On 5-7 August 2014 a Regional Exchange Program on Migration Issues was organised in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Program was designed with acknowledgement that there is already rich expertise on migration in the region, and such capacity could be amplified by further exchanging knowledge and strategies. It was also designed to benefit organisations who have been working on other development and human rights issues but have not yet worked on migration as a focal issue. The exchange program was funded by the international non-profit organisation Diakonia. Hence, special attention was paid to help the Diakonia partner organisations to learn about migration issues and enable them to network with MMN member organisations who have been working on migration issues for a number of years. A total of 24 participants from Burma/Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia took part in the exchange program.
At the exchange, MMN and its member organisations presented on the history of recent migration in Thailand, principles and international frameworks to promote the rights of migrants, the work the network collectively carries out, and the work its individual member organisations carry out in order to empower migrant communities and 29 advocate for policy reform to achieve fair treatment and labour conditions for migrants. As Diakonia’s partner organisations specialise in issues as diverse as women’s rights, community development, human trafficking, poverty alleviation, and safe migration, the exchange program was designed to facilitate mutual learning among MMN members and Diakonia’s partners. The program included discussions about the intersection of the issues of migration with those of labour rights, women’s rights, and development.
To deepen understanding about working and living conditions of migrants, participants visited two separate migrant worker communities, one employed in agriculture and the other in construction. Participants also visited the MAP Foundation, EMPOWER and MMN and learnt issues and strategies from the respective organisations.
The exchange culminated in a final day of networking as the different organisations identified what issues they could collaborate with others on to address the needs of migrants.
The Exchange Program concluded with a range of recommendations for MMN and Diakonia regarding further action, which included organising similar Exchange Programs in other Mekong countries on a regular basis.
The Regional Exchange Program on Migration Issues was a successful example of the advantages of networking and information sharing. The issues facing organisations working throughout the Mekong Delta are closely linked and reveal the importance of cooperation and collaboration. MMN and its member organisations hope to continue this relationship with Diakonia and its partner organisations in its struggle to promote the wellbeing and rights of migrants throughout the region.
The Regional Exchange Program on Migration Issues was a successful example of the advantages of networking and information sharing. The issues facing organisations working throughout the Mekong Delta are closely linked and reveal the importance of cooperation and collaboration. MMN and its member organisations hope to continue this relationship with Diakonia and its partner organisations in its struggle to promote the wellbeing and rights of migrants throughout the region.