PHL, intl labor execs in France tackle human trafficking

Philippine officials in France recently met with representatives of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to discuss ways to save migrant workers from exploitation and human trafficking.   According to a news release of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine officials met with ILO representatives at the Philippine Embassy in Paris on February 9 to validate the results of a European Union-funded research on Filipino and Thai migrant workers. The ILO is the only 'tripartite' United Nations agency that brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers in shaping policies that promote decent work for all.  Founded in 1919, just after the First World War, ILO aimed to pursue universal peace based on social justice. In 1946, the ILO became the first specialized agency of the UN. Human trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.   The DFA said the meeting of the Philippine and ILO officials "aimed to facilitate improved linkages among the institutions based in France which provide support/assistance to distressed migrant workers, collectively known as ‘service providers."    These institutions include include the Embassy, led by Philippine ambassador to France Cristina Ortega, the Filipino community groups, and French non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and trade unions, the DFA said. - VVP, GMA News