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Two Years after the Adoption of the Global Compact for Migration – Where Are We Now?
More than two years ago, on 19th of December in 2018, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was formally endorsed by the UN General Assembly. The agreement was adopted by more than 160 states, Finland included.
The Global Compact for Migration (GCM) is negotiated by the UN member states. The goal of the agreement is to improve international cooperation in the field of migration. It aims for a safe, orderly and regular migration. The Compact lays down the central questions regarding migration and how the countries of origin, transit and destination can address these in a sustainable and effective way. The agreement is the first one of its kind. As it is not legally-binding, it does not require changes to the legislation.
The GCM contains 23 goals related to migration and migrants:
1. Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies
2. Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin
3. Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration
4. Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation
5. Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration
6. Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work
7. Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration
8. Save lives and establish coordinated international efforts on missing migrants
9. Strengthen the transnational response to smuggling of migrants
10. Prevent, combat and eradicate trafficking in persons in the context of international migration 11. Manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner
12. Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral
13. Use migration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives
14. Enhance consular protection, assistance and cooperation throughout the migration cycle
15. Provide access to basic services for migrants
16. Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion
17. Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration
18. Invest in skills development and facilitate mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences
19. Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries
20. Promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants
21. Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration
22. Establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits
23. Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration
The UN member states are responsible for implementing these goals.
The GCM is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda). It draws from the goal number 10: “Reduce inequality within and among countries” and in particular from the target 10.7: “Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies”.
The Progress Made in Two Years
Two years after the adoption of the GCM, the UN Secretary General published a report which evaluates whether the signature countries have made progress towards the goals. When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, the report shows that it has hindered the work towards the goals in some respects and enhanced it in others.
A key takeaway of the report is that migration is increasingly taken into account in politics. The GCM goal number 2 about minimizing “the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin” is strongly connected to the measures related to working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many countries, such as Iraq, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania and Denmark, have included the GCM goals and the SDGs in their national migration policies.
More International Cooperation and Fact-Based Discussion
Promising developments to implement the GCM are detected according to the report. Almost all of the signature countries stated having participated in international fora, such as the Global Forum on Migration and Development in 2019 and 2020, which aim for international cooperation in the field of migration (GCM goal 23). Moreover, 14 member states have a strong commitment to the goals of the Compact. These states work with the United Nations Network on Migration to promote good practices and work towards the GCM goals.
Discourse and political decision-making based on facts, statistics and evidence have been fostered with joint research and establishing research centers (GCM goal 1). For example, Sweden, the African Union and IOM have started a program to improve migration statistics in Africa.
Showing the Valuable Contribution of Migrants
The report indicates that the signatory countries have taken measures to eradicate discrimination faced by migrants (GCM goal 17). Using the methods laid down in the Global Compact program governments have the chance to lead the way in eliminating discrimination in their policies and actions, as well as communicate on migration in an inclusive way. For instance, the government of Canada launched a communications campaign called #ImmigrationMatters, which seeks to remind of the important contribution of migrants to the communities and the society.
Reducing Vulnerability of Migrants
Reducing the vulnerabilities of migrants is part of several GCM goals, such as 2, 7 and 10, and it requires efforts in many policy areas. As an example of vulnerability reduction, the report tells how some countries, such as Kenya, maintain safe shelters for its citizens in other countries. The UK and Northern Ireland have come up with a project which aims to resolve the cases of women in vulnerable situation located in detention centers. Belgium, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Norway and the UK have modified their approach during the pandemic and have reduced the use of detention centers or stopped the practice completely.
More Work against Human Trafficking
After the adoption of the GCM, counter-trafficking measures have increased in the signatory countries (GCM goals 10, 11 and 14). For example, in 2020, Finland established a position of counter-trafficking coordinator to coordinate the work against human trafficking on governmental level and to liaise with other actors. Moreover, Finland is planning on introducing new legislation which would facilitate municipal workers’ assistance for victims of human trafficking. Another example of increasing counter-trafficking measures are Egypt and Serbia which have established shelters for victims of trafficking and enhanced their ability to identify and assist these people.
Less People without Documents
According to the report it is important that the border authorities have received education on human rights and international law to ensure safe and regular movement of migrants (GCM goal 11). IOM and Canada have cooperated in offering training on document verification to border officials from 18 countries.
Many European countries and for example Chile and New Zealand have extended residence and work permits. Some countries, such as Italy, Portugal, France and Zambia, have issued residence permits to undocumented migrants (GCM goal 4). Furthermore, some migrants returning to their country of origin have been offered health checks and reintegration assistance (GCM goal 21).
Facilitating Regular Migration
The pandemic has reminded us of the valuable contribution of many migrants in the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 working in health care, food and logistics sectors. The states are in the process of modifying their immigration systems to increase regular migration (GCM goal 5). For example, in Germany in 2020, the government passed a law to expand the possibilities of qualified professionals to go and work in the country. Several countries have made an effort to improve the recruitment processes and aim to reduce abuse by employers (GCM goal 6).
