The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) releases another human rights advisory outlining its recommendations to the Philippine government in response to the recent concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on Migrant Workers (CMW). These observations pertain to the government’s compliance with the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, as discussed during the committee’s 36th session.
In its advisory, the Commission urges the Philippine government to undertake the necessary measures to ensure the effective and full implementation of the Convention.
The CHR highlights the urgent need for strengthened coordination among relevant agencies tasked with collecting and analyzing migration-related data. These include the Public Employment Service Offices of local government units and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Help Desks. Enhanced data systems will allow for more responsive support mechanisms for Filipinos overseas and a clearer understanding of the root causes of migration.
The CMW’s observations also underscore the absence of adequate assessment into the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination faced by migrant workers—regardless of skill level or employment type.
Additionally, the advisory calls for greater attention to the situation of women migrant workers, recommending more targeted research into their specific sectors. These include those living in poverty; persons with disabilities; members of indigenous groups; Muslim women; individuals in geographically isolated areas; and those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI). Once comprehensive data is gathered, the CHR recommends that the Philippine government improve migration-related policies to more effectively address the distinct needs of women migrant workers.
The Commission also raises concern for older migrant workers, urging measures that ensure their access to health-related goods and services, particularly in light of insufficient social pension systems.
Furthermore, the advisory calls on the Philippine government to intensify its efforts in addressing the drivers of migration by formulating a national action plan and policy framework focused on tackling root causes.
The Commission underscores that fulfilling obligations under ratified international conventions is a fundamental duty of the State. It is vital to ensure the continued protection, promotion, and advancement of the rights of all migrant workers and their families.
As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR reiterates its steadfast commitment to upholding and safeguarding the rights of all Filipinos worldwide. Sustainable, data-driven approaches are essential in building meaningful and long-term solutions to the challenges confronting migrant workers and their families.
Read the CHR Human Rights Advisory on the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families issued on 26 February 2025: bit.ly/ProtectionofOFWs