The Rights of Migrants in Action Global Consultative Meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, from 26-28 September 2017, presented a unique opportunity for the project’s 43 partner civil society organizations (CSOs), together with representatives of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from implementing countries, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), European institutions and relevant external actors to:

• enhance regional and inter-regional cooperation and networking
• share best practices and lessons learned
• validate the draft Global Findings on Human Rights of Migrants, Human Trafficking and Domestic Labour Migration
• explore mechanisms to translate policy recommendations into practice.

The meeting took place over three days, with participants actively involved in a series of plenaries and working groups, sharing their respective insights on lessons learned, best practices and addressing critical challenges through presentations and thematic exercises. This highly participatory approach provided a deeper understanding of the varied perspectives and experiences amongst the regional groups. The meeting provided an opportunity for CSOs across regions to explore options for sustainably scaling up activities aimed at improving outcomes for migrants, victims of human trafficking and migrant domestic workers, in countries of origin, transit and destination, and to further strengthen the peer-to-peer exchange among a broadened network of actors. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also provided training on key issues around migration and development to implementing CSO partners using the Joint Migration and Development Initiative (JDMI) toolkit.

The first and second days of the meeting were devoted to canvassing best practices and lessons learned, as well as gleaning global findings based on project implementation. Implementing partner CSOs discussed in detail the activities they have been engaged in over the course of the project in the three focus areas: advocacy, awareness raising and direct services. These sessions were further strengthened through the facilitation of representatives from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and IOM, respectively.

The final day was dedicated to discussing the Global Findings on Human Rights of Migrants, Human Trafficking and Domestic Labour Migration document, providing participants with the chance to voice comments and feedback on the draft report, developed based on input received from the five regional conferences held during 2016-2017. This was followed by an afternoon session on the Global Compact on Migration process currently underway amongst state and non-state actors, and the potential role to be played by CSOs in ensuring the final Compact reflects the needs and vulnerabilities of migrants.

The active engagement of participants to the meeting guaranteed the successful collection of global, regional and national experiences, good practices and lessons learned, a store of information that can be used to support and enhance related activities in migration as well as the establishment of similar funding mechanisms in the future.

The Rights of Migrants in Action project in Zimbabwe has played a pivotal role in assisting migrant domestic workers in knowing their rights, enabling them to access health and basic social services, and protecting and supporting victims of human trafficking.

Under this project Zimbabwe HIV/AIDS Activists Union Community Trust (ZHAAUCT) has assisted more than 1,000 migrant domestic workers to realize their rights. The project complemented existing government efforts to ensure access to health for all and combat human trafficking, contributing towards the attainment of Zimbabwe’s global AIDS targets by 2020.

Acceptance of the project by target populations and key stakeholders resulted in notable achievements being made during the course of project implementation in Harare, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West provinces. Strategic partnerships and collaborations were a prominent feature of the organization’s activities.

Various activities such as HIV testing and counselling awareness campaigns, health expos, psychosocial support to victims of human trafficking, treatment referrals, identification of human rights abuses, and capacity building sessions were conducted. Three support groups for migrant domestic workers and victims of human trafficking on antiretroviral therapy were established, and trainings provided on migrant domestic workers’ rights and human trafficking.

“The project has laid a good foundation in terms of advancing the right to health for migrant domestic workers in Zimbabwe and raising awareness on human rights for migrant domestic workers and human trafficking at all levels. However, more needs to be done, especially concerning young people who are migrating without proper documentation and end up using unsafe, illegal routes, putting them at a greater risk for human trafficking and various human rights violations,” highlighted Mr Meda, the project manager.

Under the auspices of the Rights of Migrants in Action project, VDSEF Nepal has been implementing a number of targeted activities and campaigns aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of migrant domestic workers in Kalikot district. These initiatives have been particularly critical given that labour migration constitutes a major livelihood option in this district – it is one of the strategies people adopt to supplement their livelihood.

One of the aims of the project activities is to enhance access to information for potential migrant workers – this has been primarily facilitated through the establishment of four migrant information centres.  The centres provide information, education and communications materials aimed at enhancing knowledge about the legal process of going abroad, documents required for migrant workers, as well as general information on national and international laws and regulations on migrant domestic workers. Victims of human trafficking are referred to the district’s migrant information and psychosocial counselling centre (MIPCC). In addition, the organization provides different types of vocational and life skills training.

