International workshop in Moscow focuses on labour migration in CIS countries

MOSCOW, 6 December 2006 - An international workshop focusing on labour migration in the region of the Commonwealth of Independent States began in Moscow today.

The two-day event based on the Labour Migration Handbook is organized by the OSCE, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The participants will discuss policies and exchange best practices in the area of labour migration in the CIS region and the need for a more comprehensive migration management approach.

"This workshop, as well as the Handbook on the issue published earlier in the year, is the outcome of a well functioning partnership between the OSCE, the IOM and the ILO," said Alexey Stukalo, Deputy Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

"We hope that this event fosters inter-state cooperation and regional dialogue in identifying concrete solutions for a more effective labour migration management."

Representing the 2006 OSCE Chairmanship, the Belgian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Vincent Mertens de Wilmars, said that "Strengthening regular migration management is an important step to address irregular migration, and enhancing regional and international co-operation between countries and international organizations is essential."

Viatcheslav Postavnin, Deputy Head of Russia's Federal Migration Service, added that migration was an international issue, which no country can address alone.

The Ambassador of Slovenia to the Russian Federation, Andrej Benedejcic, said that migration was also a comprehensive security issue with clear links to border management, sustainable development as well as tolerance and human rights.

Werner Blenk, Director of the ILO for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, stressed that "Sound migration policy and practice require adhering to fundamental labour standards, addressing labour market needs and composition, thus ensuring decent work opportunities for all."

Mark Getchell, Chief of Mission of the IOM in Moscow said that effective management of international labour migration helped achieve a "win-win-win" situation for countries of origin and destination as well as migrants workers.

The workshop brought together more than 80 government officials and representatives of trade unions and employers' organizations from the CIS countries. In addition, representatives from financial institutions dealing with remittances, international and non-governmental organizations, as well as independent migration experts are attending the event.