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Summary Report – Regional Consultation on Promoting Access to Health Services for Migrants, including in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
On 28 October 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Regional UN Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific, convened an online regional consultation on “Promoting Access to Health Services for Migrants, including in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic”. The consultation reflected on one of the key priorities for countries of origin and destination in the region. This event aimed to promote GCM Objective 15 (provide access to basic services for migrants) and Objective 16 (empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion), the attainment of which would contribute to the achievement of SDGs 1 (no poverty), 3 (good health and well-being), 5 (gender equality), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 10 (reduced inequalities). This consultation also sought to encourage the use of a human rights-based approach in migration-related policies across the region. This event brought together approximately 200 participants ranging from UN agencies, civil society organizations, academics, legal services, trade unions, migrants and diaspora organizations, and governments.