In terms of broader awareness raising activities, VDSEF has launched a radio programme on issues facing migrant domestic workers which is broadcast widely in the Karnali region. It has also initiated street drama performances which tackle some of the challenges encountered by migrant domestic workers and victims of human trafficking. Top Bahadur Batala, who viewed one of the performances, said “it is beautifully presented and it is a realistic depiction of the plight of migrant domestic workers. This echoes what I experienced in Qatar.”

In order to ensure that the project is sustainable, VDSEF Nepal is working with newly-elected local representatives to allocate a certain percentage of the annual budget to the running of the migrant information centre.

Teniendo como marco la ciudad de La Ceiba, en el caribe hondureño, se realizó la presentación del “Estudio Documental” desarrollado por Cruz Roja Hondureña en el marco del Proyecto Derechos de los Migrantes en Acción, evento en el cual participaron representantes de instituciones de gobierno nacional y local, la academia, empresa privada y de organizaciones de sociedad civil.

Durante el preámbulo de la actividad, y siendo La Ceiba una de las ciudades seleccionadas para el desarrollo del proyecto, se informó a los participantes sobre los alcances del proyecto, con especial énfasis, en los productos del proyecto del Centro de Investigación y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos CIPRODEH, organización subvencionada.

El informe generó mucho interés entre los participantes, especialmente porque varias de las organizaciones participantes abordan diariamente el tema de la trata de personas, así como las consecuencias de la migración, generando además expectativas sobre la continuidad de las acciones de Cruz Roja Hondureña y CIPRODEH en la zona.

Como parte de la agenda se desarrolló un pequeño taller para obtener información sobre las prioridades en la atención y protección de los migrantes y de las víctimas de trata, desde el punto de vista institucional u organizacional, incluyendo la relevancia de la vinculación gobierno-empresa privada- academia y organizaciones de sociedad civil, y el papel de Cruz Roja en estos temas. Los participantes enfocaron sus respuestas a la revisión de las leyes migratorias para incluir el enfoque de derechos humanos, fortalecer la articulación de todos los actores, así como sus capacidades, además de valorar la experiencia de Cruz Roja para acompañar los procesos de defensa y promoción, así como la asistencia a las poblaciones migrantes y victimas de trata.

The rise in the number of labour migrants worldwide, including in Kazakhstan, is a reflection of the stronger economic opportunities often available in countries of destination.

Legal information centres for the protection of the rights of labour migrants and members of their families, established within the framework of the Rights of Migrants in Action project, have worked to decrease the vulnerability of labour migrants, emphasizing protection of the rights of victims of human trafficking and the eradication of violence against them. Special attention was paid to the most vulnerable representatives of target groups, including women, migrant domestic workers and children.

More than 6,000 people were assisted by the project during its implementation period, with a focus on job creation and establishing long-term relationships with potential employers. The implementing CSO World of Good, in partnership with the Red Crescent Society of Kazakhstan, also provided direct humanitarian aid to migrants who found themselves in difficult situations in the Karaganda region.

Through implementation of the project activities, the World of Good team enhanced the awareness of migrants in accessing health services, helping them to take increased responsibility for their health.

Behind these seemingly small figures and activities is a specific person who at a difficult moment of his or her life in a foreign country received support, understanding and help.

We have learned to think collectively, to work in harmony towards a common goal, to achieve objectives. We have gained skills of intra-team interaction, and developed a system of values and unity essential to the success of the team – all this thanks to the project, which will have a lasting impact not only for beneficiaries, but also for the future work of World of Good.

Under the Rights of Migrants in Action project, Future Pioneers for Empowering Communities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a local community-based organization, Sustainable Community Development Association located in Sahab City, to enhance the provision of assistance given by the legal support unit to migrant workers in the Sahab industrial zone. The project was completed in February 2017; however, Future Pioneers continues to follow the work being carried out by the legal support unit.

