UN migration body cites RP

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations’ committee on migrant workers has commended the Philippines for its reputation as an international model for best practices in migration policy.

Abdelhamid El Jamri of Morocco, chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, issued the statement at the start of the consideration of the Philippines’ initial report on its compliance with the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (ICRMW) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Undersecretary Severo Catura, executive director of the Presidential Committee on Human Rights, said El Jamri called the Philippines “a source of inspiration for other countries because of its wealth of experience and dynamism in migration management and development.”

Catura is in Geneva to attend the meeting of the UN committee. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita is expected to address the committee tomorrow.

President Arroyo has designated Press Secretary Cerge Remonde as acting executive secretary while Ermita is in Geneva from April 25 to May 1. – Paolo Romero