Philippines Calls for Migrants Integration and Participation at Global Forum on Migration and Development Event in Paris

Ms. Kristine Leilani R. Salle, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva (second to the left), participates in a panel discussion at the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Thematic Event on Culture, Narratives, and Human Mobility held on 26 June 2023 in Paris, France. (Geneva PM photo)

GENEVA 04 July 2023 – The Philippines called for creating avenues for the participation and social integration of migrants in their countries of origin and destination, during the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Thematic Event on Culture, Narratives and Human Mobility held on 26 June 2023 at the Musée national de l'histoire de l'immigration in Paris, France. 

Deputy Permanent Representative Kristine Leilani R. Salle, participating in a thematic panel on narratives and public perceptions on displacement and migration, highlighted the critical role of the government in cultivating a balanced narrative on migration, including through recognizing the positive contributions of migrants in their host communities.

Ms. Salle reminded the audience, comprising government officials, diplomats, civil society organizations, and members of the academia, that migrants help in uplifting not just the economy, but also the cultural diversity of their host communities.

"We do not always have to associate migration with crises and emergency situations," Ms. Salle stated. "Migrants can and do contribute positively to the economy of their host communities, and we need to change narratives and acknowledge that."

Ms. Salle also urged for the full social integration of migrants in both their countries of origin and destination, which can be realized by providing avenues for their meaningful participation and leadership. Ms. Salle shared that in the Philippines, the right of Filipino migrants to participate is guaranteed, and that special attention is given to the role of women migrants and non-governmental organizations working with women migrants.

The Philippines co-chairs with Canada the GFMD Roundtable 5 on "improving the perception of migration in public opinion through narratives, culture, emotion and rational discourse." END

Ms. Kristine Leilani R. Salle (right) interacts with panel moderator Mr. Daniel Valdez, Chief External Affairs Officer of Welcoming America (left). (Geneva PM photo)

For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinGeneva/ or https://www.instagram.com/phingeneva/.