Philippine National Anthem. Blessings was said by Mother Olivia for good weather and camaraderie to reign during the duration of the tour. Croissants and welcome drinks were offered to everybody. Majority of the group visited the caves which some jokingly noted that the caves were well lighted by the flush of cameras from the group trying to catch on film the wonders of the magnificent rock formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the emerald waters of the underground river Orbe. Lunch was served “en vitesse” at the bank of Lake Joux (Lac de Joux) to avoid risk of “eating in the rain”. Everybody brought sumptuous food shared by all. As soon as the last piece of “pakwan” was eaten, the rain started to pour that made the group scamper back to the buses. On the way back to Geneva, the group decided to make an impromptu visit to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Picture taking and discovery of the place ensued during the next two hours. The visit was a bonus for those who have been in Switzerland for over two decades and yet never had the chance to see this sports museum. The trip back to Geneva was stirred by the singing of Tagalog hits led by Sister Luzviminda. All the children were admirably well behaved and their parents should be congratulated. Exhausted but elated – the group had an unforgettable fun-filled day, loaded with good memories and souvenirs. The day was a good respite from the daily routine of a migrant worker’s life. Kudos to the FCCG group for patronizing this activity of the Steering Committee and Nikki Flores for organizing this event. Special thanks to Linda Balawag, Marie Ilao of the Philippine Mission, Presy Andrews, Rudy Guacena and Linda Cacdac of the Steering Committee. Celebration of traditions and history like this truly unites Filipinos into – one group, one family, one people.

June- July 2003

FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN GENEVA HOLDS FREEDOM DAY ACTIVITIES On the occassion of the 105th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of the Philippines, the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva and to the World Trade Organization held a reception at the WHO Restaurant last 12 June 2003. Members of the foreign diplomatic corps, the Secretary of Labor, Patricia Sto.Tomas , Congressman Ruben Torres, and other members of the Philippine Congress, together with members of the Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva attended the traditional yearly cocktails. The Steering Committee for the Filipino Community in Geneva, on the other hand organized a simple Araw ng Kalayaan “merienda-salu-salo” at the John XXIII Parish Center last 14 June 2003. Rody de Guzman, Chairman of the Steering Committee welcomed the Filipino community, while Ambassador Edsel Custudio read the traditional Independence Day message of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Members of the community brought traditional Filipino food like pansit, lumpia, adobo, and dinuguan. The “merienda”- “salu-salo” was followed by a celebration of a mass that was officiated by Father Guy Pineda, a Filipino Catholic priest based in Lausanne. The next day 15 June, some 80 persons joined the Steering Committee excursion in a visit to the caves of Vallorbe and the underground river Orbe. An added side trip was a visit to the Olympic museum in Lausanne. The independence day celebrations were capped by a bowling tournament last 29 June at Thonex Lanes. Raul Aseron won the 1st place in the mens event, while Dindo Quero and Fred Flores, took the 2nd and 3rd places. In the women’s event, Kathleen Bauer took the top spot followed by Boc Formento and Myrna Alcantara.

EDITORIAL Filipinos, Freedom and Fatherland We can indeed be grateful that we can continue to celebrate the independence of our country. And even as a community in the Geneva region, we express our attachment to our country and its people, even from a distance. We join in celebrations that keep noteworthy traditions, values, character and ideals alive. Nonetheless, at a time like this, some wonder and pose the question – Are we really independent? Are we truly free? Certainly, we can consider that our country is politically independent as it is not under the yoke of a colonial power. However, is it another matter for us as a people to be truly free, particularly in socio-economic terms? These are some of the questions that call for reflection. Freedom can be expressed in terms of one’s exercise of choice and ability to lead a meaningful life, in the pursuit of happiness. In this connection, a particular set of people who has a special situation, even a precarious one, is the so-called migrant workers. Many, with the encouragement of the government, venture out of the shores of the country in a search for what is hoped to be is a better quality of life. While remittances assist distant families and the country’s economy, there are also social costs that are being painfully paid – even the tearing asunder of families which are the primary reasons for being a migrant worker in the first place. Let us join those who raise their voices and issue a clarion call for the enhancement of the life of the Filipino migrant workers, that they may truly have freedom even as they are away from the fatherland. (Rody de Guzman)

Buklod Kabayan Published by the Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva

