MRC-CRM/PRS/2019/003 PRESS STATEMENT Maldivian Red Crescent and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society host the Humanitarian Dialogue on Migration The Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), supported by the Italian Red Cross (ItRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), co-organised the first day of the Humanitarian Dialogue on Migration on November 9th 2019. The event will last for two days and will end on 10th November 2019. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the MRC and the BDRCS, outlining areas of future cooperation and collaboration. The Dialogue will provide a platform for MRC, BDRCS, and key government and non-government actors in the Maldives to discuss the migration context in the Maldives and Bangladesh, and the humanitarian role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in supporting the needs of migrants and all those affected by migration. The chief guest for the event was the Minister of Economic Development Uz. Fayyaz Ismail. The event was also attended by the Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Honourable Zaha Waheed, high level representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration Maldives, UN in Maldives, Human Rights Commission of Maldives, and NGO Transparency Maldives. The National Societies were joined by delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Minister Fayyaz stated reassurance to work with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the challenges faced by migrants are addressed, for their wellbeing. The event was attended by BDRCS Chairman MP Hafiz Ahmed Mazumdar “Collectively we can try to do something for the humanitarian cause of the migrants. Bangladeshis constitute more than 50% of the migrants of the Maldives. We are glad to work with the Maldivian Red Crescent.” “This Humanitarian Dialogue on Migration is an opportunity for us all to consider how we can individually, collectively, and in partnership do more to assist, protect and advocate for the migrants who are most at risk, and support all those affected by migration, The International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has a presence in 191 countries of the world, in countries of origin and destination. Through our network of staff and volunteers - most of whom originate from the very communities they support - we seek to reach those most in need of humanitarian assistance, for example through inclusion and social cohesion with those who host migrants, and addressing the specific needs of those who stay behind as a result migration, the communities, the elderly relatives and children of migrants.” – Head of IFRC Bangladesh, Azmat Ulla. Maldivian Red Crescent, 2nd and 3rd floor, Plot no. 11493, Hithigas Magu, Hulhumale’, Maldives www.redcrescent.org.mv +960 3341009 [email protected] The Maldives is a major country of destination for migrant workers. More than 25 percent of the population of the Maldives are migrants. The largest country of origin for migrants is Bangladesh (57 percent of all migrant workers), followed by India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Migrants in the Maldives play a vibrant role in society, but also may have certain needs to be supported, including effectively accessing health services across the Maldives, and improving their living and working standards. There is also a need for improved social cohesion between migrant communities and nationals of the Maldives. Some of these needs for migrant workers can be addressed in part before they leave as well as on return to their countries of origin (for example, in Bangladesh). MRC’s Secretary General Aisha Noora Mohamed remarked on the various challenges that migrants face in the community, during crises and during peace time as well. “We recognize and acknowledge the many socioeconomic challenges that shape the lives of migrants, and those affected by migration in the Maldives. The lived experiences of almost 1 in 4 people, living among us, in our communities, stands in stark contrast to the rest. This also means, that during crises, these harsher realities are exacerbated. Being in a country temporarily brings unique challenges in access to information, limited social support networks, the language and cultural barriers all contribute to challenges even during everyday lives. These challenges become more magnified during disasters and emergencies, and affects their abilities to bounce back from them. We are committed, to work during crises and peace time, to always uphold the dignity, access, protection, and safety, of those affected, to ensure that we can be there impartially and neutrally.” The International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has a long-standing commitment to assist migrants. The approach of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is strictly humanitarian, focusing on the needs, vulnerabilities and potential of migrants. The Dialogue will work towards developing a joint work plan by MRC and BDRCS, to address the needs of migrants and those affected by migration in the Maldives and Bangladesh, in line with the IFRC Global Strategy on Migration. It will also help to build a shared understanding and learning, as well as explore opportunities for cooperation, between MRC, BDRCS, ItRC, and Movement partners, in addressing the needs of migrants before, during, and after their journey. The Italian Red Cross Regional Delegate for South Asia, Riccardo Bagattin notes the importance of collaborating to share expertise and solutions across National Societies “It is in the spirit of this positive attitude and willingness to support each other, that today two National Societies of South Asia are coming together to discuss about how to deal with the issues related to migration. This a wonderful opportunity not only to share the issues Maldives and Bangladesh are facing and trying to find solutions, but also and most importantly to set the foundation for a collaboration between the two National Red Crescent Societies, which will enable to put these solutions into practice and alleviate the sufferings of the most vulnerable. This would be the first in its kind in the region.” Maldivian Red Crescent, 2nd and 3rd floor, Plot no. 11493, Hithigas Magu, Hulhumale’, Maldives www.redcrescent.org.mv +960 3341009 [email protected] For more information – Maldivian Red Crescent Mizy Musthafa Communications and Resource Mobilisation Officer [email protected] IFRC Helen Brunt Regional Migration and Displacement Coordinator [email protected] Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Razwan Nabin Advisor to the Vice Chairman [email protected] Italian Red Cross Riccardo Bagattin Regional Delegate for South Asia [email protected] 9 November 2019 Maldivian Red Crescent, 2nd and 3rd floor, Plot no. 11493, Hithigas Magu, Hulhumale’, Maldives www.redcrescent.org.mv +960 3341009 [email protected] .