This unit has continued to provide migrant workers with legal and social assistance; in addition sustained awareness raising activities have been carried out – this has included development of brochures and leaflets aimed at informing migrant workers of their rights and responsibilities. In order to ensure a maximum number of targeted individuals are reached, all materials have been translated into seven different languages. Moreover, for those who cannot reach the city centre, a 24/7 hotline, managed by the Ministry of Labour, has been established to provide assistance and information to migrant workers. Recent municipality elections have also indicated widespread support for the legal support unit not only among migrant workers but also among Jordanian citizens in the Sahab district.

Future Pioneers will continue to engage and support the work of the unit and ensure the sustainability of the actions that have been initiated under the Rights of Migrants in Action project.

Migration for foreign employment has become a major source of income for Nepali households. Rural women have been acutely affected by this trend, with a rise in the number migrating to countries such as Israel, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. However, recruitment processes and working conditions for low-skilled migrants can often be fraught with risk, further heightening their vulnerability to labour exploitation. Lured by the promise of lucrative jobs, migrants are often subject to abuses including forced labour and trafficking. They oftentimes take perilous routes to their destination countries without the appropriate documentation, while skirting legal channels. Their vulnerability is further compounded by a lack of knowledge of their rights, and a limited understanding of the language and working conditions of the host country.

Maiti Nepal’s Women Rehabilitation Home in Kathmandu has been set up to provide shelter for all rescued and repatriated women who have endured trauma as a result of human trafficking and unsafe migration. The shelter provides moral, emotional and psychosocial support. Under the Rights of Migrants in Action project, Maiti Nepal provides a range of services aimed at protecting victims of human trafficking, returnees and potential migrants. The services include awareness raising activities geared towards addressing the knowledge deficit around the risks of migrating, in particular via irregular channels, and promoting safe migration. The project also provides legal assistance, as well as vocational skills training aimed at providing income generating options for the women.

Over the course of the past two years, Maiti Nepal has provided information on safe migration and raised awareness of the risks of human trafficking to approximately 16,244 potential female migrants. It has also developed and disseminated SMS messages on safe migration and human trafficking to targeted populations. In addition, the project has provided short-term shelter to 398 girls and women rescued and intercepted from the Nepal-India border, female returnee migrants and survivors of human trafficking. Precisely 80 girls and women were provided with different types of income-generating trainings and this has resulted in the establishment of small enterprises on the part of some of the beneficiaries. Through 15 training sessions on “Safe Migration and Foreign Employment Act” and “Para-Legal Training” approximately 495 people were trained and sensitized. Furthermore, a national workshop and a data dissemination programme was convened to raise awareness among local stakeholders, government agencies, civil society, public prosecutors, journalists and concerned agencies regarding trends of potential female migrants, the changing dimensions of human trafficking and migration.

Overall, these activities are helping to contribute to minimizing the risks of illicit human trafficking caused by unsafe migration, ensuring that potential migrants are able to make informed choices concerning foreign labour migration.

Zimbabwe Community Development Association (ZCDA) is making significant strides in combating human trafficking in Zimbabwe under the Rights of Migrants in Action project. The organization is using the power of cinema to raise awareness about the risks of human trafficking among vulnerable communities along migration corridors leading to the country’s borders. A dramatized anti-trafficking message was launched by ZCDA at a mobile cinema outreach at Mapinga, a transit post for haulage trucks, to increase local understanding of human trafficking. The launch was very successful, with attendance by the local councillor, members of the police force, and other high-profile dignitaries in Zvimba district. According to the Mapinga residents interviewed during the event, the mobile cinema helped them to see the realities of human trafficking and equipped them with the knowledge to protect themselves.

‘’I work here and most of the young girls here are into prostitution – some as young as nine years old. Some come with their mothers, it is sad. I am grateful for such an education as you are bringing, it will help these young girls and women.” Nyasha Makurundundu, a bartender at Mapinga, said during a human trafficking awareness campaign. Nyasha explained that due to the harsh economic situation and stiff competition for clients, most of the women in Mapinga are vulnerable to human trafficking. Zimbabwean girls and women are duped into going to neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia, where they are subjected to forced labour, including domestic servitude, and sex trafficking in brothels.

