MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 23, 2012) – Migrante Aotearoa has been selected by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission as one of 12 recipients of the annual diversity awards for 2012.
According to Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres, the award is in recognition of Migrante’s outstanding contribution to the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme through its diversity projects and programs.
Migrante said it is honored to receive the New Zealand Diversity Award presented in Auckland.
“Migrante is proud to be a partner of the HRC in working for the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of migrants in NZ,” it said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Founded in December 2009, Migrante Aotearoa is an organisation of Filipino migrant workers, immigrants and their families in New Zealand. Migrante works with unions, community groups and institutions like the HRC for the promotion and protection of migrants’ rights and welfare. It also links up with other migrants and immigrants of various nationalities.
On August 19, Migrante hosted the forum “IN SEARCH OF DECENT WORK: A fair deal for migrants in global economy” as part of 2012 New Zealand Diversity Action Program.
Dennis Maga, Migrante Aotearoa National Coordinator said: “Our participation in the 2012 New Zealand Diversity Action Programme is especially significant as it became a timely occasion for First Union’s public launching of UNEMIG: Union Network of Migrants. Often migrant workers are victims of under legal minimum wage pay, abuse, discrimination, bullying and harassment in the workplace. UNEMIG is here to support vulnerable migrants,” he said.
“Migrante looks forward to stronger partnerships with the HRC, UNEMIG, trade unions, community groups, faith communities and all concerned sectors in working to attain a fair deal for migrants and all working people in NZ,” Maga added.
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