EDITORIAL BOARD Maria Theresa ALMIROL, Rodolfo de GUZMAN, Marian Victoria VILLANUEVA-HERNANDEZ, Erwin POLICAR, Ricardo ROMEA, Joseph SYCIP

STAFF Lea BIASON, Nep CASTILLO, Che-Che DADIVAS, Dennis DE GUZMAN, Raymond FLORES, Bambi GUACENA

CONTRIBUTORS Linda CACDAC, Genevieve GENCIANOS Articles, opinions, letters to the Editors, and other manuscripts should be in Pilipino or English, typed in MS Word and sent to : [email protected] The views and opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva

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MALACAÑAN PALACE Manila INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE Malugod kong binabati ang buong sambayanang Pilipino kabilang ang ating mga world-class Filipino workers sa iba’tibang panig ng daigdig sa pagdiriwang ng ating Ika-105 (isang daan at limang) Araw ng Kasarinlan. Sa paggunita sa proklamasyon ng ating kasarinlan at pagkatatag ng ating Republika noong Hunyo 12, 1898, isaalala natin ang katapangan, kabayanihan at pagbubuwis ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan upang matamo ang kalayaang tinatmasa natin ngayon. Sa gayon, higit nating pagpapahalagahan at pagiibayuhin ang pagganap sa ating tungkuling itaguyod ang isang matatag at masiglang Republika. Today, 105 years after, we face diverse challenges and threats to our democracy that seek to undermine the freedom won for us by our forebears. These are the threats and challenges posed by terrorism, mass poverty, ignorance, graft and corruption, apathy and lack of opportunity for every Filipino to live a life of certainty, prosperity and dignity. We are now called upon to band together as a people to confront these obstacles and move our country forward towards its rightful places in the community of nations. The struggle that won for us our independence must not and did not end in 1898. The country’s independence, and potential for greatness, can only be fully realized if we do our part in continuing the fight to achieve our national aspirations. In celebrating this important occasion, let us thus exhibit the same unity, perseverance and sacrifice as those of our forebears in building a strong Republic, able to succeed amidst the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century and beyond. Let us all, in our individual and collective capacities, contribute to national good. Mabuhay ang Pilipino! Mabuhay aang matatag na Republika ng Pilipinas! Sgd: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Help educate and empower! Donate-a-Book Donate books! If you have English and Pilipino books you have been planning to dispose of, please email us at [email protected], we will gladly pick up these books from your home. The campaign, Help educate and empower! Donate-a-Book, has been launched by the Ugnayan Bayan, the Secretariat of the Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in Geneva. It aims to solicit English and Pilipino books, educational magazines or materials, encyclopaedias and others from the community to be donated to several public school libraries and community centers in the Philippines in order to provide and assist our compatriots with materials and tools needed for their education and empowerment. The books that we will be receiving will be indexed, categorized and posted in our website. These will be compiled together until batches are ready for shipment to the Philippines.

NEWSBRIEFS GARY V. CONCERT IN GENEVA Philippine megastar and pop idol Gary “Pure Energy” Valenciano performed on stage for the Filipino community in Geneva at the Palladium last April 5, 2003. Organized by Buklod Kabayan, the dinner-concert drew a crowd of more than 600 people filling up the concert hall. The multi-faceted performer captivated the audience with his dance and hit songs from most of his numerous music albums which almost always end up in Platinum record citation. Scores of fans lined up the stage offering roses to the megastar. Later, Gary commented that it was the first time he has received that many roses in his entire life. The party continued till the wee hours of the night with Europe’s No. 1 Filipino showband “Speed Limit” taking over the stage.

TAGALOG LESSONS’ SECOND YEAR A SUCCESS The Steering Committee’s “Tagalog Lessons” project has finished another school year. According to project coordinator Ms. Godie Bhend, this year has been a great success. The first batch of students were not only taught the Filipino language, but also Filipino culture and values were promoted and inculcated among them. While the project seem to be a success, Ms. Bhend encourages support from the community in terms of financial support, and also in terms of volunteer teachers, resources and teaching materials. For those interested in supporting this project, please contact Ms. Godie Bhend at 022-796.02-48 or send an e-mail at [email protected]

Balik-Aral turns 3 The Balik-Aral Volunteers Association, an organization of volunteers offering free computer, French and accounting courses to Filipino migrants in Geneva, held a Barn Dance Party at the Salle Communale de Chambésy last June 21, in celebration of its 3rd year anniversary. More than 300 people attended the event. The organizers raised funds by selling tombola tickets, food and drinks. The funds generated by this event will go mainly into securing Balik-Aral’s new headquarters and classroom which will be opened very soon.

