6th World Social Forum on Migration

Migration in the heart of our humanity: Defending our Freedom and Re-thinking Mobility, Development and Globalization

Gustavo Massiah

26/12/2014

Opinión

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The World Social Forum on Migration (WSFM) was held from December 5 to December 8, 2014, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This 6th FSMM was held in Africa for the very first time, after previous editions held in Brazil (Porto Alegre, 2005), Spain (Madrid, 2006 and 2008), Ecuador (Quito, 2010), and the Philippines (Manila 2012).

The 6th FSMM began with a tribute to Nelson Mandela on the occasion of the first anniversary of his death. It was held at Constitution Hill, an old prison which became the seat of the South African Constitutional Court. This place was formerly used as a prison for Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albert Luthuli, and many other activists against apartheid.

This World Social Forum on Migration was held in South Africa, the country where liberation from apartheid completed the process of decolonization in Africa. In the context of rapidly evolving geopolitical relations, South Africa made a statement about its presence in Africa and all over the world. This country demonstrates remarkable economic dynamism and strong political effervescence. Nevertheless, the dominant logic remains neoliberal and social inequalities are growing. Social movements are very active and strongly defend their claims. There are many migrants in South Africa, many of whom are very committed to defending their rights within the South African society. The migration debate is becoming more and more lively.

In this context, the World Social Forum on Migrations had to overcome various challenges. Some have criticized the presence of migrant associations, considered excessive, in the Forum’s preparation process. After having requested a postponement, the Municipality of Johannesburg withdrew from the co-organization of the Forum. Therefore, participation was lower than expected. Nevertheless, the Local Organizing Committee was able to overcome most difficulties and to contribute outstandingly to the staging and hosting of the event.

The FSMM was a truly global forum involving 186 organizations from 57 countries and all continents. Plenary sessions were of high quality and workshops were extremely lively. Among the most noteworthy interventions, that of the Secretary-General of COSATU must be highlighted - he made a programmatic speech on the role of unions for the protection of migrants' rights. We should also mention the interventions of two of President Nelson Mandela’s former government ministers.

Four overarching themes were discussed: (1) Asylum seekers, refugees and forced migration; (2) migration, social cohesion and integration; (3) migration, globalization and crises; (4) human rights and citizenship. There were also thirty self-run workshops.

The main topics of mobilization were discussed in plenary sessions and workshops : the respect for the dignity of migrants; the respect for human rights for all and, in particular, the rights of migrants; the redefinition of development on the basis of access to rights ; the fight against inequality, for democracy and the environment ; the fight against racism, xenophobia and discrimination; freedom of movement; citizenship of residence and regional citizenship; international law and a call for a world conference on migration.

The 6th World Social Forum on Migration was clearly and explicitly defined as a thematic event in the process of the World Social Forum. The discussion focused on the relationship between mobilization and advocacy in favor of an international law that is respectful of the rights of migrants. Thus it was located within the debate that crosses the WSF, in particular the International Council. We have to notice that some members of the World Social Forum on Migration’s International Committee seem to be moving away from this process and to attach a greater importance to the Global Forum Migration and Development (GFMD) launched with UN support.

The 6th WSFM has defined several next steps. From March 24 to March 28, 2015, the World Social Forum in Tunis will give a central place to migrants and migration. The WSFM will be actively present. In December 2015, Africity in Johannesburg will focus on the role of local authorities in the various aspects of migration issues. The next WSFM in 2016 could be held in Sao Paulo or Mexico City. A decision by the International Committee should be announced at the WSF in Tunis.

https://www.alainet.org/en/articulo/166420?language=en