Economic crisis sharpens need for effective migration management, say OSCE Forum participants

ATHENS, 18 May 2009 - Policymakers and high-level experts are in Athens to discuss effective labour migration management at the OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum which started today against the backdrop of the global economic and financial crisis.

In her keynote address, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, urged OSCE states to further increase co-operation on migration issues and develop comprehensive and effective policy frameworks.

"We have all witnessed the increasing trends of migration as an effect of globalization. The recent developments of the financial and economic crisis complicate the problem and its multifaceted character calls for a more focused and co-ordinated approach as a response of the international community," she said.

"Migration issues are being discussed nationally and regionally, as well as at the international level, and we should start from the understanding that all actors eventually face common challenges and therefore we should all explore, together, possibilities for policy responses."

The three-day meeting will focus on the development impact of migration and gender-sensitive approaches in migration related policy making. The Forum will also review OSCE commitments in the economic and environmental dimension focusing on migration, and identify possible follow-up OSCE activities in that field.

OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of migrants in the face of the economic crisis.

"In troubled times, it is vital that we communicate clearly about the positive contribution that migrants make to our societies and also that we counter firmly any rise of xenophobia or scapegoating of migrant workers. Violations of human rights and threats to social cohesion cannot be accepted or ignored. These are our starting points," he said.

Goran Svilanovic, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, said it was important to recognize the benefits of migration to both countries of origin and destination.

"Migratory flows do have significant positive effects on national economies. Some of the wealthiest countries in the world have the highest proportion of immigrant workers, who, in fact do not substitute national workforce, but complement it. On the other hand, origin countries can benefit from remittances and acquired skills and knowledge of their returning migrants," he said.

According to the International Labour Office, regional migrant remittances in the OSCE area amounted to some 50 billion dollars in 2007.

The Athens meeting concludes the 17th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum and builds on the recommendations and findings of two preparatory conferences and the first part of the Forum, which took place in Vienna in January.