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23 October, 2016

Bangladesh Ovibashi Adhikar Forum (BOAF) and Chandradip Development Society (CDS) organized a Divisional Consultation on GFMD and Divisional Migrants Rights Network Conference, Supported by DanChurchAid and WARBE Development Foundation under the banner of Bangladesh Civil Society Coordination Committee (BCSCC) on 28 August 2016, DC Office Auditorium, Barisal. Objective of this conference and consultation in Barisal was to mobilize civil societies for PGA and upcoming Dhaka GFMD. Meanwhile, it also share the preparation of government and line ministry for the international summit for the welfare of migrant workers. In this consultation a district forum was also formed along with the NGOs and civil society network members of BOAF who were from different district like: Barisal, Jhalokathi, Potuakhali, Borguna, Pirojpur and Bhola. Advocate Talukder Md. Yunus, Honorable Member of Parliament, Barisal – 2 was the Chief Guest and Dr. Gazi Md. Saifuzzaman, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Barisal was the Guest of Honor of this consultation. Mr. Aminul Hoque Tushar, Consultant of WARBE DF highlights the background of GFMD & PGA activities. Ms. Jahanara Begum Shapna, ED, Chandradip Development Society presented the key note paper of the program. Md. Nazmul Ahsan, Chairman, BOAF and Syed Saiful Haque, Chairman, WARBE DF also discussed on the roles of Civil society to make the event successful one.

05 October, 2016

Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), WARBE Development Foundation and RMMRU organized 3 days training ( Module 1) of the Diplomacy Training Program (DTP)WARBE is a Ngo with UN ECOSOC consultative status, promoting the rights of migrant workers and provides the detail information regarding migration information. RMMRU is a research, training and advocacy institution conducting studies on the rights of the migrant workers. Its aim to develop the knowledge and skills of civil society NGO advocates in Bangladesh that are committed to promoting respect for the human rights of the migrant workers and their rights as migrants in Bangladesh & the destination countries. It also aware the migrant workers about the security & safety of the migration related issues. Objectives of the training To enhance the knowledge of human rights standard regarding migrants works. To broaden the minds of the participants by providing them opportunities for interchange of experiences. To enhance the legal and policy framework governing labor migration in Bangladesh. To enhance skills and developing strategies to advocate for better protection of migration. To create strong communication skills. To gather information about the GFMD process.

12 September, 2016

WARBE development foundation arranged a “consultation on establishing legal support cell” with the support of AWO International e.V. Mr. Syed Saiful Haque, Chairman,WARBE Development Foundation, started the program by delivering his welcome speech. In open floor other police staff gave their own word regarding legal support cell. Nazrul Hossain: He said about the migrant workers go for their socio economic development; however they don’t get those facilities from the destination country. Md. Motiur Rahman: He started with the example of mass grave found in Thailand. He suggested that police should have proper knowledge to prevent the illegal migration. Saiful Haque also think that police can easily get informed about the plights of migrant workers. Additional S.P. He focused on finding out the problems of migrant workers and making awareness. Many police personnel gave their personal opinion regarding safe migration & the prevention of these problems. Making awareness through leaflets with proper direction. Making awareness for target area with specific destination country. Distributing leaflets after the JUMMA in front of Mosque. Using media coverage for better Info based effective training. Making the training component easier. Making the law of 2013 easier to mass people. Boosting the publicity on social networking site. Arranging meeting with the local UP chairman and members. Developing better mutual understanding amongst the BD migrant workers. Iqbal Hossain, Director, (Admin), gave the conclusion speech & he also welcomed those who work for the safe migration. He talked, To take legal steps against those who are responsible for the sufferings of the victims. He also requested the police force to share info about the victim. To support with adequate info those who are planning for migration

