03 October 2016 — Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre shared the Philippines’ views on elements to be included in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to address the menace of human trafficking.
Ambassador Yparraguirre was invited to give opening remarks at the event entitled, “Moving to a Global Compact: Actions to Address Trafficking in Persons.” It was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union as a follow up to the High Level Plenary meeting of the General Assembly on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants held on September 19 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Ambassador Yparraguirre was joined by Head of the Delegation of the EU to the UN Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida in giving the opening remarks. The panelists were EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator Dr. Myria Vassiliadou, UNODC Director Mr. John Brandolino, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Director Dr. Kari Johnstone and from Vital Voices Global Partnership Ms. Alyse Nelson.
“The Philippines believes that the proposed Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration should necessarily address the vulnerability of migrants, especially of women and children,” Ambassador Yparraguirre said.
The Ambassador stressed the disproportionate number of women that are victimized. She added that globally, children now comprise nearly 1/3 of all detected trafficking victims. Out of every three child victims, two are girls and one is a boy. It is in this regard that the Philippines tables the biennial resolution on trafficking in women and girls.
The Ambassador highlighted that the Global Compact should institutionalize accountability in both countries of origin and destination, with respect to violation of migrants’ rights. Such accountability should be consistent with the core human rights conventions and provide for access to justice and access to legal and judicial systems.
Ambassador Yparraguirre also said that the Global Compact should have a long-term developmental perspective. It should mainstream interests and protection of migrants in national, regional and international development policies. Aspects to be addressed include the reduction of cost of migration and the proper regulation of recruitment agencies to minimize risks of being victims of human trafficking.
UNODC New York Director Simone Monasebian recognized the Philippines record in championing the worldwide fight against human trafficking.
The Philippines’ experience in migration governance goes back four decades from when Filipinos began responding to worldwide demand for migrant labor, skills and expertise. The Philippine Government recognizes Filipino migrants as partners in national development and their protection is one of its highest priorities.
The Philippine Ambassador relayed that the Philippines looks forward to beginning the process of negotiating the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and its eventual adoption in 2018. END