Manila - Hundreds of Filipino leftist activists marched in the Philippine capital on Monday to protest an international conference on migration.

Policemen stopped the protesters from going near a convention centre in Manila where the five-day 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development began Monday.

The protesters carried placards saying "Stop Labour Exports" and "Workers are not Commodities."

They criticized the government's decision to host the conference, alleging it would legitimize the exploitation of labourers, including more than 8 million Filipinos abroad.

But Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Claro Cristobal said the meeting would explore ways to enhance the protection and welfare of migrant workers. Representatives of 165 countries are attending the conference.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will give the keynote address on Wednesday. (dpa)