28 September 2016 — The Philippines participated at the high-level segment of the General Assembly to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development held at United Nations Headquarters on September 22.
The event, which was a joint initiative of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 (G77) and China, sought to build common ground on how the international community defines and understands the right to development and to identify how efforts to fulfill the right to development can be fortified in the future.
Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia delivered the Philippine statement, calling particular attention to the right to development of migrants.
In his remarks, Secretary Pernia stressed that since migrants are positive contributors to inclusive growth and sustainable development in origin, transit and destination countries, all member states must uphold and respect their right to development; ensure safe, orderly and regular migration; respect their human rights; and provide humane treatment, regardless of their migration status.
He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to promoting and protecting the human rights of migrants, including through strengthening laws and cooperating with other stakeholders to prevent human trafficking; lowering the cost of remittances and providing financial literacy training for migrants and their families to harness the full development impact of migration; and providing reintegration support and assistance for returning migrants.
The event’s keynote speakers included the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Peter Thomson; UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon; UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein; and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi. END