SUMMARY OF THE ONLINE DIALOGUE

The CSD Athens 2009 organizers launched the On-Line Dialogue platform in order to facilitate the widest possible exchange of views between Civil Society partners all over the world and to enable interested participants to be informed about this year’s Civil Society Days. The On-Line Dialogue was open between March and December 2009 on the CSD website and during this time, seven core themes where discussed. A summary of the core issues debated follows below:

 1st Theme for discussion: Migration and the current financial crisis


The effect on native and migrant workers: some examples

While the current financial crisis affects both immigrants and native workers it was argued that it is likely that the former might be more vulnerable to economic strain considering that the crisis has intensified pre-existing problems, that governments now must deal with. In countries such as Greece, it appears that immigrant households will suffer more, since in their majority, migrants have low incomes and are occupied in the economic sectors which were primarily hit by the crisis - constructions, tourism and trade. Similarly, in Japan and Australia the financial crisis appears to have intensified phenomena of protectionism, racial abuse as well as the strengthening of strict migration control mechanisms

Facing the problems

There are different ways in which the crisis has affected immigrants all over the world, consequently policy responses differ. However, policy-making should take into account research that examines the impact of the economic crisis based on specific sectors of economy, on households’ income and workers’ skills, native and migrant alike

 

2nd theme for discussion: The economic crisis, return migration and poverty

Unemployment, poverty and migration: a chain of effects

In countries of origin such as Bangladesh or Nepal, unemployment triggers a chain of effects that leads to migration towards developed economies. This chain, however, is persisting irrespectively of the financial crisis. In receiving countries, posts that are usually taken up by unskilled migrant workers are likely to be unpopular for native workers even if the latter are unemployed. As such, a possible mass return of migrants could further challenge developed economies, for instance by abruptly decreasing social security contributions. Equally, it could have a dramatic effect on countries of origin as decreasing remittances will gravely impact both the economic and the social sectors of developing countries.

A challenge to social justice. Are unskilled migrants used as scapegoats?

It was argued that the financial crisis is affecting both natives and migrant workers as well as their families in the countries of origin and it is rendering efforts to tackle the economic downturn with inclusive measures and rights-based policies rather complicated. It is suggested by some, that unskilled migrants are used as scapegoats, under the assumption that their return will relieve the burdened system in the receiving countries. This approach is however both discriminatory and inconsistent with the services unskilled migrant workers provide to receiving countries.

Restoring the system of social justice - Respecting Human Rights: Inclusive policies and the role of the IOM

The current financial crisis is an opportunity to further expand and consolidate principles of social justice and uphold human rights both in receiving countries and in countries of origin. Comments submitted to the online dialogue debate argued that any approach should be double-ended. Instead of encouraging return migration, receiving countries should pursue an all inclusive policy to incorporate unskilled migrant workers in the system treating them as equals to the native workers as in the case of Bahrain. In parallel, the IOM should continue providing capacity building assistance to countries of origin providing both training as well as organizing reintegration programs such as in the case of Dhaka. And what is the ultimate aim of these efforts? To uphold a just social system under the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopting a holistic policy approach that focuses both on the migrants as well as their dependents in countries of origin and destination alike.

 

3rd theme for discussion: Creating jobs and engaging diasporas

Diasporas and emigrants can sustain and create jobs in their country of origin by offering different types of resources; financial (in the form of investment, remittances etc.), intellectual (in the form of skills, experience and contacts), political (in the form of lobbying, advocacy and campaigning) and cultural (in the form of new ways of being, different values etc.).

 

4th theme for discussion: Diasporas drive development

Diasporas, and the remittances send by immigrant workers in particular, appear to be among the key value drivers of sustainable development, particularly in developing countries and countries with transitional economies. However, this does not mean that richer and more powerful nations should be relieved of their responsibilities to support the development of the poorer nations.  

 

5th theme for discussion: Circular and temporary migration

Positive aspects of circular migration: Circular migration is, arguably, a possible option that could maximize the benefits of economic migration and minimize its costs. Its patterns are thought to avoid brain drain for developing countries and encourage brain circulation. It also encourages the investment of social, human and economic capital back in the country of origin. In this sense, circular migration is seen as promoting business and trade development as well as cultural exchange between sending and receiving regions.  In addition, circular migration is presented as more acceptable by receiving societies. Finally, some consider that circular migration is the most appropriate response to the rapidly changing economic cycles since it allows migrant workers to leave when a work opportunity is no longer available knowing that they will be able to return to the when job prospects improve again.

Negative aspects of circular migration: Circular migration has certain negative aspects including the encouragement of the brain drain phenomenon in some forms, and often the discriminatory treatment of workers.

 

6th theme for discussion: The top priorities for next year’s CSD/GFMD

It was highlighted that some of the themes that emerged during this year’s Forum should be considered as possible themes for the next CSD in Mexico. More specifically, the following themes were identified as meriting further focus: a closer examination of the health care sector as a “model” sector where the link between migration and development becomes evident; a study of the existing schemes on promoting the use of remittances for development projects; a concentration on the obstacles concerning the ratification of the Migrant Workers Convention; an examination of the impact of female migration on development, on communities and families; an exploration of the “models” of Global migration governance; and more focused attention to best or inspiring practices.

 

7th theme for discussion: Next steps for the Civil Society Days?

A preference for a greater presence on behalf of the governmental side of the Forum at the CSD deliberations was highlighted as constituting a step forward towards a more open exchange between governmental and civil society representatives. It was equally suggested that a common venue hosting both the governmental and the Civil Society Forum would help create a more open and trustful atmosphere.

Furthermore, the CSD could focus on building alliances not only with the business sector, as it did so far, but with stake holders in general.

Finally, regarding the selection process of the delegates, who are invited to attend the CSD’s. Some improvements were proposed, namely: giving a more prominent role to national and regional consultations and proposing delegates from these or opening the Forum to those who are willing to participate at their own cost.