Improving the Social Inclusion of Migrants
Migrant integration and inclusion increase well-being in societies. Many signatory countries have promoted migrant inclusion and access to basic services (GCM goals 4 and 15). Colombia has granted long-term residence permits to Venezuelan refugees living in Colombia, which facilitates their access to employment and housing, as well as opening a bank account. The government of Portugal has issued migrants with social security numbers so that they can access social and health care services. Turkey has organized courses for migrants where they can learn about their rights. As part of its measures against COVID-19, Serbia has extended its health care system to cover migrants as well.
Network on Migration Supports the Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration
In the context of the GCM, the United Nations Secretary-General founded the UN Network on Migration. It aims to promote the joint action of UN organizations in the field of migration (GCM goal 23). IOM is the coordinator of the network. During the last two years, the network has supported the implementation of the GCM in the signatory countries and between the UN entities. It has provided a guide for UN organizations on providing access to services and alternative practices to avoid detention. The network functions as the UN’s voice in migration questions.
The Decline from the Goals of the GCM
The report evaluating the progress towards the GCM goals states also that the signatory countries have, in some respects, moved further away from the objectives. Closing borders and suspending international travelling due to COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll in migrants’ life: IOM estimates that during the first months of the pandemic 2.7 million migrants have been stranded outside of their home country (which goes against GCM goals 7, 12, 13). Some states have used the pandemic as an excuse to put migrants in detention centers. Some migrants have been forcibly returned, without properly assessing their case and despite the security risks returning poses for the migrant.
Decreasing Number of Remittances Causes Distress for Families
The report states that migrants’ remittances have considerably decreased due to the pandemic, which has affected the lives of numerous migrants and their families (GCM goal 20). This has driven the world further away from the Sustainable Development Goals.
Saving Lives Is Not Always a Priority
Every year many migrants and refugees disappear or die during their journeys or when arriving in their destination. The maritime routes are particularly dangerous. Despite saving lives being one of the GCM objectives (goal 8), saving lives is not always the priority for states.
Final Words
The voluntary reports provided by the signatory states have been compiled in an interactive timeline on this page. It is crucial that the challenges and possibilities of international migration bring us together rather than divide us. No country can manage migration alone.
The writer manages the communications of IOM Finland.
The views expressed by the authors in IOM Finland's blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the International Organization for Migration.
Sources and More Information
Related Blogs
More than two years ago, on 19th of December in 2018, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was formally endorsed by the UN General Assembly. The agreement was adopted by more than 160 states, Finland included.
The Global Compact for Migration (GCM) is negotiated by the UN member states. The goal of the agreement is to improve international cooperation in the field of migration. It aims for a safe, orderly and regular migration. The Compact lays down the central questions regarding migration and how the countries of origin, transit and destination can address these in a sustainable and effective way. The agreement is the first one of its kind. As it is not legally-binding, it does not require changes to the legislation.
The GCM contains 23 goals related to migration and migrants:
1. Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies
2. Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin
3. Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration
4. Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation
5. Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration
6. Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work
7. Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration
8. Save lives and establish coordinated international efforts on missing migrants
9. Strengthen the transnational response to smuggling of migrants
10. Prevent, combat and eradicate trafficking in persons in the context of international migration 11. Manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner
12. Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral
13. Use migration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives
14. Enhance consular protection, assistance and cooperation throughout the migration cycle
15. Provide access to basic services for migrants
16. Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion
17. Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration
18. Invest in skills development and facilitate mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences
19. Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries
20. Promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants
21. Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration
22. Establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits
23. Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration
The UN member states are responsible for implementing these goals.
The GCM is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda). It draws from the goal number 10: “Reduce inequality within and among countries” and in particular from the target 10.7: “Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies”.
The Progress Made in Two Years
Two years after the adoption of the GCM, the UN Secretary General published a report which evaluates whether the signature countries have made progress towards the goals. When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, the report shows that it has hindered the work towards the goals in some respects and enhanced it in others.
A key takeaway of the report is that migration is increasingly taken into account in politics. The GCM goal number 2 about minimizing “the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin” is strongly connected to the measures related to working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many countries, such as Iraq, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania and Denmark, have included the GCM goals and the SDGs in their national migration policies.
More International Cooperation and Fact-Based Discussion
Promising developments to implement the GCM are detected according to the report. Almost all of the signature countries stated having participated in international fora, such as the Global Forum on Migration and Development in 2019 and 2020, which aim for international cooperation in the field of migration (GCM goal 23). Moreover, 14 member states have a strong commitment to the goals of the Compact. These states work with the United Nations Network on Migration to promote good practices and work towards the GCM goals.
