FAQS ABOUT GFMD
Last updated 17 May 2008
What is the GFMD?
The Global Forum on Migration and Development, or GFMD, is an inter-governmental forum (a meeting of governments) that has started to take place every year to discuss issues related to migration and development.
Why is the GFMD important?
The GFMD has become one of the principal international spaces in which governments discuss migration and development policy (though it is not the only one). International discourse on migration policy and its relationship to development – and migrants’ rights - is being developed there. Further, the GFMD is structured to promote the negotatiation of bilateral and multilateral agreements between governments on migration (such as guest worker programs) by providing a forum called the “Marketplace”.
When and where is the next GFMD going to take place?
The next GFMD, the second one to be held, will take place in Manila, Philippines on October 27 – 30, 2008. (Greece – 2009; Argentina – 2010)
What will be discussed at the Manila GFMD?
October 27 and 28 will be official “civil society days”, with the 28 th having a half-day interaction with governments and civil society. October 29 and 30 are official government days, which discussions will be held in plenaries (all government meetings), and “Round Tables” (small groups of governments). The Round Table themes selected are (i) Migration, Development and Human Rights; (ii) Secure, legal migration can achieve stronger development impacts; (iii) policy and institutional coherence and partnerships.
Why are migrant rights organizations concerned about the GFMD?
The GFMD is taking the course of examining migration policy only through the lens of economic development, without concern for the impact policies have on migrants. It has so far been very resistant to the integration of international human rights framework to protect migrants, as well as broad participation of civil society. Because the GFMD is not held within the UN framework, consultation with civil society is determined by the government hosting that year. While the Philippine government has programmed in official “civil society days” to the GFMD, there are concerns about limitations in number and representativeness of organizations invited, and the quality of their engagement.
What can we do?
The official "civil society days" programmed into the GFMD will most likely be restrictive and limited.
MRI and the Philippine Working Group (a coalition of Filipino groups convened by Migrant Forum in Asia) along with other civil society partners is organizing a civil society event parallel to the GFMD, from October 22 to 30.
There will also be preparatory activities organized in the months leading up to the GFMD and the civil society parallel event.
Visit the “Road to Manila” section of www.migrantwatch.org or contact MRI at migrantsrightsinternational@gmail.org.
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