FCCG “Barrio Fiesta” Food Sale The Filipino Catholic Community in Geneva (FCCG) held a fundraising “Barrio Fiesta” Food sale last 22 June at the John XXIII Parish Center at 35, Chemin Dr. Adolphe Pasteur, Petit-Saconnex, Geneva. The food sale featured Filipino and Asian delicacies like pork barbecue, spring rolls, chow mein, and native sweets. Gary V.’s pure energy unleashes at the the Palladium in Geneva

International Call for Universal Ratification of the Migrant Workers Convention The UN Migrant Workers Convention enters into force on July 1st after a struggle of more than 10 years by migrants rights activists from across the world. Welcoming this important event, 290 migrants rights organisations, unions, NGOs, and other civil society actors are calling upon their governments to implement this new UN Convention or if they have not yet done so, to ratify this international human rights instrument. (please see statement on page 7)

Among the more than 300 signatories are Swiss-based NGO’s and civil society groups that include ARIS (Anti-Racism Information Service), Association contre le racisme ACOR, SOS Racisme, Collectif de soutien aux Sans-papiers de Genève, Collectif de soutien des Sans-Papiers du canton de Neuchâtel, Solidarité sans frontiers, Kakkampi and the Geneva Forum for Philippine Concerns.

OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING REGISTRATION MOVED The Overseas Absentee Voting registration which was supposed to have started last 5 May to 4 August 2003 as announced, has been moved to 1st August to 30th of September. All qualified Filipino citizens who are not registered as a voter under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as “The Voter Registration Act of 1996,” are called upon to file an application for registration from 1st August up to 30th September 2003 at the Philippine Consulate. The Filipino community in Geneva is encouraged to register and vote during the May 2004 elections.

Members of the FCCG pose for a photo at the Barrio Fiesta Food Sale

Led by its president, Sister Merlyn Arsolon, WCW and its chairperson, Tess Baarde the proceeds of this FCCG fund raising event will go to the following projects: ‘Bahay Pari’ chapel construction (Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines) Workers of Christ the Worker (WCW) Outreach Projects (Pangasinan, Phil.) FCCG Spiritual Activity Program (e.g., Monthly Recollection, annual Retreat). Those interested to be part of FCCG’s activities which include Bible studies, monthly recollections and annual retreats, may get in touch with Sister Merlyn Arsolon by phone at 079 7910803 or with Tess Baarde at 079 34968 24.

CFC holds 9th CLP The Couples for Christ (CFC) -Geneva Chapter held its 9th Christian Life Program (CLP) Seminar at the Ste. Nicholas de Flue and John XXIII Parish Center from the 27th of April to 15th of June. The seminar ran for 5 Sundays from 1:30 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. and interesting talks were given on the following topics: God’s Love, Who is Jesus Christ?, To be a Christian, Faith and Repentance, Loving God, Loving Thy Neighbor, The Christian Family, Life in the Holy Spirit, Receiving the Holy Spirit, and Growing in the Spirit. Some 42 participants, including the first nonFilipino member (an Indian national) completed the CLP and were welcomed to the fold of the CFC.

Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003

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Glimpse – to our history, the places, the people and the events. by Erwin Gabriel Our 105th independence day is but a fitting event for us to take a glimpse of our history. Distance can never lead us astray in celebrating our culture, our history and our people. The Vallorbe trip, is truly reminiscing our country’s independence day. Reading the excerpt of the fun-filled day trip written by Linda, brings me back in time to relive and experience, in a unique Swiss way, the legendary trip of the Katipuneros of the Magdiwang Council. They maneuvered their escape from the overwhelming and fully armed Spanish colonial forces by passing through the underground tunnel stretching from Kawit, Cavite where the Aguinaldo Shrine is located, traversing through the Wakas church and legend has it, even up to the site of the Tejeros Convention which are kilometers away. A visit to these historical places in Cavite, can still give a glimpse of the entrance to these underground tunnels, truly remembering how our great heroes threaded the path to our independence that we celebrate today. Back to the present day, being a native of Cavite, I would seize this opportunity to introduce to you our historical province. Cavite is the birthplace of our Independence Day, which was first celebrated more than a century ago, when our first national anthem was played, and our national flag first raised. Since then it has been a local tradition to gather in the home of General Emilio Aguinaldo to