07 September, 2016

On the morning of 18th March 2015, there was a scheduled national seminar event, on the subject of “Protection of the Rights of Migrant Domestic Workers: Importance of Ratification of ILO Convention 189.” This seminar was organised by WARBE Development Foundation, with support from AWO International e.V. It was hosted by and held at the National Press Club, in Dhaka. Featuring various guest speakers, and covering a broad range of focal points regarding the topic at hand, the seminar offered an extensive insight into the facilitation and appropriate handling of the matter of the protection of women migrant workers’ rights and a general upholding of their basic rights and dignity. Among the speakers, notably, was Mr. Israfil Alam, MP, as the Chief Guest, and Guest Speakers including, Ms. Nurjahan Begum Mukta, MP, Ms. Nisha, Chief Technical Adviser of ILO, Mr. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, Assistant Executive Director of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies, Mr. Abul Hossain, National Domestic Workers Association , Mr. Faruque Ahmed, Secretary General of WARBE DF, Ms. Jasiya Khatoon, Director of WARBE DF and Mr. Syed Saiful Haque, Chairman of WARBE DF, who also played a role as a moderator in the event. The event started out with the experience sharing of 2 returnee women domestic workers from KSA who were involved in domestic services for over a year. The experiences revealed that the primary barrier to communication is the difference in language. Further, the workers believed that they have been deprived of their rights due to the communication gap through not receiving the desired salary and quite frequently, they had to work longer than expected hours and without the weekend off. The main topic of conversation within the field of discussion was centred on the involvement of the above mentioned organisations within the particular context of Women Migrant Workers in and as such in regards to recruitment within the region of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The general points covered in the conference included topics such as: 1) to keep the information of agreement as transparent and coherent as possible between BAIRA and SENARCOM (a KSA based recruiting agency). 2) The Provision of building shelter homes in support of the Women Migrant Workers, on behalf of the Bangladesh Embassy situated thereof. 3) Further there was discussion of the need and abilities to equip the sector with legal preparations and appoint lawyers to fight cases within the KSA region. 4) A greater potency was insinuated in the case of Workers’ salary and benefit. 6) Lastly, the conference addressed the need for purposely and effectively enhancing the facilities at district level technical training institute, in relation to the field of work provided to the Workers. Such areas as methodology, technical, socioeconomic and financial terms and conditions were discussed, to further elaborate and mediate on the process of developing the above mentioned areas of interest. The hopes of addressing the incumbent issues and probable solutions for such possibilities were also discussed in depth and further headway was made in this direction. QUOTES FROM THE GUEST SPEAKERS: “The convention 189 speaks of fundamental rights of domestic workers and to protect themselves from any form of violence or torture within the territory of a certain house” – Ms. Jasiya Khatoon, Director, WARBE Development Foundation. “We are not proud sending women to work and earn for the country and their families because the tasks they perform abroad are laborious and not pertaining to any form of intellectual practices” – Mr. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, Assistant Executive Director, Bangladesh Institutes of Labour Studies. “Migrant rights and civil society organisations need to increase accountability for ratification of Convention 189 because the convention itself is revolutionary and helps to merge supply of domestic workers with International Labour demand.” – Ms. Nisha, Chief Technical Adviser, ILO “We need to strengthen our negotiations with the Government to ensure rights of domestic workers are earned and protected both at home and abroad. If necessary, we are ready to show common people how deprived women domestic workers are through a mass rally which will be a very large demonstration” – Mr. Abul Hossain, National Domestic Workers Association “Social norms must be changed and adopt new ones that will manifest equal rights and honour towards the women domestic workers; otherwise, the general point of view towards them shall remain derogatory” – Mr. Syed Saiful Haque, Chairman, WARBE Development Foundation. “We endorse for transparency by the government and the agreement made between BAIRA and SENARCOM be made public” – Mr. Md. Faruque Ahmed, Secretary General, WARBE Development Foundation “If the government could take initiatives and led campaigns to improve livelihoods and services of domestic workers before, then, of course, our government c

06 September, 2016

The Bangladesh Ovibashi Adhikar Forum (BOAF) finally came into being on 17th March, 2014, whose main goal is to establish a viable socio-economic development with due dignity, safety and safe migration of all internal and external migrant workers and their families. On 3rd December, 2015, Thursday, a lively general meeting took place where nine (9) members’ executive committee of Bangladesh Ovibashi Adhikar Forum (BOAF), and many other network members were present in the annual general meeting. Nazmul Ahsan, President, Bangladesh Ovibashi Adhikar Forum (BOAF) expressed his cordial greetings for the presence of everyone who came so far. He also apologizes for changing the date frequently. He also agreed with Faruque Ahmed about the common platform issues. He thinks that WARBE facilitate that scope. He expected guidelines from Syed Saiful Haque because he has the national & international exposure on these issues. Jasiya Khatoon thinks that no one could be cheated if they can work together. She requested everyone to stay united for the sake of migrant workers. She also mentioned the contribution of WARBE for celebrating IMD since 2009 and that WARBE lobbied for establishing Migrants Bank. Finally she reviewed that there are so many places where they can work together.

06 September, 2016

We, the representatives of Winrock International, USAID Bangladesh, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Plan International Bangladesh, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Rights Jessore , SHISUK, Change Maker, BRAC, WARBE Development Foundation, Bangladeshi Ovhibashi Mohila Sramik Association (BOMSA), ANIRBAN, Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights (BSEHR) and BONGO BD, gathered in Dhaka on 30 July 2015. We recognize and are grateful for the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh in efforts to combat trafficking in persons, such as: – The launch of the National Plan of Action for Combating Human Trafficking 2015-2017. – Enactment of the Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, 2012. – Enactment of the Overseas Employment, Migration Act, 2013. Finally, we state together that trafficking in persons is the most heinous of offences that can be committed against a person, it victimizes people, stripes away dignity, removes a person’s self-determination and places victims in great peril. We say as one that trafficking in persons must be stopped, our collective efforts to stop trafficking in persons will continue and we will act as one to pursue justice and dignity for all.