Discourse and political decision-making based on facts, statistics and evidence have been fostered with joint research and establishing research centers (GCM goal 1). For example, Sweden, the African Union and IOM have started a program to improve migration statistics in Africa.
Showing the Valuable Contribution of Migrants
The report indicates that the signatory countries have taken measures to eradicate discrimination faced by migrants (GCM goal 17). Using the methods laid down in the Global Compact program governments have the chance to lead the way in eliminating discrimination in their policies and actions, as well as communicate on migration in an inclusive way. For instance, the government of Canada launched a communications campaign called #ImmigrationMatters, which seeks to remind of the important contribution of migrants to the communities and the society.
Reducing Vulnerability of Migrants
Reducing the vulnerabilities of migrants is part of several GCM goals, such as 2, 7 and 10, and it requires efforts in many policy areas. As an example of vulnerability reduction, the report tells how some countries, such as Kenya, maintain safe shelters for its citizens in other countries. The UK and Northern Ireland have come up with a project which aims to resolve the cases of women in vulnerable situation located in detention centers. Belgium, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Norway and the UK have modified their approach during the pandemic and have reduced the use of detention centers or stopped the practice completely.
More Work against Human Trafficking
After the adoption of the GCM, counter-trafficking measures have increased in the signatory countries (GCM goals 10, 11 and 14). For example, in 2020, Finland established a position of counter-trafficking coordinator to coordinate the work against human trafficking on governmental level and to liaise with other actors. Moreover, Finland is planning on introducing new legislation which would facilitate municipal workers’ assistance for victims of human trafficking. Another example of increasing counter-trafficking measures are Egypt and Serbia which have established shelters for victims of trafficking and enhanced their ability to identify and assist these people.
Less People without Documents
According to the report it is important that the border authorities have received education on human rights and international law to ensure safe and regular movement of migrants (GCM goal 11). IOM and Canada have cooperated in offering training on document verification to border officials from 18 countries.
Many European countries and for example Chile and New Zealand have extended residence and work permits. Some countries, such as Italy, Portugal, France and Zambia, have issued residence permits to undocumented migrants (GCM goal 4). Furthermore, some migrants returning to their country of origin have been offered health checks and reintegration assistance (GCM goal 21).
Facilitating Regular Migration
The pandemic has reminded us of the valuable contribution of many migrants in the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 working in health care, food and logistics sectors. The states are in the process of modifying their immigration systems to increase regular migration (GCM goal 5). For example, in Germany in 2020, the government passed a law to expand the possibilities of qualified professionals to go and work in the country. Several countries have made an effort to improve the recruitment processes and aim to reduce abuse by employers (GCM goal 6).
Improving the Social Inclusion of Migrants
Migrant integration and inclusion increase well-being in societies. Many signatory countries have promoted migrant inclusion and access to basic services (GCM goals 4 and 15). Colombia has granted long-term residence permits to Venezuelan refugees living in Colombia, which facilitates their access to employment and housing, as well as opening a bank account. The government of Portugal has issued migrants with social security numbers so that they can access social and health care services. Turkey has organized courses for migrants where they can learn about their rights. As part of its measures against COVID-19, Serbia has extended its health care system to cover migrants as well.
Network on Migration Supports the Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration
In the context of the GCM, the United Nations Secretary-General founded the UN Network on Migration. It aims to promote the joint action of UN organizations in the field of migration (GCM goal 23). IOM is the coordinator of the network. During the last two years, the network has supported the implementation of the GCM in the signatory countries and between the UN entities. It has provided a guide for UN organizations on providing access to services and alternative practices to avoid detention. The network functions as the UN’s voice in migration questions.
The Decline from the Goals of the GCM
The report evaluating the progress towards the GCM goals states also that the signatory countries have, in some respects, moved further away from the objectives. Closing borders and suspending international travelling due to COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll in migrants’ life: IOM estimates that during the first months of the pandemic 2.7 million migrants have been stranded outside of their home country (which goes against GCM goals 7, 12, 13). Some states have used the pandemic as an excuse to put migrants in detention centers. Some migrants have been forcibly returned, without properly assessing their case and despite the security risks returning poses for the migrant.
Decreasing Number of Remittances Causes Distress for Families
The report states that migrants’ remittances have considerably decreased due to the pandemic, which has affected the lives of numerous migrants and their families (GCM goal 20). This has driven the world further away from the Sustainable Development Goals.
Saving Lives Is Not Always a Priority
Every year many migrants and refugees disappear or die during their journeys or when arriving in their destination. The maritime routes are particularly dangerous. Despite saving lives being one of the GCM objectives (goal 8), saving lives is not always the priority for states.
Final Words
The voluntary reports provided by the signatory states have been compiled in an interactive timeline on this page. It is crucial that the challenges and possibilities of international migration bring us together rather than divide us. No country can manage migration alone.
The writer manages the communications of IOM Finland.
The views expressed by the authors in IOM Finland's blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the International Organization for Migration.
Sources and More Information