Solidarity and responses to COVID-19

The Sub-Saharan Mediterranean Migration Trade Union Network - RSMMS, expresses its deep concern about the situation of the most vulnerable groups and particularly irregular migrants in these exceptional circumstances experienced by the whole of humanity

On behalf of the 30 trade union organisations members of the Sub-Saharan Mediterranean Migration Trade Union Network - -RSMMS , from the regions of West Africa, North Africa and Europe, we express our grave concern about the situation of the most vulnerable groups, and particularly irregular migrants, during the exceptional situation the whole of humanity is now facing. We recall that solutions will require a global response, in solidarity and for all.

We express our deep concern about the living conditions of migrants and their families, who face the same threat and are particularly exposed due to overcrowding.

We note that the extent of the global crisis is as yet unknown and draw attention to the fragile state of public health services in developing countries, particularly in Africa. We take note of the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), notably its 27 March declaration dedicated to Africa.

This global ordeal draws attention to the fate of the most vulnerable and deprived in the face of this pandemic. We recall that it is the responsibility of all to ensure marginalized populations can obtain the social, economic and health support they need more than ever to strengthen their resilience.

We are witnessing the brutality of the economic disruption that is depriving a large part of the population of income and making the poor and marginalized populations extremely vulnerable.

We urge all States and international organisations to take acts of solidarity towards migrants who are particularly vulnerable in circumstances of general confinement,

We express our deep concern about the living conditions of migrants and their families, who face the same threat and are particularly exposed due to overcrowding. We remain vigilant on the conditions of confinement, particularly of domestic workers, and we undertake to implement a trade union watch to support the most isolated among them.

We welcome the initiative of some governments to open the doors of public health to migrants present in their territory and hope that this will continue after the health crisis. All migrant workers, whether in a regular or irregular situation, and wherever they are, must have access to the same rights and services as national workers. We alert authorities on their important responsibility towards addressing their exclusion from the national health system, and of any possible discriminatory practices that would violate their fundamental rights and contradict the efforts to reduce contagion and eradicate the pandemic.

We remain attentive to the monitoring and follow-up of the situation of workers ensured by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and support the recent declarations of the International Trade Union Confederation - ITUC Africa of 18 March 2020, and of the United Nations Network on Migration of 20 March 2020, insisting on a non-discriminatory response to the COVID-19 pandemic

We therefore urge all States and international organisations to take acts of solidarity towards migrants who are particularly vulnerable in circumstances of general confinement, and to reassure all migrants that they will be taken care of both for screening and for future treatment. We also call for a responsible consideration of the situation of populations in transit and particularly in detention centres.

We call on States to create the necessary conditions for the large-scale production of tests for generalised screening of populations. It is urgent to start the debate today on a critique of the global public-private partnership for health in order to guarantee universal access to the care necessary for the treatment of COVID-19.

We salute the commitment and sacrifices of frontline health and social care staff, among them highly skilled migrants trained in Africa, who are fighting alongside nationals to save lives in Europe and North America; we also salute the initiatives of diasporas around the world for their mobilization and support for their countries of origin.

We express all our compassion for the bereaved families and salute the commitment and solidarity of all workers and volunteers, enabling people to continue to have access to basic services.

The focal points of the RSMMS join in the momentum of citizen solidarity, the mobilization of young people and the commitment of all actors on the ground in our respective countries. The impact of this pandemic on public health and the world of work at the global level requires strong measures based on social dialogue, and in this framework we will continue to defend the rights of migrant workers on the same basis as all workers.

For the members of RSMMS.

General Coordination

Naima Hammami

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