05 September, 2016

WARBE Development Foundation, RMMRU, Manusher Jonno Foundation, and AWO jointly organized a “National Civil Society Consultation on 8th GFMD 2015” The objective of this National Civil Society Consultation is to introduce and highlight the Civil Society Days activities in the GFMD meeting as well as the thematic plenary and roundtable discussions to the participants from key migration and development organizations, networks, grassroots and community based organizations, migrants’ rights advocates, trade unions, private sector, representatives of the media and academia along with officials from the relevant government ministries for jointly strategize efforts relating to the GFMD 2015. Many journalists, NGO professionals, Government high-ups, and other important persons from different sectors attended in this day long civil society consultation program. The entire program was divided into four sessions which were moderated by different people. The sessions were: The Inaugural Session, Parallel Group Working Session on Thematic Roundtable, Reports of Group Working Session, and Concluding Session: Way Forward.

08 July, 2016

WARBE Development Foundation and recruiting agency BAIRA jointly arranged a consultation on safe migration with private Sector and Stakeholders. WARBE and BAIRA personnel, and some other distinguished personalities from ministry and secretariat level, NGO and civil society participated and shared their valuable opinion regarding the issue. The key Objectives for organizing this consultation were: To discuss on safe migration process, regular channels and reducing migration cost. To understand the present socio-demographic and economic situation of migrant communities. To discuss about the ‘Overseas Employment & Migration Act, 2013’ – its barriers in implementation process and the possible realistic way-out. To discuss on the role of private sectors for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Mr. Faruque ahmed, Secretary General, WARBE Development Foundation began the meeting with his welcome speech. He expresses his thankfulness to BAIRA for cooperating in holding this meeting. Mrs. Jasiya Khatoon, Director, WARBE Development Foundation presented a key note presentation on WARBE DF and an overview of global migration scenario in 2015. Nurul Amin, member of BAIRA– spoke on irregular migration, mass grave which were found in Malaysia. He also talks on G2G, zero cost on migration. Sarowat Binte Islam, Program Manager, MJF- talked on Technical Training Center (TTC), cost of TTC training in private/Govt. sector. Sultana Adnan, Director of Migration Project, Agrani Bank – She discuss about remittance and for sending remittance the migrant workers are to pay high rate of interest which should be reduced for smoothening the process. He also says a2i could be involved at union level training. Md. Rabiul Islam, Online Media- wants to know about the cost for receiving clearance from BMET. Mr. Jabed Ahmed, Additional Secretary, MoEWOE- discussed on issues. He says- middle men are needed but also they must be under control, there are 47 TTCs but they are not up to the mark. Nurjahan Begum Mukta, Member of National Parliament was the Chief Guest in this consultation. She refers to many points. She says that victims should be more aware and human trafficking law should be strictly enforced. She added further in every district government is trying to provide land for migrants and trying to increase quota for migrants and in P.S.C and J.S.C there is provision for scholarship for migrants’ children. After her speech Annual Migration Report-2015, prepared by WARBE DF was launched.

08 July, 2016

WARBE Development Foundation and Bangladesh Ovibashi Adhikar Forum (BOAF) with the support by AWO international arranged Consultation on Protection of Migrants Rights in on Human Rights Day. Objective of the program was: (a) Migrant Workers are in distress (b) Domestic Workers Convention 189 (c) Use of wage earners’ welfare fund (d) Voting rights of Migrant Workers In the beginning of the consultation Mr. Sharif Hossen Chowdhury, Coordinator of WARBE Development Foundation gave welcome speech. After his speech Md. Faruque Ahmed Secretary General of WARBE Development Foundation gave keynote presentation. In his presentation he talked about many migrants’ related problems, how migrant workers are facing problems and being violated. Even he shared his own experience as he is a returnee migrant. Then our two migrant victims Rowshan Ara Begum and Champa Begum shared their experience how they are become victim when they worked in Lebanon and Jordan. In the Panel Discussion Mr. Atikun Nabi(Executive Director, INAFI), Mr. Nazmul Ahsan (President, BOAF), Mr. Abul Bashar (Project Coordinator, RMMRU), Md. Shakirul Islam (Chairman, OKUP), Mr. Abul Hossain(President, Trade Union),Mr. Nur Khan Liton(Director, Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) everyone talked on this issue. They all were talked about rights of migrants’ workers, about convention, use of welfare fund and many related issues.