The Steering Committee of the F ilipino Filipino Community in Geneva invites you to an

ALL FILIPINO BILLIARD TOURNAMENT

Filipino pool players from Bern, Basel, Zurich and other parts of Switzerland are most welcome When:

8 ball event 7 pm, 9 August 2003 Sat.

and

9 ball event 7 pm, 16 August 2003 Sat. Where: Sphere Academie, 82 Rue deLausanne, (Behind Mr. Pickwick) Fee: 20 CHF per participant per tournament

Prizes:

Trophies for 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd places

For reservations, please send your full name (SMS) to @uncc.ch. Rodolfo Guacena at 079/279-8186 or at rguacena@ Maxim um number of par ticipants is set at 32.

celebrate this great event in the country’s history. Above is a glimpse of the Aguinaldo Shrine today. The shrine is located in Kawit, a tagalog word which means hook. Transportation in this area includes commuting with the locally assembled mini buses and our ubiquitous jeepney which has been part of our tradition together with fiesta, karakol, Flores de Mayo and of course, the favorite “adobo”. Equally historical, rich in traditions and home of many of our great heroes, Batangas is our next stop. For us to take a glimpse, of its people, places and events, ala eh, abangan na lang ninyo sa susunod na isyu ng Buklod Kabayan.

Republic of the Philippines

COMMISION ON ELECTIONS MANILA NOTICE OF REGISTRATION AND ELECTION TO ALL FILIPINO CITIZENS Notice is hereby given that under Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, all citizens of the Philippines abroad, not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the election, and who are registered overseas absentee voters with approved application to vote In absentia, may vote for President, Vice-President, Senators and Party-List Representatives. All qualified Filipino citizens not registered as voters under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as “The Voters Registration Act of 1996”, (the system of continuing registration) shall file an application for registration while those who are already registered under the said Act shall file an application for certification. For purposes of the May 10, 2004 elections, the filing of applications shall be from August 1, 2003 to September 30, 2003 at the Philippine Mission located at 47 Avenue Blanc, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland. The voting period will be from April 11, 2004 to May 10, 2004, except for duly qualified Filipino seafarers who may vote from March 12, 2004 to May 10, 2004. For details, please contact the PHILIPPINE MISSION at telephone number or the following websites:

(Post): Department of Foreign Affairs (Manila): Commission on Elections (Manila): www.dfa.gov.ph Hotline: Philippine Mission 022-716-19-30

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Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003

www.comelec.gov.ph

MABUHAY KA, GINANG HELEN ni Lorimla

MABUHAY!!! Ang sigaw ng bawa’t Pilipino kapag nakararanas ng tagumpay. MABUHAY!!! Ang ating bungad sa mga dayuhan kapag sila ay napapadpad sa Pilipinas. MABUHAY!!! Ang sinasambit kapag ibig mong itaas ang pagkatao ng isang Pilipino. MABUHAY!!! Ang pangalan ng isang pamilihan dito sa Geneva na sinimulan ni Ginang Helen Donin. Nguni’t bago ko isalaysay sa inyo ang simula ng pamilihang ito, ibig kong ibahagi sa inyo ang munting pangarap ni Gng Helen nung siya ay makatungtong dito sa Geneva. Isa siyang lisensiyadong beterinaryo sa ating bansa. Sa katunayan, dati siya ay isang Livestock Inspector sa Tarlac, isang Assistant Farm Veterinarian at Resident Veterinarian sa Quezon City. Noong siya ay dumating dito sa Switzerland noong taong 1988, ibig niyang ibahagi ang kanyang napag-aralan sa pamamagitan ng pagsisimula ng isang livestock production tulad ng piggery at cattle farm. Nguni’t dahil sa dayuhang salita at kakaibang kultura dito sa Geneva, napag-isip-isip ni Gng Helen na imposible ang kanyang binabalak. Nguni’t hindi ito ang nagpigil sa kanya upang magumpisa ng buhay dito. Inumpisahang magtrabaho bilang isang femme de menage at naranasang kumita ng Swiss Francs. Hindi nagtagal, makalipas ang isang taon, siya ay nakapag-asawa at naging residente ng bansang ito. Tumigil sa pagtatrabaho sa bahay at nagsubok na maghanap ng veterinarian clinic upang magapply bilang isang aide veterinarian. Taglay ni Gng Helen ang lahat ng katangian at karunungan ng isang aide veterinarian maliban sa pagsasalita ng linguwaheng French. Isa na namang balakid sa kanyang pangarap. Sa dahilang hindi siya dalubhasa sa linguwaheng ito, isinang-tabi ang kanyang pag-apply. Nang minsang umuwi ng Pilipinas para magbakasyon, nakahiligan niyang mag-record ng mga TV shows sa video tape upang dalhin dito sa Geneva para sa kanyang personal na panonood. Nalaman ito ng kanyang mga kaibigan at ito ay inumpisahan nilang hiramin. Sinubok din niya na magdala ng dried fish at naibenta niya rin ito kaagad. Dito nalaman ni Helen na sabik ang ating kababayan sa mga produkto ng ating bansa. Kaya’t nung Pebrero 1993, sinimulan niya ang Mabuhay Asian Store sa Rue dela Faucille upang maghatid

