Global Compact for Migration

Definition

The Global Compact for Migration is a landmark agreement adopted by the United Nations in 2018, aiming to enhance international cooperation on migration and provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities of migration. This compact focuses on the rights of migrants, promotes safe and orderly migration, and outlines 23 objectives that member states can pursue to improve migration governance, which is crucial for understanding the various types, causes, and impacts of migration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Global Compact for Migration consists of 23 objectives aimed at promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration while addressing the challenges faced by migrants globally.
2. One of the key principles of the compact is respect for the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status, emphasizing the need to ensure their safety and dignity.
3. Member states are encouraged to adopt a whole-of-government approach to migration governance, involving multiple stakeholders including civil society, private sector, and local communities.
4. The compact underscores the importance of data collection and sharing among countries to better understand migration trends and improve policymaking.
5. It also aims to enhance international cooperation to combat human trafficking and smuggling, recognizing these as critical issues related to irregular migration.

Review Questions

• How does the Global Compact for Migration address the challenges faced by migrants in different countries?
  • The Global Compact for Migration addresses challenges faced by migrants by promoting international cooperation and establishing 23 objectives that member states can implement. These objectives include enhancing migrant safety, ensuring their rights are protected, and providing avenues for regular migration. By encouraging countries to share best practices and collaborate on migration issues, the compact seeks to create a safer environment for migrants regardless of their status.
• Evaluate the role of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in supporting the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.
  • The International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and facilitating dialogue among member states. As an intergovernmental organization focused on migration management, IOM helps countries adhere to the compact's objectives by sharing best practices and data. This support fosters better migration governance while ensuring that migrants' rights are upheld.
• Analyze how the Global Compact for Migration could influence national policies on migration management and affect migrant communities worldwide.
  • The Global Compact for Migration has the potential to significantly influence national policies on migration management by encouraging countries to align their laws and practices with its 23 objectives. This alignment can lead to improved protections for migrant communities, reduced vulnerabilities to exploitation, and more structured pathways for regular migration. As nations implement these changes, migrant communities may experience enhanced rights and better integration opportunities, ultimately shaping global migration patterns and fostering cooperation among countries.

Related terms

International Organization for Migration (IOM): An intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, facilitating the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.

Refugee Convention: A key legal document established in 1951 that defines who is a refugee, their rights, and the legal obligations of states to protect them, highlighting the distinction between refugees and migrants.

Migration Governance: The policies, regulations, and practices that countries implement to manage migration effectively and safely, ensuring protection of migrants' rights while addressing national interests.