‘’I urge you to go to other communities along the highway, even up to Chirundu border post, with this information,” said an airtime vendor at Mapinga. ‘’Why can’t you air this DVD on national television?‘’ asked Amos, a truck driver.

En el marco del proyecto Derechos de los Migrantes en Acción, se conforma el Consorcio Mujeres en Acción por Nuestros Derechos en Guatemala, integrado por las Organizaciones de Sociedad Civil Consejería CAMEX, ATRAHDOM, MuJER, FGER e IPS. Este consorcio ha desarrollado su actividad integrando la experiencia de cada una de las organizaciones, quienes son activistas de derechos humanos y promotoras en educación y salud. Esta iniciativa ha impulsado y desarrollado foros y acciones ante instancias locales, nacionales e internacionales, así como ante organizaciones de sociedad civil y entidades privadas, con el fin de generar cambios que mejoren la atención y prestación de servicios en educación, salud integral y acceso a la justicia para mujeres trabajadoras domésticas y trabajadoras sexuales en contextos migratorios.

A lo largo del proyecto se ha brindado acceso a educación, facilitando procesos de alfabetización y educación primaria a mujeres migrantes que se dedican al trabajo sexual en Guatemala. Sobre el trabajo doméstico, se han realizado acciones de incidencia para la Ratificación del Convenio 189 de la OIT sobre el trabajo doméstico, alcanzando en octubre 2016 la segunda lectura en el Congreso de Guatemala. Asimismo, se ha formado a mujeres sobre sus derechos laborales y sensibilizado a instituciones locales sobre los derechos de las trabajadoras domésticas.  Por último, buscando brindar acceso a las mujeres a la justicia, se ha ofrecido asesoramiento legal y acompañamiento jurídico a mujeres en casos de violencia contra la mujer.

Con el fin de facilitar el acceso a la salud de las mujeres trabajadoras domésticas y trabajadoras sexuales en contextos migratorios, se realizó con el acompañamiento de Cruz Roja Guatemalteca, una Jornada de Salud en el Parque Central de Guatemala, que ofreció gratuitamente servicios de salud como atención primaria, salud sexual y reproductiva; pruebas de ITS’s y VIH, exámenes de glucosa, pruebas oftalmológicas, exámenes de odontología, entrega de medicamentos, así como asesoría jurídica. Buscando hacer incidencia en el país el consorcio ha realizado sensibilización en medios, difusión de una campaña radial y del programa radial “Consultorio Migrante” para concienciar, informar y educar a la población guatemalteca sobre los derechos de las mujeres migrantes en contextos de trabajo doméstico, prostitución y Trata.

The ‘Reaching for Improved Access to Service and Employment Opportunities for Shan Migrant Domestic Workers’ (RISE) project is a multi-stakeholder initiative which includes as its core team the Association of Promoting Education for Tai Youth, the BEAM Education Foundation and the Life Skills Development Foundation (TLSDF). These organizations share a commitment to strengthening the capacity and livelihoods of Shan people around Chiang Mai. Over the past two years, the RISE team, under TLSDF leadership, have provided Shan migrant workers with services and trainings. With the RISE project coming to an end, TLSDF is working to ensure that the activities that have been carried out through the RISE project can continue in a sustainable manner. This is being done by establishing partnerships with community-based organizations in order to expand upon existing activities.

This expansion of activities includes a partnership with the Association of Promoting Education for Tai Youth which aspires to open a history museum one day, showcasing and exposing Shan culture and history to foreigners and Thai people. Others, such as the RISE Centre in San Kamphaeng, envision soliciting the help of external NGOs and agencies in the Chiang Mai area, to assist with emergency help and case-based problems pertaining to Shan people. All community-based organizations have emphasized the importance of Shan-led education, and supporting career and opportunity advancement –  an ambitious plan that reiterates RISE’s focus on Shan-led leadership and opportunities.

While the potential partner organizations have different specialties, all have emphasized their commitment for Shan people to be empowered and made resilient by investing in education and skills-strengthening of the Shan community in Chiang Mai. In order to create sustainable solutions for Shan migrant people and continue the legacy of RISE, TLSDF is working towards a smooth transition process by partnering with Shan-led community-based organizations that prioritize the enhancement of service activities and opportunities for Shan migrant workers living in Chiang Mai.

