At the initiative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent and the Red Crescent Society of the Republic of Kazakhstan Astana hosted a campaign to promote the project "Network of the Red Crescent Societies in Central Asia on labor migration."

Representatives of Kazakhstan’s society and guests from neighboring states - Red Cross workers from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan gathered to share experience and accomplishments.

The meeting’s topic was to discuss a two-year joint project, launched in 2009. Its mission is very responsible - through information and education centers in each Central Asian state its organizers hope to alleviate the migrants’ suffering and reduce their vulnerability.

At present labor migration issues are urgent, so such activity by the Federation of Red Cross / Red Crescent is justified. Currently 12 information centers are open in four countries (with the largest number of migrants) for legal counseling, social support, training in providing first aid.

The bulk of workers on labor migration are volunteers, who are in principle visitors too. Why? It can be explained by the motto of "Equal of equals": it is easier for people to find common ground with those who are in the same position as they are. The priority tasks of the volunteers are visiting migrants in places of residence and providing basic supplies (bedding, first aid kit, etc.).

Elena Pavliuk (Kyrgyzstan), Farrukh Kasimov (Tajikistan) and Svetlana Dzhanilova (UZB) presented their performance reports.

Society of each country tries to make life easier for migrants, using both official and non-official means. For example, in Kyrgyzstan an unusual art project was arranged for women, who came there to work. Supported by international organizations and the Red Cross Society of Great Britain the ladies took part in a photo exhibition and a felt installation. The photo exhibition was named "A Day in the life of the migrant”. To the surprise of the organizers, the pictures made by women showed the sunny side of their lives, and not difficulties and hardships. Felt panels telling about a particular issue were joined together in a picture to decorate a jitney symbolizing journey to the better future.

When it comes to migration and its humanitarian consequences, the topic of multicultural interaction becomes particularly relevant as well as the activities of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The project funded by the European Union will be finished by the end of 2010. But representatives of Kazakhstan society assure the centers will continue to help migrant workers in 2011 too irrespective of whether the funds come from the EU or at their own expense.

Polina Bogdanova

Astana

Photo: author