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IMA secretariat

IMA is a broad international alliance composed of progressive and anti-imperialist migrant organizations of different nationalities. It shall act as the voice and force of migrants of various nationalities in advancing the rights and interests of migrants, refugees and displaced people in different countries.
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advancing the rights and interests of migrants, refugees and displaced people in different countries
IMA Constitution (Adopted) PDF Print E-mail
Written by IMA   
Sunday, 06 July 2008
Constitution of the International Migrants Alliance
Adopted and Approved during its Founding Assembly Held in Hong Kong last 16 June 2008
 
Preamble:
 
We, the mass organizations, alliances and trade unions of migrant, immigrant workers and refugees, support institutions do hereby proclaim the formation of the first International Migrant Alliance and the declaration of our Charter and the General Program of Action.
 
The IMA is a broad anti-imperialist alliance that will uphold and promote the rights and welfare of all migrant workers, immigrants and refugees. It will endeavor to do the following:
 
a.      Empower migrant workers, immigrants, and refugees, particularly women and children, through their self organization, help in their program for education, organization and mobilization, to struggle for their rights and welfare, and to challenge imperialist globalization and their “war on terror”.
 
b.      Full and strict implementation of UN and ILO conventions and instruments for the protection of the rights and welfare of migrant workers and their families by sending and receiving countries
 
c.      Full and strict implementation of conventions protecting and upholding the rights of women migrants, women immigrants, women refugees, and addressing their specific needs.
 
d.      Recognize and assert the rights of undocumented migrant workers, including those who have been trafficked for labor or the sex trade.
 
 
e.      Recognize and assert the rights to asylum of political refugees and the end of all forms of restriction and persecution.
 
f.        Oppose unjust and discriminatory state health policies as a tool to discriminate and regulate the movement of people, especially migrant workers. We demand the abolition of mandatory testing, for HIV or pregnancy for example,  as a pre-employment requisite and as a term for deportation. We also demand access for migrant workers, immigrants, refugees, and homeless people to culturally appropriate health information and services.
 
g.      Expose and oppose militarization of borders and remove all unjust, discriminatory and violent state policies targeting im/migrants and refugees. In the same breadth, criminalization of migrants, especially undocumented under the guise of war against terrorism must be exposed and opposed.
 
h.      Expose and oppose labor export policies which institutionalize the commodification of labor and consequent abuse of migrant workers. As well, we demand for thorough going socio-economic reforms that will create decent jobs and promote equity.
 
i.         End all forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking.
 
j.         The end to imperialist wars of aggression and other fascist measures including that of their client-states.
 
k.      Oppose systematic racism inherent in migration policies and practices.
 
l.         Resist military recruitment of migrants.
 
Article I
Aims and Purposes:
 
a.      Deepen the perspective and understanding through the root causes of migration, its direct consequences and other related issues and problems, and the role of imperialism and governments and international institutions in the process of labor-export and forced migration, support struggles for fundamental change and genuine development in labor exporting countries;
 
b.      Generate campaigns, opposition and action against human rights violations, abuses and violence committed against migrants, immigrants and refugees and to gather support for this cause;
 
c.      Harness and continuously strengthen international cooperation and mutual support among the migrant and immigrant organizations in sharing strategies of resistance and in searching for solutions to the worsening problem of labor-export and forced migration brought by imperialist globalization;
 
d.      Encourage coordination and cooperation in the national level and regional levels of im/migrants' organizations – in the form of joint activities, coalition-building or establishing coordinating bodies -  to undertake campaigns for the protection of their rights and welfare and strengthening their organizational capacities;
 
e.      To establish support structures and networks and maximize the use of existing ones to organize and assist migrant workers, immigrants and refugees in receiving and sending countries, who are in need and who have problems; and
 
f.        To develop a genuine international anti-imperialist and pro-migrant advocacy network among various professionals, academicians and other citizen’s groups. Support the strengthening and organizing of immigrant groups and enhance advocacy work to change policies and laws. To expose reactionary migrant groups in the service of imperialism.
 
 
Article II
Name
 
The name of the Alliance shall be the International Migrant Alliance (IMA), hereafter referred to as the Alliance.
 
Article III
Definition
 
In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, the words below shall have the meaning set opposite each of them respectively:
 
  • Constitution – The Constitution of the Alliance
  • Assembly     – The General Assembly of the Alliance
  • ICB ------------- The International Coordinating Body
  • Member ------- The Member Organization of the Alliance
  • Migrants ------- Pertains to migrants, immigrants and refugees
 
Article IV
Scope, Emblem and Venue of the Secretariat
 
Section 1. Scope
 
The Alliance covers the whole world
 
Section 2. Emblem
 
The emblem of the Alliance shall be a circle depicting the globe with the whole name of the Alliance written around the globe and the acronym IMA written downward inside the globe.
 
Section 3. Venue of the Headquarters
 
The Headquarters of the Alliance shall be located at a place prescribed by the Assembly.
 