From October 2015 to June 2017, a Consortium of two non-governmental organizations in Tajikistan (Information Research Centre “SOCSERVICE” and “Advisory Information Network”) implemented the “Empowering migrants through improved access to social assistance and reintegration systems in Tajikistan” project.

Prior to initiating the project an assessment of the effectiveness of Tajik governmental agencies engaged in issues related to migration was carried out. In addition, the needs of those migrants and families of migrants being provided with assistance by these agencies were identified. The research findings were presented by the Consortium at the national roundtable held in May 2016 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

During the course of the project’s implementation, the Consortium also developed a tool entitled “Organization of advisory services for returned migrants with focus on human trafficking victims” which is now used as a handbook by officials in the Migration Services and Employment Agency as well as those working on employment and social services in Tajikistan.  In addition, in 2017 the Consortium provided a series of trainings on the handbook to the 203 staff members of the aforementioned governmental bodies.

In order to build capacity of the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan and its regional branches, a set of four trainings were conducted for National Society staff and volunteers in three target districts of the project (Hissar, Pang and Vose). These events allowed the National Society branches to efficiently implement a public awareness campaign among returned migrants. The campaign also included dissemination of visual informational materials (leaflets, brochures, posters, banners etc.) developed by the Consortium on migrant-related issues. The public awareness campaigns, as well as the individual consultations provided to migrants and their families by National Society volunteers trained within the project, proved to be the most effective tools for disseminating information among the migrant population.

 During the course of the project’s implementation, the activities of the Consortium reached 11,463 beneficiaries (migrants and members of their families, project partners and governmental officials).

The project’s findings and lessons learned were presented to key stakeholders by the Consortium at a roundtable held in Dushanbe in the summer of 2017.

Most migrant domestic workers in Thailand live in their employers’ homes, which creates challenges in terms of access and provision of support in defending their rights. In order to overcome these obstacles, the “Extending Access to Justice and Health Services for Migrant Domestic Workers in Thailand Project” implemented by the Foundation for Labour and Employment Promotion, trained 50 ‘Hello Volunteers’ who are both Thai and migrant domestic workers’ leaders. The volunteers have been trained on a range of issues including Thailand’s immigration policy, law, health services and judicial system. The mobile phone application, ‘Smart Domestic Workers’, is another tool that has been developed to help migrant domestic workers access the information they need.

In order to ensure sustainability of the Hello Volunteer initiative, several trainings have taken place to facilitate transfer of knowledge and to expand the network of volunteers to more than 130 members. The volunteers have been able to provide critical information about occupational health and safety, reproductive health and first aid to migrant domestic workers. They have also provided counselling to individuals who have faced labour rights violations or exploitation, and referred serious cases to a dedicated team of professionals.

The initiative has also fostered a network that feels more empowered to fight for recognition of their rights and to improve health services and legal protection for migrant domestic workers in Thailand.

Gemapalu’s implementation of the Rights of Migrants in Action project has entered its final quarter. Overall achievement of the project objectives is progressing well, as indicated by the increasing assets/capital of Credit Union Cooperative Gema Swadaya (CUGS), a financial institution that aims to build the economic independence of rural families, including the families of migrant workers. One significant achievement of the project is that migrant workers may now send remittances to their families through CUGS. In this way, Gemapalu can provide migrant workers with direct support in managing their family finances.

Gemapalu also organizes education and skills training for the migrant workers’ families to assist them in managing and planning their savings for education funds, pensions and capital for business.

Gemapalu also provides mobile applications (CUSO Mobile) that allow overseas migrant workers to access information on their savings in CUGS, as well as allowing them to control the use of money already sent. Thus CUSO Mobile also helped to build the trust of overseas migrant workers to send their remittances through CUGS.

During the project period, 486 families of migrant workers opened an account at CUGS. Gemapalu has also provided assistance to 62 families of migrant workers to use their remittances to build small businesses. The amount of remittances entered into CUGS up to this period is Rp 219,533,285, equivalent to CHF 15,908.

