– Minister Rodrigues-Birkett
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, said yesterday that the 2009 Global Human Development Report offers hope in the midst of challenges confronting mobility and development.

The compilation, commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was made public yesterday at the Georgetown Club, on Camp Street, Georgetown.

Titled ‘Overcoming Barriers – Human Mobility and Development’, it was presented to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett by UNDP Resident Representative and Coordinator, Mr. Kiari Liman-Tinguiri.

The Minister, in her remarks, commended the UNDP and all those who have contributed to the successful compiling of the documentation which explores how improved policies on human mobility can enhance development and reinforces the need for governments to work towards reducing restrictions on movements within and across their countries’ borders.

“It also addresses the implementation of practical measures that can improve arrival prospects for migrants. No doubt, the achievement of such objectives can result in benefits worldwide, as we address human mobility with development in mind,” she stated.

“Like human development reports before it, the theme of this report is certainly fitting. It comes at a time in our international relations when Guyana and other developing countries are confronted with unprecedented challenges – the food crisis, the global financial and economic crisis and also climate change,” Rodrigues-Birkett observed.

She said the impact of these crises have created or reinforced other difficulties, including the challenge of overcoming barriers to human mobility.

According to her, in many cases, people have returned to their countries or cities as a result of the crisis and immigration policies that, in some cases, resulted from one or more crises.

Mobility
“But let me hasten to add that human mobility is a fact of life and, with globalisation, may have even increased,” she offered.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett addresses the gathering at the Georgetown Club.

Rodrigues-Birkett explained that many of the debates on human mobility are slanted towards the disadvantages of migration.

“We often hear, in Guyana, about the brain drain and other negative impacts caused by migration but there are opportunities as well.

“Harnessing the prospects offered by the Diaspora through remittances, trade and capacity building come to mind. Indeed, I am advised that, at the global level, remittances outweigh official development assistance by far,” the Minister said.

She expressed hope that the report will contribute to a better understanding of human mobility and inform productive debates at both the local and global levels.

“Consistent with Guyana’s interest in contributing to the success of the human mobility agenda, as outlined in the report, is our willingness to play a role in creating a new global regime to improve migration management, “ Minister Rodrigues-Birkett assured.

She said this year’s report coincides with a period of much concern to Guyana and other regional governments which, following the implementation of new immigration policies, are witnessing the return of their nationals from other regional and international capitals.

“Logically, it will be expected that we deal with this issue closer to home at the bilateral and regional levels,” Rodrigues-Birkett suggested, assuring that Guyana has welcomed migrants who have invested in the country’s development and will continue to do so.

Alluding to last month’s commissioning of the Takutu River Bridge link with Brazil, she said this will encourage greater people-to-people contact in the region and add benefits for trade, investment and development.

“We have also started discussions at the level of the UNASUR (Union of South America) of abolishing visas in South America. I know these things take time but the good news is that we have started that discussion,” Rodrigues-Birkett disclosed.

About Brazil, she said significant advances have been made, resulting in nationals not requiring passports to travel up to a certain distance in both Brazil and Guyana.

At the regional level, Rodrigues-Birkett reminded that the ultimate goal is for total free movement within the Caribbean Community.

“Of course that is a recognition that human mobility can bring benefits to our countries while, at the same time, making this regional integration, that we speak so often about, real,” she said.

Rodrigues-Birkett said the issuing of the CARICOM free movement of skills certificate for certain categories of skilled persons is a step in making this goal a reality.

Peculiarities
“However, there are certain peculiarities that must be addressed. In recent times we have witnessed events that border on and, in some cases, confirm the disregard of basic human rights of our citizens that have left our shores and have contributed to the development of the destinations in which they reside.

“These actions set back the regional integration movement since at the core of this movement, is the people-to-people contact,” she admitted.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett insisted that the 2009 Human Development Report is, therefore, very instructive, in that it speaks to proposals including the opening up of existing entry channels; ensuring basic human rights for migrants; lowering the transaction cost for migration and, generally, finding solutions that benefit both the destination communities and the migrants.

“It is, therefore, of much significance that this report, through an engendered spirit of continued dialogue and cooperation, offers hope in the midst of challenges confronting human mobility and development,” she reiterated.

Rodrigues-Birkett concluded, “I look forward to the cooperation of the United Nations (UN) agencies and, indeed, other partners, as we work towards overcoming the barriers to human mobility and development”.

Liman-Tinguiri said the compendium covers 192 UN Member States and, each year since 1990, UNDP has published the Human Development Indices (HDIs) which look beyond the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to a broader definition of human well-being.

He said, while the HDI does not cover all components of human development, it provides a basis for viewing human progress and the complex relationship between income and well-being”.

The diplomat noted that, often, the HDI would also cover a topical developmental issue, as, like this year, migration.

Liman-Tinguiri said the report breaks new ground in applying the human development approach to migration and discusses who migrants are and why they move; examining the dynamic impact of migration and how countries, working together, can optimise its benefits; mitigating the challenges it poses and uses the rewards as a catalyst for complementing development strategy.

He gave the assurance that the 2009 documentation covers most of the current debate on migration and prescribes a core set of polices that countries can look at.

It is both forward looking and introspective and has always addressed issues relevant to Guyana’s development context such as climate change in 2008.

“The issue of migration has been with us for generations and will continue to influence our development trajectory,” Liman-Tinguiri acknowledged.
Complement
He revealed that the findings of the global assessment of the issue as it relates to the developed and the developing world, show how it can complement development, the gain can be enhanced and policy can mitigate the adverse effects.

“Globalisation and rapid integration of nations make this issue a key global priority for immediate action,” he contended.

Liman-Tinguiri said the development debate is often enriched with such publication as the Human Development Report (HDR) and the UNDP stands committed to supporting civil society and other stakeholders’ efforts to address the issues, as they are critical to enhancing human well-being.

“The UNDP core mandate is to accelerate progress towards human development; ensure real improvement in people’s lives and choices and opportunities open to them,” he reminded.

Liman-Tinguiri said the UNDP Guyana Country Office is committed to play its role in this regard, currently supporting the Government in areas such as poverty reduction, government, energy and environment and crisis prevention and disaster mitigation.

“As a result, we are proud to support several initiatives, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy and other efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as building social cohesion, enhancing public trust and fostering inclusion,” he said.

Liman-Tinguiri encouraged the gathering to read the HDR which can be accessed easily online although the local office will distribute some copies.