Migration and Development 2 May 2007 Reflection Dinner - Brussels On 2 May 2007 the Jesuit Refugee Service, together with Caritas Europa, ICMC, COMECE and MISEREOR, organised a reflection event on Migration and Development at the European Parliament. Hosted by Hiltrud Breyer, MEP, the event attracted major EU-level actors on the issue and experts in the field.    2 May 2007, Migration and Development Reflection Dinner Documents from the event are available by following the links below: The programme (pdf) [38KB] An overview of the political discourses, Peter Verhaeghe (pdf) [103KB] Experience and practice meet theoretical assumptions, John Bingham (pdf) [89KB] Case studies: African countries: the contribution of forced migrants to development Sister Roxanne Schares SSND   The forcibly displaced: refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees are often seen as the problem, when in fact they are victims and survivors of serious problems. If they could enjoy basic human rights, they could not only have a sustainable livelihood for themselves and immediate families, be less dependent on international aid, but also contribute to the development of countries of asylum, origin, and resettlement as well as the world. Powerpoint presentation (pdf) [1.9MB] Haiti and Dominican Republic: Migration, Development and the current political situation in the Dominican Republic and Haiti Fr. José Núñez   The immigration of Haitian people could be an opportunity for the social, economical and cultural development of both countries, provided that a radical change of the current policy in the Dominican Republic takes place. The current political reality in the Dominican Republic is obstructing potential opportunities for enduring development and a peaceful cohabitation on the island. The international community needs to play a big part in this process by promoting the democratic structures and economic development of Haiti and helping the Dominican government to promote an intercultural cohabitation within the country as well as a more amicable relationship between both countries. PowerPoint presentation (pdf) [739KB] Summary (pdf) [63KB] Lebanon and Sri Lanka: Labour Migration Najla Chahda     Inadequate employment opportunities combined with poor living conditions and the critical political situation are factors pushing Sri Lankan people to migrate in search of higher salaries and standard of living abroad. It is estimated that about 800,000 Sri Lankans work abroad, of which 90% are in the Middle East. The evolution of labour markets as a result of globalisation, has increased the possibilities of emigration for women. Most women work to send remittances back to their families in Sri Lanka and thus contribute to the economy of Sri Lanka and ultimately the country’s development. Some women in these situations face exploitation and abuse and are easy prey for sex traffikers. The Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center (CLMC) provides support to these women, advocates for their rights and works with other organisations in the field to promote better integration in the receiving country. Summary (pdf) [99KB] Summary conclusions (pdf) [32.6KB] These summary conclusions were produced as a result of the dinner debate. They do not necessarily reflect the views of JRS Europe.     Mr Andrés Montalvo Soso, Embassy of Ecuador to Belgium and Mission to the EU