Gemapalu also addresses a fundamental problem facing many migrant workers’ families, namely the difficulty of accessing capital, skills in business development, including family financial management, and marketing and networking. Efforts to encourage migrant families to build and develop businesses have helped 85 families to start up new businesses, and 153 migrant families to progress through the business development phase.

Gemapalu also encourages local resource-based enterprises where group collaboration, business organization and vocational training are very important. Gemapalu particularly supports the development of agricultural businesses, as most migrant workers’ families are involved in the cultivation of garden crops as an alternative source of income. In the meantime, Gemapalu is also preparing a cooperative for the production and marketing of agricultural products such as coffee, rice, and bananas.

El Refugio de la Niñez, con el apoyo técnico de la Cruz Roja y financiero de la Unión Europea, ha brindado atención integral que incluye, servicios de salud, alimentación, hospedaje, vestuario, atención psicosocial y asistencia legal a 170 niños, niñas y adolescentes migrantes con necesidades de protección especial, siendo la mayoría de ellos de El Salvador, Honduras, México, Nicaragua y Guatemala. Como principales causas de la migración de los niños, niñas y adolescentes se identificaron:  reunificación familiar, violencia, pocas oportunidades de estudio por asedio de las pandillas a los centros educativos, trata de personas, violencia sexual a la que principalmente están expuestas las niñas y adolescentes.Como parte de las acciones de sostenibilidad y fortalecimiento para el sistema de protección de Guatemala, mediante la experiencia adquirida con la atención brindada a la niñez y adolescencia migrante, se construyó el “Modelo de Atención Integral con Enfoque de Derechos a Niñez y Adolescencia Migrante con Necesidades de Protección Especial”, mediante un proceso de construcción colectiva que partió del análisis de lecciones aprendidas y el reconocimiento de buenas prácticas, incluyendo la participación de las instituciones del sistema de protección y de los niños, niñas y adolescentes beneficiadas con el proyecto.

El modelo define prácticas que operan desde el enfoque de derechos humanos como principal forma de intervención psicosocial y legal, para dar respuesta a las necesidades de acompañamiento a la niñez y adolescencia migrante.

El modelo de atención, fue puesto a disposición de las instituciones de gobierno y sociedad civil para que lo puedan utilizar de acuerdo con sus intereses. El mismo fue socializado públicamente, con cobertura de medios de comunicación, para promover la importancia y visibilidad del tema y garantizar la protección nacional e internacional por encima de todo como niños, niñas y adolescentes que son.

Implementation of the Rights of Migrants in Action project in Russia demonstrated a concrete positive effect on both the quality of services provided and the assistance rendered to the most vulnerable migrants by partner CSOs, enhancing the capacity building of these CSOs for further sustainable actions to support the most essential rights of migrants.

The CSO Integration Centre – Migration and Law is a prominent example of this positive impact, providing 14,231 migrants since August 2015 with consultative and advocacy services via a telephone hotline. Within the scope of this project, legal advisors proficient in the languages of Central Asia rendered direct assistance to 4,808 female migrants, 208 of whom were in the age range 0-18.Additionally, Integration Centre – Migration and Law systematically made an in-depth assessment of beneficiaries’ cases and applications. In total, 993 cases of violations of migrants’ rights were admitted to examination by the CSO within the project period. The assistance provided included negotiations with employers on labour violation issues, as well as providing support to migrants in their intention to file a claim with the court and arranging the re-issue of documents. Return home was also facilitated for migrants experiencing urgent problems with health and human trafficking. Thanks to this support, a total of 8,278,694 Russian Rubles (approx. CHF 134,750) was returned to labour migrants in resolution of employment disputes.

Integration Centre – Migration and Law also managed to be at the forefront of supporting the rights of migrants through mass media. 115 interviews were given to radio stations and representatives of CSOs participated in 70 television broadcasts where the problems of migrants were discussed.

The challenges faced by migrants are complex and multifaceted, but through collective efforts such as the Rights of Migrants in Action project, we can work to address the pressing needs of the most vulnerable, strengthening their support network and enhancing their resilience.