ng kaligayahan sa ating mga kababayan. At sa taon ding ito, inumpisahan na rin niya ang ‘balikbayan boxes‘. At dito nagsimula ang katuparan ng isang pangarap na hindi niya akalaing magtatagumpay. Sa kasalukuyan, marami na ang nilalaman ng pamilihang ito. Sa dahilang lumaki ang demand ng ating mga kabayayan, inilipat niya sa mas malaking lugar ang Mabuhay. Hindi rin naman ito kalayuan sa dating kinatatayuan. At sa paglipat na ito, naglagay siya ng computers para sa internet services at ang video tape rentals ay nadagdagan na ng VCD at Tagalog pocket books. Marami pang naidagdag sa mga pamilihin na ito. Ang Mabuhay ay hindi lamang bukas para sa mga Pilipino nguni’t para rin sa ibang lahi. Sa katunayan, ang pamilihang ito ay naging simbolo na ng ating kultura. Kaya’t kapag ikaw ay na-homesick, magpunta ka lang sa Mabuhay at para ka na ring nasa ating bansa.

Marami ring pagsubok ang dinanas ni Gng Helen sa sampung taong operasyon ng Mabuhay. Ang tangi niyang naging sandata ay tiyaga, lakas ng loob at pananampalataya sa Diyos na hindi siya pababayaan nito. Ang Mabuhay ay nakakapagdudulot ng kaligayahan sa bawa’t isa sa atin. Minsan, kahit wala kang bibilhin, kung ibig mo lang mapaligiran ng ating mga kababayan, ang pagtigil dito ay nagdudulot na ng kagalakan. Dito nagkakasalu-salo ang magkakapamilya, magkakaibigan at ang mga magkakabayan. Ang Mabuhay ay hindi lamang pamilihan ng ating pagkain kundi ito ay naging tahanan na rin ng bawa’t isa. Hindi man natupad ang unang pangarap ni Gng Helen na maipagpatuloy ang kanyang pagka-beterinaryo dito sa Geneva, nakamit naman niya ang tunay niyang kalayaan sa pamamagitan ng Mabuhay. Ang isang mensahe ng pangyayaring ito kay Gng Helen ay hindi man matupad ang ating pangunahing pangarap, malaya pa rin tayong makapagbago ng plano at bumuo ng ibang layunin sa buhay. Isang tunay na Mabuhay Ka Gng Helen, ang aming bati. Kung ibig niyong bumisita sa Mabuhay, ito ay matatagpuan sa 21 rue du Fort-Barreau, 1201 Geneva. Ang telepono ay (022) 740 25 10. Bukas mula alas-11 ng umaga hanggang alas-8 ng gabi mula Martes hanggang araw ng Linggo. Ang email nila ay : [email protected].

Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003

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International Law on Migrants’ Rights Protection Enters Into Force Contribution from Migrants Rights International

