State Secretary Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen’s intervention at the Paris Ministerial on Migration and Development

I would like to comment on four issues related to migration. Three of these issues are dealt with in the declaration, the fourth is not.

Firstly, we are particularly pleased with the emphasis the declaration puts on the obligation to ensure decent working conditions for migrant workers. Protecting the rights of lower-skilled temporary workers and ensuring that women and children do not become victims of human trafficking is crucial. Norway works actively to ensure decent working conditions for all in Norway, including migrant workers.

Secondly, migrants’ remittances are important for many developing countries. More can be done to facilitate optimal use of such private capital. In Norway a pilot project has been started to match investments from diasporas that are willing to invest in their countries of origin. The project also aims at helping to develop the skills needed to participate in the planning and implementation of development schemes. We have also started a dialogue with the finance sector to explore how transaction costs on remittances can be reduced.

Thirdly, I have noted the document’s call for measures to counteract brain drain. Norway is considering to develop a framework for ethical recruitment to prevent developing countries losing their much needed health workers and other highly-skilled personnel. But our long term aim should be an internationally agreed code of conduct against brain drain.

Finally, I take this opportunity to underline the importance of an issue not touched up on in the declaration. That is the need to abolish travel restrictions related to immigrants with Hiv/Aids. Such restrictions constitute a threat to public health, and is a violation of human rights.  The Scandinavian Health Ministers will raise this issue with US Secretary of Health, Mike Leavitt, in a joint letter to be delivered later this week.

Thank you, (Mr Chairman)