The MAP Foundation as a lead organization in the Northern Labour Network in Chiang Mai has been at the forefront in engaging in networking and capacity building activities with groups of migrant domestic workers across Thailand (in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Sot and Ranong). The network brings together 15 member organizations, including NGOs, migrant organizations and Thai workers’ groups, to advocate for migrant workers’ rights. The Workers Solidarity Association, a cultural association for Shan migrants, supports workers’ rights in lieu of unions – which migrants are not allowed to form – with approximately 60 members who are domestic workers. As part of the Rights of Migrants in Action project, the MAP Foundation has helped organize events with the Northern Labour Network, bringing these migrant domestic workers forward to advocate with provincial level government officials.

On 18 June 2017, the MAP Foundation held a seminar in Chiang Mai to mark International Domestic Workers’ Day with the participation of over 60 migrant domestic workers. During the seminar, participants were introduced to the ‘Smart Domestic Worker’ mobile phone application developed by HomeNet. In addition, the MAP Foundation shared findings of research it had carried out on the key issues affecting migrant domestic workers. A number of critical issues were highlighted and implications of the findings were discussed during the course of the meeting, including the fact that migrant domestic workers receiving the daily minimum wage are not eligible for full labour protections such as social security and that many migrant domestic workers living in their employers’ homes often work between 9-17 hours per day but receive wages that were not commensurate with working hours. The research further highlighted the precarious legal situation some domestic workers have found themselves in, namely having to resort to brokers to register them with the Thai authorities, as their employers have refused to take on this responsibility. A representative from the provincial Labour Department was present in the meeting and took part in discussions on the challenges facing migrant domestic workers. He also provided an overview of the current policy on migrant domestic workers in Thailand, and received recommendations from participants at the meeting, the main policy recommendation being to “include domestic work under Thailand’s Labour Protections Act.”

During the implementation of the Rights of Migrants in Action project, the International Center Zhariya has worked to raise awareness of migrants’ rights, increase the capacity of migrant communities and self-help groups through trainings, and created mechanisms to ensure sustainability of the activities after the project is completed. Focusing on sustainability of actions, a number of multi-pronged initiatives were undertaken including the training of volunteer diaspora groups on a variety of issues such as basic awareness of legal information and guidance related to the rights of migrants.

In addition, Zhariya, under the Rights of Migrants in Action project, sought to forge permanent relationships with local authorities in the district of Astana as well as with state institutions, and international and non-governmental organizations that work on providing assistance to migrants. As a result of this targeted and sustained engagement, issues pertaining to labour migration are now being discussed at the highest levels of government – including with deputies of the Kazakhstan Parliament, representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This engagement has also afforded Zhariya with the possibility of working on initiating an appeal regarding the ratification of the 189 ILO Convention. The project has also provided the opportunity to forge joint activities with partners at the regional level including CSOs and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies based in Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and Tajikistan.

Zhariya will work to ensure that the activities implemented and the partnerships established under the project continue to meet the most pressing needs of vulnerable migrants.

The Development Practitioners of Zimbabwe Trust (DPZT), under the Rights of Migrants in Action project, worked towards promoting and protecting the rights of migrant domestic workers and victims of human trafficking through engaging migrant domestic workers, human trafficking survivors and young people in a series of interventions. The initial project phase involved conducting research on migration trends in Zimbabwe, which highlighted Beitbridge, Harare and Plumtree as migration hotspots in the country. The organization then identified relevant components in addressing human trafficking, including information dissemination and advocacy, psychosocial support and career development training.

For its work in information dissemination and advocacy for policy frameworks protecting the rights of migrant domestic workers, DPZT partnered with implementing CSOs, engaged government ministries and relevant stakeholders in discussion forums, hosted exhibitions in and around communities and border posts in project areas, and created awareness through establishing a robust social media presence across all networking platforms and radio and television broadcasting. Psychosocial support and entrepreneurship training were used as re-integration methods to assist survivors in dealing with the effects of human rights violations and providing platforms allowing them to explore possible income generating avenues other than migration. Upon implementation in the selected project areas, DPZT identified young people as a population most likely to migrate before and after completion of studies. Consequently, the organization engaged both in and out of school youths, through partnerships with schools, churches and community groups, in career development training to assist them in making informed migration choices and considering other sustainable livelihoods.

Interventions, overall, sparked conversation on the rights of migrant domestic workers across various national platforms, created awareness of the effects of uninformed migration and the dangers of human trafficking, and provided psychosocial support for human trafficking survivors within project areas.

