OFW
Bali Process on People Smuggling,
Trafficking in Persons and Related
Transnational Crime Technical
Experts Group on Returns and
Reintegration Manila
U
nder the auspices of the Bali Process on
People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and
Related Transnational Crime (the Bali Process),
Australia and the Philippines co-chaired the
inaugural Technical Experts Group on Returns
and Reintegration (RRG) in Manila on 23-24
April 2018. The RRG built upon outcomes from
the December 2015 Roundtable on Returns and Reintegration,
and a directive from the Sixth Bali Process Ministerial
Conference in March 2016
The RRG was attended by delegates from Australia,
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand,
Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Viet Nam, IOM (Brussels and
Jakarta offices), UNHCR, UNDP-UNACT, and the Bali Process
Regional Support Office. The inaugural meeting of the RRG
promoted greater understanding among participants of the
challenges and shared interests in managing the return and
reintegration of people who do not have a lawful basis to
remain in another country.
Opening the meeting, Undersecretary Claro A. Arellano
of the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment,
said “members’ attendance demonstrates the growing level
of commitment to practical measures we can all take to
address the issues of regional returns and reintegration”.
Undersecretary Arellano also highlighted the challenges
faced by states, and briefed the group on the Philippine
Government’s management of the protection of the rights and
promotion of the welfare of over 10 million overseas Filipino
workers.
Participants expressed a preference for the voluntary
return of migrants where possible, but acknowledged the
need for forced returns as part of a comprehensive and
balanced approach to migration management. Delegates
shared lessons learned through the implementation of return
and reintegration programs, and provided constructive
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feedback on the draft Bali Process Policy Guide on Returns
and Reintegration—which members agreed to take forward
through future meetings of the RRG.
Cooperation on sustainable returns is a priority under the
Bali Process Regional Cooperation Framework and the 2013
Jakarta Declaration. Throughout discussions, participants
highlighted the importance of a whole-of-society approach
toward ensuring dignified, safe and humane returns of all
migrants, regardless of their status.
Delegates recommended that Australia and the Philippines
remain as co-chairs for the initial phase, and that the RRG
meet at least once annually.
“I would like to congratulate the Bali Process Member
Countries, the IOM, and the co-chairs: Australia and the
Philippines for the successful conduct of the
Technical Experts Group Meeting. The Philippines accepts
to continue the RRG co-chairmanship with Australia. We
are always ready to share our expertise to the Bali Process
member countries to achieve its objectives for a safe and
dignified return and reintegration of migrants.” Secretary
Silvestre H. Bello III of the Philippine Department of Labor and
Employment said after the RRG meeting. owwa.gov.ph
Cooperation on sustainable returns is a
priority under the Bali Process Regional
Cooperation Framework and the
2013 Jakarta Declaration. Throughout
discussions, participants highlighted
the importance of a whole-of-society
approach toward ensuring dignified,
safe and humane returns of all
migrants, regardless of their status.