7th ASEM Interfaith Dialogue on Migration concludes in Manila

Asia Europe Meeting Interfaith Dialogue Meeting in Manila

The Seventh Interfaith Dialogue of the Asia-Europe Meeting (also known as the “ASEM-IFD7”) was concluded today (14 October 2011) with the issuance of The Manila Statement on ASEM Interfaith Dialogue on Migration . Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay was the Keynote Speaker for the event.

Vice President Binay emphasized the positive contribution of overseas Filipino workers to the Philippine economy and that of their host countries, while highlighting the high social cost of labour migration for the Philippines. He emphasized how Filipino migrants become catalysts for inter-faith harmony in their host communities. He called on ASEM partner countries to work together to mitigate the adverse impact of migration by bringing down “all physical and legal barriers to allow migrant workers to bring their families with them, or at the very least to allow family visits on the most liberal terms”.

H.E Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s Minister of Interior and Church Affairs, and EU Ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux also gave key messages during the opening ceremonies. Minister Räsänen stated that “immigrants are a valuable part of our societies and a substantial resource that helps to promote our common welfare. However, contacts between different customs and beliefs can sometimes give rise to tension.” In view of this, equal dialogue founded on mutual respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights is critical for the promotion of peace and welfare of mankind.

Amb. Ledoux said that this interfaith dialogue in the Philippines continues ASEM’s battle against religious intolerance. “We believe that it is the human person that needs protection from discrimination, rather than religion itself, since otherwise we risk undermining other core human rights including freedom of expression.”

The Manila Statement on ASEM Interfaith Dialogue on Migration called on ASEM member countries to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity of cultures, and for freedom of religion and beliefs in the context of increased mobility and people-to-people interaction.

Honorable Esko Hamilo (Finland’s Undersecretary of State), Honorable Nicolae Adrian Lemeni (Romania’s State Secretary for Religious Affairs), Honorable Carlos Garcia de Andoin (Deputy Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of the Presidency of Spain), and Ambassador Zhang Xiaokang (of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Mr. Ovais Sarmad (Director of the Manila Administrative Centre of the International Organization for Migration), Ms. Carmelita S. Dimzon (Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), and Professor Datin Dr. Azizan Binti Baharuddin (Director of the Center for Civilizational Dialogue of the University of Malaya) also shared their views on the theme.

Three parallel working groups discussed the Conference’s sub themes, namely, fostering social harmony and mutual understanding between migrant and host communities through interfaith and intercultural dialogue; promoting dialogue among migrant communities of different faiths, and utilizing new media in forging mutual trust and confidence in multi-ethic and multi-religious societies.

Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Rafael E. Seguis, Minister R?s?nen and Ambassador Ledoux co-chaired the ASEM IFD7. The Philippines acknowledges with appreciation the EU’s financial support that ensured a high turn-out of participants, which contributed to the success of the ASEM-IFD7.

Around 190 representatives of governments, religious groups and civil society organizations from the 48 ASEM partners attended the dialogue, which was held at the Sofitel in Manila. It focused on the theme “Harnessing the benefits and addressing the challenges of migration through interfaith and intercultural dialogue.”

Religions for Peace Australia funded the attendance of one delegate to the Youth Roundtable, which occurred in tandem with this event. A report will be available soon.

Download the Manilla Statement of the 7th ASEM Interfaith Dialogue

Source: ASEM Infoboard

Photo Credit: ASEM Infoboard