7 November 2007

Local MP to Chair International Forum

Manukau East MP, Ross Robertson, is to chair the International Council Meeting of the 29th Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) Annual Forum to be held in Nigeria next week.

“The theme of the Forum, ‘Poverty and unemployment – the root causes of migration’ is, of course, particularly pertinent in the African environment, but there are parallel issues here in New Zealand with our Pacific people and others who have sought refuge in New Zealand,” Ross Robertson commented.

He will also chair and speak at a key panel session regarding the identification of the root causes of migration and immigration.

Ross Robertson said that his work as an MP over 20 years in South Auckland had given him some real insights into the motivations, needs and stresses of both poverty and migration.

“Many of my constituents are refugees and migrants. These are the lucky ones as many many more still languish in camps and villages throughout Africa hoping for a better life in the future.

“Others come from the Pacific Islands, and, as we know, there are others who would like to come to New Zealand to join their families and also for jobs and security.

“Poverty and migration have been linked since time began. Our role is to ensure that those who seek a better life can find it largely through overseas aid or diplomacy,” he said.

The meeting and following conference are being held in the Nigerian Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria between 10 – 13 November.

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