PH calls for mainstreaming migrants’ health in ASPAC meet

Arriola explained that the full and effective enjoyment of the right to health requires an enabling environment. (Photo: Sarah Lou Arriola/Google Plus)

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday echoed the country’s position before the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) for the Global Compact on Safe, Regular and Orderly Migration (GCM), calling for the inclusion of the health of migrants as a cross-cutting theme in the global compact on migration.

The RPM held in Bangkok on November 6 to 8 is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola is Co-Head of the Philippine Delegation and Chair of that meeting.

Arriola explained that the full and effective enjoyment of the right to health requires an enabling environment of availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality health facilities, goods and services.

“These are obligations of States – regardless of classification as origin, transit or destination,” she said.

“States should endeavor to cooperate on migrants’ health within the framework of their own health policies and strategies, with particular attention on strengthening the health systems of developing countries,” she added.

For his part, Ambassador Evan Garcia, permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva, explained that migrant’s health is a theme that could be supported by all States.

“It is a win-win situation for all – for the migrants and their families, for the employers, and for the States and international organizations,” he noted.