The Justice Center for Legal Aid (JCLA) has designed a specialized Anti-Human Trafficking campaign aimed at legally empowering migrant workers. The campaign focuses on raising awareness of migrant workers about their rights and responsibilities from the moment they arrive to the Kingdom of Jordan. The lack of knowledge of rights and responsibilities can further exacerbate the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and increase the risk of human trafficking. In addition, in the case of victims of human trafficking there is often lack of knowledge and access to resources that can provide assistance.

Therefore, taking this into consideration JCLA has adopted a strategy of creating informational material that is easily distributed, to effectively address the needs of migrant workers and victims of human trafficking. This has included developing leaflets which include all information regarding the rights and duties of migrants and domestic workers under Jordanian legislation. JCLA has also created stickers which are attached to the migrant worker’s passport at customs and passport control offices in the airport or any entry point to the country. These stickers provide vital contact information for the different security authorities. The aim is to encourage the migrant workers to contact the authorities in case of any type of abuse, violation of their rights or any human trafficking violations.

This campaign has also included the convening of awareness raising sessions for migrant workers, employers, households and recruitment agencies in Jordan in order to address the protection needs of migrant workers.

En el marco del proyecto “Derechos de los Migrantes en Acción”, el Centro de Investigación y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos – CIPRODEH como socio implementador en Honduras, lideró la creación del Equipo de Coordinación Interinstitucional e Interorganizaciones de Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador para la Prevención y Atención a Víctimas Sobrevivientes del Delito de Trata de Personas en el Contexto Migratorio Transnacional. En el proceso participaron por El Salvador: Procuraduría de Derechos Humanos y Save the Children; por Honduras: Comisionado Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CONADEH), la Comisión Interinstitucional contra la Explotación Sexual y Comercial y Trata de Personas –CICESCT, Calidad de Vida y Ministerio Público; y por Guatemala: Refugio de la Niñez y la Procuraduría de Derechos Humanos, así como los puntos focales de la Cruz Roja de los tres países.

El equipo estableció como objetivo general Promover esfuerzos de coordinación regional y nacional para la prevención y atención a víctimas del delito de trata de personas, con enfoque de derechos humanos, meta que logrará mediante la puesta en marcha de una estrategia de coordinación enfocada a la prevención y atención de víctimas /sobrevivientes del delito de trata de personas, además de promover acciones para prevenir la trata de personas en contexto de migración a nivel nacional y regional .

La Coordinación del Equipo fue definida mediante elección, siendo su titular CIPRODEH que también es seleccionado como punto focal Honduras; se acompaña de los puntos focales de El Salvador: Procuraduría de Derechos Humanos y por Guatemala: El Refugio de la Niñez. Cuenta con su propio reglamento y un plan de trabajo que incluye acciones nacionales como regionales.

Zimbabwe has a long experience of both inward and outward flows of migration, with foreign nationals from Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia among the migrant domestic workers who have been supported by the Rights of Migrants in Action project. Other groups who have benefited through implementation of the project include employers, leadership, and enforcement agencies, among other stakeholders. Beyond advocating for the rights of migrant domestic workers, the project has made great strides in providing education sessions in the ten provinces of the country and establishing centres to allow communities to further inform themselves on issues critical to the rights of migrant domestic workers, human trafficking and migration in general.

Since its inception in 2015, the Rights of Migrants in Action project has built sustainable partnerships with stakeholders in the private sector, public service and civic society, allowing a collective approach to addressing issues affecting the country as regards the rights of migrant domestic workers.

Economic collapse in Zimbabwe, and the resulting increase in poverty, unemployment, and civil and political unrest, has seen more people resorting to migration through irregular means, heightening their risk of falling victim to human trafficking or being drawn into precarious situations in other countries. Information sessions on the dangers and challenges of irregular migration have been provided to help counter these hazards and reduce vulnerability among migrants. The four key project CSOs are also taking steps to help migrant domestic workers, employers, gatekeepers, policy makers and other stakeholders to address abuses perpetrated against migrant domestic workers and victims of human trafficking, as well as working to empower communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid exploitation.