Statement by Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam – Member of the Committee on Migrant Workers Thank you madam Chairperson, [...] times for me to keep the time limit. This Forum is timely and in fact the topic is more timely. Since, arguably, education is the [power that we have] for achieving all rights, all human rights. And let me due to your time constraints, article 8 another perspective on the scope of our work as contained in the draft recommendation in identification of rights-holders in terms of access to education among minorities. Let me start by quoting Mr. Thornberry who said this morning: “Minorities are classic vulnerable groups.” I agree with you Sir. Now who are these vulnerable groups? Classic definition is they are religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities. But as it was explained this morning by some experts and NGOs, non-national and non-citizens, especially migrants and migrant workers and members of their family can be deemed as vulnerable minorities. Examples were explained this morning by some speakers. And they suffer from the lack of access to education in many circumstances again there were examples this morning, that I was very to hear that. And in our globalising world there are over 200 million migrants and migrant workers and this number is increasing exponentially. And that group fits the minority bill and needs protection as well. And that was again articulated this morning. Therefore as the representative for the Committee on Migrant Workers I strongly urge that the draft recommendation and its narrative must encompass the right to education and need for equal access for migrant workers and members of their families, non-nationals as explicitly as possible, if not a section of right-holders numbering over 200 million may appear to have been excluded in our recommendations. I thank you, Miss Chairman.