HIV/AIDS & Mobility in South-East Asia
United Nations Regional Task Force on Mobility and HIV Vulnerability Reduction in South-East Asia and Southern Provinces of China
In South-East Asia, mobility is a growing phenomenon and a major concern due to the high vulnerability to HIV of mobile populations. The dynamics of popu-lation movement have evolved in South-East Asia over the last decade, and are in a phase of accel-eration due to multiple factors including geopolitical and socio-economic changes, infrastructure develop-ment and closer cooperation among ASEAN Member Countries. Whether mobility is internal or cross-border, whether it is voluntary or forced, this increasing population movement generates particular conditions and circumstances that render migrants vulnerable and at risk of HIV infection.
Largely due to growing political and economic integration in South-East Asia, the region is witnessing a steady increase in the millions who migrate be-tween ASEAN Member Countries annually in search of employment. Migrants are a growing and essential part of the workforce in more economically devel-oped countries in the region and beyond in some cases. Remittances from these workers to their families represent a significant portion of the national GDP (14.5% in the Philippines, according to World Bank 2006) and balance of payments.
Despite their contribution to national economies, migrants are often exploited, marginalized and stig-matized throughout the migration process. Studies show that mobile populations are vulnerable to discrimination, racism, exploitation and harassment at home and abroad. Their basic rights are violated in terms of pay and working conditions. Often poor and powerless, migrants have little or no right to legal or social protection and generally lack access to HIV/AIDS services and information.
While migration alone is not a vulnerability factor for HIV infection, the conditions under which people migrate expose them to HIV infection risks. New-found freedoms, disposable income, exploitation or abuse lead some migrants to high-risk behaviours, such as unprotected sex or drug use, making them vulnerable to HIV.
It is now clearly recognized in the region that the implementation of bilateral and regional memoranda of understanding, regional work plans, such as ASEAN Work Plan III, and regional strategies and declara-tions, such as the UNRTF Regional Strategy on Mobility and HIV Vulnerability Reduction and the ASEAN Declaration on the Rights of Migrants, require operationalization into coherent, collaborative and funded implementation plans at the national level. If envisioned results are to be achieved, regional coor-dination of the implementation of national plans and cross-border interventions in support of signed agreements is essential.
This document presents the key findings and recommendations of a rapid assessment conducted on HIV and mobility issues in the 10 ASEAN Member Countries in 2007-2008. It includes the migration patterns and HIV situation across the region, and the challenges and opportunities facing South-East Asian countries as they work together to develop a com-prehensive response to HIV for migrant and mobile populations.
Download the full report...
Source: UNDP
Largely due to growing political and economic integration in South-East Asia, the region is witnessing a steady increase in the millions who migrate be-tween ASEAN Member Countries annually in search of employment. Migrants are a growing and essential part of the workforce in more economically devel-oped countries in the region and beyond in some cases. Remittances from these workers to their families represent a significant portion of the national GDP (14.5% in the Philippines, according to World Bank 2006) and balance of payments.
Despite their contribution to national economies, migrants are often exploited, marginalized and stig-matized throughout the migration process. Studies show that mobile populations are vulnerable to discrimination, racism, exploitation and harassment at home and abroad. Their basic rights are violated in terms of pay and working conditions. Often poor and powerless, migrants have little or no right to legal or social protection and generally lack access to HIV/AIDS services and information.
While migration alone is not a vulnerability factor for HIV infection, the conditions under which people migrate expose them to HIV infection risks. New-found freedoms, disposable income, exploitation or abuse lead some migrants to high-risk behaviours, such as unprotected sex or drug use, making them vulnerable to HIV.
It is now clearly recognized in the region that the implementation of bilateral and regional memoranda of understanding, regional work plans, such as ASEAN Work Plan III, and regional strategies and declara-tions, such as the UNRTF Regional Strategy on Mobility and HIV Vulnerability Reduction and the ASEAN Declaration on the Rights of Migrants, require operationalization into coherent, collaborative and funded implementation plans at the national level. If envisioned results are to be achieved, regional coor-dination of the implementation of national plans and cross-border interventions in support of signed agreements is essential.
This document presents the key findings and recommendations of a rapid assessment conducted on HIV and mobility issues in the 10 ASEAN Member Countries in 2007-2008. It includes the migration patterns and HIV situation across the region, and the challenges and opportunities facing South-East Asian countries as they work together to develop a com-prehensive response to HIV for migrant and mobile populations.
Download the full report...
Source: UNDP