Article V
Membership
 
Section 1.  Types of members
 
1a. Criteria for Regular Members
 
Membership of the Alliance is open to migrant organizations on the basis of the following:
  1. It is a grassroots mass organization, union or alliance of migrant organizations and their families subscribing to the Constitution of the Alliance and all plans and resolutions approved by the Assembly.
  2. Committed to perform the rights and duties of a member.
  3. Will pay the membership fee and the annual dues.
 
1b. Criteria for Associate Members
 
  1. Any institution, committee on migrant workers of a local trade union, networks and programs that deals on providing services to migrant workers can apply as associate member to the Alliance;
  2. The applicant subscribes to the Constitution of the Alliance and its programs and policies.
  3. Will pay the membership fee and the annual dues.
 
Section 2.  Admission to the Alliance
 
An applicant can submit a letter of intention for membership to the Alliance through the member organization of the Alliance. The member organization will in turn submit such application together with their letter of recommendation to the International Coordinating Body for deliberations. The ICB is mandated by the Assembly to approve or disapprove. Whatever is the decision, the ICB shall report to the General Assembly.  
 
Section 3. Rights of members
 
The members of the Alliance shall enjoy the following rights:
 
For the Regular Members:
 
  1. To attend in the General Assembly of the Alliance or any special meeting called for specific purpose.
  2. To vote and be voted in any position. Each organization can send five (5) delegates to the Assembly. However, only one (1) among the five delegates can vote.
  3. To register a dissenting opinion, criticism and suggestion to any constituted body of the Alliance.
  4. To seek assistance to the Alliance on any issue, problems and needs of their organization or its member.
  5. To appeal to the ICB on any matter related to the Alliance.
  6. All member organizations of the alliance shall respect the principle of independence and initiative of its fellow member organization.
 
For the Associate Members:
 
 The Associate member is also entitled to all that is stated above except that they cannot vote nor be voted in any position.
 
Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities
 
The members of the Alliance shall have these duties:
  1. To uphold the Constitution, polices, rules and regulations of the Alliance.
  2. To attend and actively participate in the activities, campaigns and work of the Alliance.
  3. To maintain regular and up to date communication with the Secretariat.
  4. To pay annual membership fee promptly.
 
Section 5. Disaffiliation
 
Any member may withdraw its membership at any time. Resignation shall be in writing, with explanation, and shall take effect upon receipt and action of the ICB.
 
Section 6. Suspension of Membership
 
The ICB has the right to suspend a member if the member’s actions are contrary to the articles of the Constitution.
 
The suspended member shall have the right to appeal to the Assembly against the suspension.
 
 
Article VI
Instrumentalities
 
Section 1. Instrumentalities
 
To facilitate and ensure its effective and efficient operation, the Alliance shall have the following instrumentalities:
 
  1. General Assembly
  2. International Coordinating Body (ICB)
  3. Executive Committee
  4. Secretariat
 
Section 2. General Assembly
 
The General Assembly shall serve as the highest policy and decision-making body of the Alliance. It shall have the right to decide all matters concerning the Alliance.
 
The functions of the Assembly shall be:
 
  1. Define the thrust, policies and programs of the Alliance.
  2. Revise, amend or rescind the Constitution.
  3. Decide membership reaffirmation, admission, suspension or termination
  4. Elect the members of the ICB.
  5. Approve or Disapprove the report of the ICB
  6. Adopt the financial report and budget for the term.
  7. Resolve any other matter the Assembly would see fit.
 
Participation and Credentials:
 
  1. All bona fide members of the Alliance shall compose the General Assembly.
  2. Each member organization may be represented by 2 to 5 delegates inclusive of one voting delegate. Each delegate shall bear credentials of her/his organization.
  3. Each Associate member shall be represented by 1 or 2 delegates who shall bear credentials of her/his institution or organization.
  4. The General Assembly reserves the right to refuse credentials that in its opinion are not authentic and thereby refuse to accept its bearer(s) as delegate(s).
 
Section 3 - Assembly
 
The Assembly will be held once in three (3) years in such place, date and time agreed by the ICB.
 
However, the Secretariat in consultation with the ICB, may call for an Extraordinary Assembly:
 
  1. Upon the request of two-thirds (2/3) of the regular members of the Alliance. Such a meeting shall be held within twelve (12) weeks after the receipt of the request, unless the request is accompanied by a later suggested date, or
  2. Upon resolution by the ICB and ratified by a simple majority of the postal votes cast or any other means such as faxes or emails by the members of the Alliance.
 
A notice specifying the place, date and time of the Assembly or Extraordinary Assembly, and a preliminary agenda, shall be sent to all members at least twelve (12) weeks prior to the Assembly and six (6) weeks for an extraordinary one.
 
Section 4. International Coordinating Body
 
The International Coordinating Body shall be the highest executive and supervisory body of the Alliance in-between General Assembly. It may exercise all powers of the Alliance, provided that in exercising those powers and in discharging its functions, it shall be bound by the Constitution and the policies set by the Alliance in the Assembly. The ICB may make policies in cases there is none, subject to the ratification of the Assembly.
 
