Experts from ILO speak at migration conference

On 17 December 2009, United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a conference to launch its Human Development Report for 2009, "Overcoming Barriers: Human Mobility and Development." 

The conference focused on both internal migration and international migration in the context of Cambodia.  Internally, approximately 95% of the garment sector workforce has migrated into Phnom Penh and surrounding areas from outlying provinces.  In addition, many Cambodians are working in Thailand, although specific figures on their numbers are hard to establish. 

Speakers included representatives from government, UNDP, and the International Organization for Migration. Two ILO representatives also spoke at the conference - Tun Sophorn, National Project Coordinator for the project on Decent Work, Gender Equality and Safe Migration, and Anne Ziebarth, Legal Specialist from Better Factories Cambodia. 

A key message from the conference was that migration can enhance human development in both the destination and sending areas, if proper systems and policies are in place.