On 1 July 2003, the United Nations International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families will enter into force as an instrument of international law that will ensure protection and respect for the human rights of all migrants. Adopted on 18 December 1990 by the United Nations General Assembly, the Convention is a commendable effort by the international community to respect and protect the human rights of this vulnerable group of people. However, despite the universal involvement of UN Member States in the drafting process beginning in 1990, it had to take more than a decade for the Convention to obtain the minimum of 20 State ratifications necessary for it to enter into force and become part of international law. The Philippines is among the first few countries that became State Parties to the Convention, ratifying it in 1995. In March of this year, Guatemala ratified the Convention as the 20th ratifying State, thus leading to its entry into force on the 1st of July 2003. To date, there are now 22 State Parties to the Convention, with El Salvador and Mali ratifying after Guatemala. In addition, 10 more States have signed it as the preliminary step towards ratification. “It took almost thirteen years for this important instrument to become part of international law. And these years involved a lot of campaigning from among civil society organizations worldwide, actively promoting and popularizing the Convention and urging their governments to ratify,” says Genevieve Gencianos, International Coordinator of Migrants Rights International (MRI). MRI is a global civil society network of migrant associations, human rights advocates, labour and church-based groups, and experts, promoting the human rights of migrants. The organization, through its network of non-governmental organizations, has been instrumental in launching the global campaign for ratification of the Convention in the different countries and at the Geneva level.

Philippine domestic workers in Hong Kong are joined by other migrants’ rights NGOs from Asia, Latin America, and the USA in standing up for their rights.

Vulnerability of Migrants as Non-nationals in the State Migrants, because of their status as non-nationals, are automatically excluded from certain rights and privileges accorded to nationals of the state. Moreover, in the case of undocumented migrants, the situation is worse because they are highly vulnerable to exploitation, oppressive conditions at work and without any social security. “The Convention’s entry into force as part of international law strengthens fundamental human rights norms and principles, including non-discrimination, in the treatment of migrants regardless of their immigration status. It sets the framework for cooperation that States can use in dealing with international migration,” adds Gencianos. “By the Convention’s coming into force, due recognition is given to the role of migrant workers. They are a dynamic yet vulnerable group of persons who play a significant role in the development of host and sending countries. They allow individuals in host countries to be more gainfully employed by assuming for them the 3D jobs, i.e. dirty, dangerous, and demeaning, while at the same time contributing to the growth of their home countries’ economies through their remittances,” emphasizes William Gois, the regional coordinator of Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA). MFA is an umbrella organization of non-governmental organizations defending the dignity and human rights of migrants in Asia.

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Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003

Gois also stresses that, “we must not forget that the Convention also recognizes the protection of the rights of the families of migrant workers. The social costs of migration have unfortunately been starkly reflected in the families of migrant workers. The Convention aims to help nations draw up policies that address and redress the social costs of migration which eats into the very institutions that sustain human communities.” The case of women migrant workers Currently, there are 175 million international migrants worldwide, about half of whom are women. Many of these female migrants are migrant domestic workers coming from the least developed and developing countries. “Women migrant domestic workers are highly vulnerable and are always in danger of exploitation and several forms of abuses by reason of their being women and migrants at the same time,” says Yenny Hurtado, President of the Sindicato de las Trabajadoras del Servicio Domestico (Domestic Workers Union) in Colombia. Yet despite the vulnerabilities that they face, women are forced to work abroad in order to provide food, housing, healthcare and other basic needs for their families back home. They are valuable “economic and social change actors” and should be given proper protection. Ms. Hurtado’s group campaigned for the Convention and got their government to ratify. “With the Convention ensuring the economic, social and cultural rights of migrants, including women migrants, State parties hold the obligation to protect and fulfill these rights, towards improving the lives of migrant women,” emphasized Ms. Hurtado. National security measures and rising racist and xenophobic sentiments The entry into force of the Convention comes at a time when international human rights protection for non-nationals in host countries is urgently needed. Particularly in the backlash of September 11th, the implementation of national security measures undertaken by States to fight terrorism are likewise posing a threat to the rights of immigrants, refugees and communities of colour. In the US, for example, the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR), an alliance of immigrant and refugee rights groups and activists, warns that domestic measures to protect national security and tighten immigration controls portend a dangerous escalation of the domestic war on the rights of immigrants, refugees, and communities of colour, thereby increasing militarism and racism against these communities. “The entry into force of the Convention as an international law reiterates fundamental respect and protection of human rights, which is imperative in any State effort towards strengthening real human security, “declared Catherine Tactaquin, Director of NNIRR. International Migration as a Development Issue Meanwhile, reports continue to come in daily of migrants dying at land borders or drowning at sea. But instead of understanding the causes of these deaths, States, particularly the rich developed countries in the North, are responding with more strict immigration policies and border control measures that can only lead to more deaths and dangers to migrants. In view of this, migrants’ rights advocates call the attention of these countries to start understanding that people leave their homelands for reasons of survival. “The disparity in wealth distribution, with poor countries becoming poorer as exacerbated by the failure of prevailing economic models of globalization, results in the forced migration of people,” cautions Mayan Villalba, Director of Unladkabayan Migrant Services Foundation, a grassroots organization mobilizing migrants’ savings into local economic investments in the Philippines. “In order to address the phenomenon of international migration, we have to understand its complex links with globalization, so we can embark on a rights-based approach to development that will create the conditions for people to stay, instead of leave, “emphasized Ms. Villalba.

