Migrant Organizations in Japan and Korea: Utilizing the Global Compact for Migration to Advocate for Migrant Rights
In a recent orientation conducted last July 8, 2024 by the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM), migrant organizations and advocates from Japan and Korea gathered to explore the potential of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in advancing migrant rights. This event marked the first time such an orientation was conducted in Tagalog, offering a unique opportunity for Filipino migrants to engage in their native language. The session aimed to empower migrant organizations by providing them with tools and strategies to address the challenges they face and to promote their rights through active engagement with the GCM.
Understanding the Global Compact for Migration
The Global Compact for Migration is a non-legally binding framework established by the United Nations in 2018. It serves as a guide for governments in managing migration and addressing its associated challenges. Adopted by 164 governments in Marrakech, Morocco, the GCM is built on the UN Charter, international law, and the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It outlines a comprehensive approach to migration and emphasizes principles such as international cooperation, human rights, sustainable development, gender responsiveness, and child sensitivity. Despite its broad acceptance, the GCM has faced opposition from some right-wing governments.
Rey Asis, a key facilitator at the orientation, explained the GCM's ten guiding principles, which include being people-centered, respecting national sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. The GCM comprises 23 objectives. Rey highlighted that 28 countries, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Thailand in the Asia and Pacific, are recognized as "champion countries" for their commitment to the GCM principles.
The Role of Migrants in the GCM Process
The orientation emphasized the importance of involving migrants in the GCM process, from planning to evaluation. As primary stakeholders and experts in their own experiences, migrants should actively participate in shaping policies that directly impact their lives. The GCM should provide a platform for migrants to engage with state-led processes and advocate for their rights and welfare.
This 2024, a regional review of the GCM will take place, providing an opportunity to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. Participants were encouraged to join a stakeholder advisory group to ensure that migrant voices are included in the review process. Rey stressed the need for meaningful participation, which goes beyond mere attendance and involves active engagement and influence over decision-making but actual implementation of migrants’ demands.
During the Q&A session, participants raised several challenges faced by migrants in Japan and Korea, highlighting issues such as access to social services, language barriers, and the difficulties experienced by undocumented migrants.
Access to Social Services and Language Barriers
Roger Raymundo, a participant, emphasized the necessity of recognizing the realities migrants face in accessing social services and overcoming language barriers. Many migrants struggle to access healthcare, education, and other essential services due to language limitations and bureaucratic obstacles. Roger proposed creating centralized assistance systems to cater to these needs through a dialogue, suggesting that collaboration with local government officials could introduce the GCM and advocate for migrants' rights. Roger also had the idea of pushing Japan to become a champion country, a step that would signify its commitment to the GCM principles.
In response, Rey Asis acknowledged the significance of Roger’s points and highlighted Japan’s previous submission of a migrant spotlight report. He suggested that migrant organizations could complement government reports by creating shadow reports that focus on releted GCM objectives and offer specific demands and recommendations. Rey emphasized the power of storytelling, encouraging participants to develop materials like videos, drawings, or infographics in migrants’ native languages to communicate their issues effectively.
Engaging Labor Unions and Policy Advocacy
Another significant area of discussion was the engagement of labor unions and policy advocacy. Roger Raymundo shared his success in communicating migrant issues to labor unions and individuals in influential positions who were receptive to addressing these concerns. He noted, however, that discussions often remained localized and stressed the need to elevate them to a policy-wide scale, given the prevalent indifference of Japanese society towards migrants.
Rey Asis responded by highlighting the lack of complaints mechanisms in areas like Tokyo and Saitama, which hinder migrants from voicing their concerns. He emphasized the importance of creating a migrant-friendly environment with positive messaging to combat discrimination and racism. Rey clarified that raising issues does not imply a dislike for Japan but rather a desire for improved treatment and conditions for migrants.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Undocumented Migrants
Pastor Egar, another participant, brought attention to the challenges faced by undocumented migrants, noting their limited ability to engage in dialogue with the government due to their status. He mentioned that KASSAMAko serves this vulnerable group, but engaging with authorities remains a challenge.
Rey Asis acknowledged the complexities of undocumented migration and suggested starting by addressing their access to essential services such as healthcare. He pointed out that the government often cites their undocumented status as a barrier to services and stressed the need to highlight the impact of this exclusion. Rey mentioned successful models, such as private doctors providing services to undocumented migrants in Malaysia, and suggested organizing regional conferences to address these issues. He emphasized that the fear created by crackdowns on undocumented migrants leads to a reluctance to seek help. This exacerbates their vulnerability and marginalization.
The Role of Sending Countries
Edsel, a participant, emphasized that the challenges migrants face are not limited to host countries but also involve sending countries. He highlighted that 40% of training companies in the Philippines violate policies, contributing to the problem of undocumented migration. Edsel pointed out that the lack of accountability and oversight from sending countries often leaves migrants vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Rey Asis addressed the responsibilities of sending countries, emphasizing the need for consular protection and accountability. He suggested examining the role of embassies in supporting their nationals and providing necessary information. Rey recommended incorporating these issues into a campaign framework and suggested producing a concise but impactful migrant spotlight report. He also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, such as economic inequality and lack of opportunities, to reduce the prevalence of undocumented migration.
Compensation and Fair Treatment
Jones Espino, another participant, raised concerns about unequal compensation for migrant workers compared to local workers involved in the factory fire in Hwaseong city last June. He noted that despite Korea not being a champion country, it had responded quickly to such issues. However, there was still a disparity in the benefits and compensation provided to migrants.
Rey Asis pointed out that these discrepancies could be linked to GCM objectives such as consular protection, access to basic services, inclusion and social cohesion, and discrimination. He highlighted the need to campaign against differential treatment and ensure equal rights and benefits for migrants. Rey acknowledged that some migrant issues might not align directly with GCM objectives but emphasized the importance of addressing them through concrete demands from the government and strengthening the migrant mass movement through campaigns.
