APMM launches COVID-19 Migrant Monitor

APMM launches COVID-19 Migrant Monitor website

Statement on COVID-19 Migrant Monitor

Migrants are part of the community reeling from the impact of the COVID-19. They should not be left behind during this time of crisis.

This is the message of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) when it launches today the COVID-19 Migrant Monitor.

The COVID-19 Migrant Monitor is a web-based initiative that gathers timely and appropriate information directed towards helping migrants during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It will contain the following:

(a) Government responses to the outbreak that may impact on the lives and livelihood of migrants. These may include travel restrictions, action responses such as financial support as well as health and social service access, and announcements on visa and immigration rules;

(b) Initiatives and actions of migrant organizations, service providers and advocates directed towards assisting migrants and their families; and

(c) Surveys to gather information on situation and needs of migrants.

Through the website, we hope to provide not only vital information to migrants but highlight migrant concerns on national conversations and intergovernmental discussions in relation to addressing COVID-19 as well as facilitate mutual learning and solidarity among migrant organizations and advocates in ensuring the protection of migrants’ rights.

APMM hopes that the information generated and shared in the website can be used towards advocacy for adequate and inclusive protection and services for migrants amidst the covid-19 as well as strengthen campaigns for the protection of their rights. Also, we hope to highlight the importance of solidarity and mutual support among grassroots migrant organisations, service providers, trade unions and other local people’s organization’s to ensure that people’s rights are upheld during this period of crisis and even beyond.

To view the website, please go to this link.

The APMM cooperates with various organizations in realizing the COVID-19 Migrant Monitor. They are the International Migrants Alliance (IMA), which is a global alliance of grassroots migrant organizations and advocates in 35 countries, the Alliance of Marriage Migrant Organizations for Rights and Empowerment (AMMORE), an international platform of immigrant women, marriage migrants and their advocates, and the Interfaith Network for the Rights of Migrants (INFORM), a network of faith-based organizations that have services to migrants in crisis or are actively advocating for the rights of migrants in various levels.

A Facebook page, also aptly named COVID-19 Migrant Monitor, has been set up. It collects and posts migrant-relevant news and information on the outbreak. Here is the link.

The APMM is thankful to church institutions in Hong Kong and other parts of the world that have helped in realizing this project.

Reference: Aaron Ceradoy, General Manager