Continued Campaign for Universalization of the Convention Thus, given the trends, the phenomenon of international migration will continue to increase and the issues brought by it. But with an international human rights instrument on their side, civil society organizations are confident that they now have an internationally-recognized instrument in defending migrants’ human rights. “For while we celebrate the entry into force of the Convention on July 1st, we acknowledge the crucial role of migrant communities and campaigns in the ratification process,” says Nonoi Hacbang, Director of the Commission for Filipino Migrant Workers (CFMW), a network of Filipino migrant communities in Europe. “We welcome July 1 as a historic turning point for migrants rights and we see it as an enhancement of the universal respect for human rights. July 1 is a new beginning, and as migrant communities, we commit ourselves to actively participate in the on-going ratification campaign and towards ensuring that the Convention becomes a universal instrument for the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their families,” concluded Mr. Hacbang. For more information, on the work of Migrants Rights International and the Global Campaign for Ratification of the UN Migrants Rights Convention, contact the International Secretariat: c/o Ms. Geneviève Gencianos, International Coordinator, Migrants Rights International (MRI), c.p. 135, 15 route des Morillons, 1211 Geneva 20, SWITZERLAND, Phone: +41.22.9177817 /+41.22.7882873 Fax: +41.22.7882875 Email: [email protected] Visit us at: www.migrantwatch.org

Migrants’ rights activists from the different parts of the world, including from the Philippines, marched the streets of Durban, South Africa during the 2001 World Conference Against Racism calling for ratification of the UN Migrants Rights Convention.

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INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR UNIVERSAL RATIFICATION OF THE UN CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF ALL MIGRANT WORKERS AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES On July 1, 2003, the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families will finally enter into force. There is abundant evidence that worldwide documented and undocumented migrant workers - including a growing number of women - are providing key contributions in such sectors as agriculture, construction, high tech and (domestic) services. They are, however, increasingly subject to racism, discrimination, abuse and violent attacks. We, therefore, welcome the entry into force of the Convention, although it took thirteen years to accomplish this. Among the main obstacles for ratification - in particular in the privileged North - are fears of what this Convention will bring and a lack of political will to go for something different. Without efforts to share wealth more evenly, migration will only increase. Migration is a phenomenon, not a problem. In this matter, no short term and obvious solutions exist. Therefore, following the example of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, we, the undersigned non-governmental organisations*, call on all political leaders to embrace the potential migrants represent, to ‘demythologise’ migration, to address the negative myths and fears and to inform the voters about the benefits of a migration policy that includes respect and dignity for all migrants. The Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is not an open invitation for more migration but an instrument that provides a necessary universal basic standard to protect the human rights of both documented and undocumented migrant workers. It demands that States to prevent and eradicate illegal migration - sending and receiving - and inform both migrants and citizens - including employers - about their rights and obligations. As migration is not a one-way ticket without possibility to return and without a future, the Convention looks at the obligations of both the sending and receiving country, throughout the full migration process. All undersigned non-governmental organisations ask the 22 State Parties to the Migrants Right Convention to fulfil their obligations as required and to start implementing the Convention as soon as possible. All other governments, including those that already signed and those that indicated their commitment to ratify it through active participation in its drafting and at the time of its adoption, are asked to reconsider their priorities and to ratify this 7th International Human Rights Instrument. Respect for the human rights of migrants should be an inherent part of every government’s migration management policy. (as of presstime, more than 300 international NGO’s and civil society groups have signed this international call. Please see the list at www.december18.net)

Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003

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FLASHBACK

An Evening with GARY VALENCIANO Palladium, April 4, 2003

Philippine Independence Day reception June 12, 2003, WHO restaurant

June 14, 2003, Pope John XXIII Parish

Steering Committee’s Independence Day Excursion June 15, 2003, Vallorbe

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Buklod Kabayan June-July 2003

PHOTOS BY: RIC ROMEA AND NIKKI FLORES

Independence Day Merienda