Functions of the ICB:
 
  1. Implement the decisions of the Assembly and draw up an annual plan of action.
  2. Make decisions when the Assembly is not in session.
  3. Lay down administrative rules and regulations for the governance of the Alliance.
  4. Draft the agenda of and convene the Assembly.
  5. Recommend policies and policy guidelines to the Assembly.
  6. Receive and discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution.
  7. Prepare the annual narrative and financial report, budget and plan.
  8. Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the Assembly.
  9. The ICB shall not administer or govern all or any of the members of the alliance and shall have no authority whatsoever to decide on issues internal to any member organization as well as on issues of controversy among several participating organizations.  It may make requests or proposals that are subject to the decision of all or any of the participating organizations.
 
Composition of the ICB:
 
  1. Seventeen (17) members shall constitute the ICB. Eight (8) of the members will be elected at large by the General Assembly.  Seven (7) members will be elected or appointed by their respective global regions stated below and 2 (two) are ex-officio members representing the Associate Members to be appointed or designated through a caucus by them. The 2 (two) ex-officio members can participate in all discussions and deliberations of the ICB but cannot vote and cannot be elected in the Executive Committee.
 
  • East Asia and Oceania
  • South Asia
  • Europe
  • Latin America and Caribbean
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Africa and Middle East
 
  1. The ICB shall elect among them the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and the Treasurer which will act as the Executive Committee of the Alliance.
  2. The term of office of the ICB will be three (3) years.
  3. In the event of a vacancy occurring among members of the ICB elected at-large, the ICB has the power to co-opt a member to fill the vacancy.
 
Section 5. The Executive Committee
 
The Executive Committee (EC) shall act as implementing, coordinating and administrative body of the Alliance.
 
Functions of the Executive Committee:
 
  1. Manage the affairs of the Alliance.
  2. Execute the programs, plans and policies of the Assembly and the ICB.
  3. Submit narrative and financial reports to the ICB for submission to the Assembly.
  4. Render services and perform other tasks as may be delegated by the Assembly
  5. Create and directly supervise a Secretariat staff to attend to the day-to-day functions of the Alliance.
  6. To represent and speak on behalf of the Alliance in any functions, public gatherings and media releases.
 
Section 6. The Secretariat
 
The Secretariat shall be appointed by the ICB doing staff function to assist the Executive Committee.
 
  1. The Secretariat shall manage the day-to-day affairs of the office of the Alliance.
  2. The basing of the Secretariat will be decided upon by the ICB but preferably where the EC, especially the Chairperson is based.
  3. The Secretariat is directly accountable to the EC.
  4. The term of office of the Secretariat is co-terminus with the ICB, unless appointed again by the newly elected ICB.
 
Section 7. Term of office
 
The members of the ICB shall hold office until the end of the succeeding Assembly.
 
Article VII
Meetings
 
Section 1. General Assembly
 
The General Assembly of the Alliance shall be held once every three (3) years.
 
Section 2. The ICB
 
The ICB shall meet at least once a year in such place, date and time as the ICB shall fix and if practicable prior to the Assembly and other activities of the Alliance.
 
Appropriate notice, along with the proposed agenda, shall be sent six (6) weeks before the meeting.
 
Section 3. Decisions and Quorum
 
  1. If all the requirements and period stated in notifying the members for the said meetings are met, those in attendance in the said meeting will constitute a quorum. However, in the ICB, 2/3 of the members is required to constitute a quorum.
  2. In principle, the decisions of the Alliance shall be by consensus.
  3. In times of necessity to divide the house, simple majority of the members present, there being a quorum, shall be necessary to adopt a motion or resolution.
 
Section 4 Election
 
Elections for the positions stated in this Constitution will be done during the regular session of the General Assembly. Election shall be by secret ballot. All ballots will bear the signature of whoever will be designated to act as head of the election committee and will bear the official seal of the Alliance.
 
Article VIII
Finance
 
Section 1. Sources
 
The funds of the Alliance shall be derived from membership dues and fund raising projects approved in the General Assembly or by the ICB.
 
Section 2. Dues
 
The annual dues of the Alliance shall be determined by the Assembly. Euro 20 shall be the annual dues.
 
Section 3. Budget
 
The budget of the Alliance and the corresponding financial plan shall be prepared by the Executive Committee, in consultation and concurrence by the ICB, and shall be presented to the Assembly for approval.
 
Section 4. Disbursement
 
Funds may be withdrawn in accordance with the financial regulations and approved budget of the Alliance.
 
Section 5. Accounts
 
The Treasurer shall document the accounts of the Alliance and submit audited financial reports to the ICB and the Assembly.
 
Article IX
Dissolution
 
Section 1. Dissolution
 
The Alliance may be dissolved by a two-thirds (2/3) votes of its members through a special Assembly.
 
Section 2. Assets and Properties
 
In the event of dissolution, all assets and properties of the Alliance, after payment of all costs and liabilities, shall be donated to a similar organization.890765437
 
Article X
Amendments
 
This Constitution may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) majority votes cast at the Assembly.
 
Any proposed amendment must be submitted to the ICG through the Executive Committee two (2) months before the Assembly. The Executive Committee will distribute copies of the proposals received to all members for their perusal at least one (1) month before the Assembly.
 
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