OSCE organizes meeting in Almaty to discuss Central Asia migration issues
Labour migration is the only option for many thousands of workers in Central Asia to sustain their families. (OSCE/Lubomir Kotek) Photo details
ALMATY, 31 January 2006 - Migration issues in Central Asia are the focus of a two-day OSCE regional workshop which opened today in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE economic and environmental activities and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, with the support of the OSCE Centre in Almaty, it brought together governmental and local authorities, representatives of migrants associations, as well as experts from international and regional organizations.
"Developing comprehensive migration management systems and strengthening capacities in the field are among the key challenges that Central Asian countries face, as migratory flows in the region increase," said Bernard Snoy, the Co-ordinator of OSCE economic and environmental activities.
"Lack of employment opportunities and impoverishment of large parts of the populations have led to a situation when for many families in Central Asia labour migration has become the only source of securing income and existence. At present there exists a fairly sound legislative basis, and the OSCE is ready to further assist in the implementation and the effective functioning of its administration," he added.
Projects addressing labour migration and institutional capacity in the field, the needs of countries of origin and destination, as well as inter-State dialogue and co-operation, will be reviewed by the OSCE, donors and local stakeholders for further implementation.
Migration was the central theme of the OSCE's 13th Economic Forum in 2005, and this Almaty workshop has been organized as a result of the Forum's recommendations.
Organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE economic and environmental activities and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, with the support of the OSCE Centre in Almaty, it brought together governmental and local authorities, representatives of migrants associations, as well as experts from international and regional organizations.
"Developing comprehensive migration management systems and strengthening capacities in the field are among the key challenges that Central Asian countries face, as migratory flows in the region increase," said Bernard Snoy, the Co-ordinator of OSCE economic and environmental activities.
"Lack of employment opportunities and impoverishment of large parts of the populations have led to a situation when for many families in Central Asia labour migration has become the only source of securing income and existence. At present there exists a fairly sound legislative basis, and the OSCE is ready to further assist in the implementation and the effective functioning of its administration," he added.
Projects addressing labour migration and institutional capacity in the field, the needs of countries of origin and destination, as well as inter-State dialogue and co-operation, will be reviewed by the OSCE, donors and local stakeholders for further implementation.
Migration was the central theme of the OSCE's 13th Economic Forum in 2005, and this Almaty workshop has been organized as a result of the Forum's recommendations.