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Discussion Questions & Comments

Florence Kim

How can we ensure the evaluation of the overall progress of the Global Compact while keeping the Progress Declaration brief and concise?

Comment pouvons-nous évaluer les progrès réalisés dans la mise en œuvre du Pacte mondial tout en gardant la Déclaration de progrès brève et concise ?

2
Members
2
Comments
Mar 02, 2022
Paul Tacon

Florence Kim 

Drawing on existing summaries of the wealth of information available (for example regional review outcomes, round table background notes, summaries of IMRF dialogues, inputs from stakeholders) can provide guidance on progress evaluation using language that is relatively concise, representative of key issues, member States and stakeholders, and covering all objectives.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 11, 2022
Mirana Rajoharison

Florence Kim 

We could create a dashboard illustrating the evaluation per country as well as a ranking of the countries/ champions.

The detailed progress report could be annexed to the main report.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 28, 2022
Florence Kim

What are the key challenges, opportunities and emerging issues related to the implementation of the Global Compact that you wish to see reflected in the Progress Declaration?

Quels sont les principaux défis, opportunités et problèmes émergents liés à la mise en œuvre du Pacte mondial que vous souhaitez voir reflétés dans la Déclaration de progrès?

14
Members
11
Comments
Mar 02, 2022
Mauro

Florence Kim 

The global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have once again demonstrated the vital role migrants’ investments and remittances play for the wellbeing of hundreds of millions of families back home, who otherwise would have struggled to survive the current health and economic crisis.

Still, migrants’ economic contribution to development, in particular through the remittances they send and the investment they make, risk to remain a secondary priority in the international agenda, in the discussions at IMRF and in the progress declaration, if not sufficiently addressed and fostered.

The SDG target 10.c on remittance cost reduction by 2030 is far from being achieved. Objective 20 of the GCM provides a sound set of actionable measures but needs increased efforts to be adequately implemented.

We would therefore warmly welcome that sufficient attention is given in the progress declaration to the role of migrants as key agents for development.

Reflecting on possible recommendations I would like to refer to two main processes that took place recently and suggest to take advantage of the work already done in these contexts:

  1. The Remittance Community Task Force (RCTF), which in its blueprint for action came out with a set of very detailed proposed actions for both governments, regulators and the industry to support remittances. The work of the Task Force was the basis for the discussions on remittances at the G20 GPFI last year and at the Financing for Development Initiatives in the Era of Covid-19 and Beyond
  2. The last Global Forum on Remittances, Investment and Development, held virtually on June 2021 in the occasion of the bbservance of the International Day of Family Remittances (GFRID), which gathered over 600 global practitioners and experts in the field of remittances, and came out with a set of recommendations to achieve SDG 10.c and facilitate access and use of remittances while promoting financial inclusion. Both processes are promoted in GCM objective 20 as key platforms for discussions on how to improve the remittances ecosystem (GFRID2021 proceedings)

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 07, 2022
Lainie Keper

More can be done to promote the full inclusion of migrants. In this regard, and while acknowledging that migrants still struggle to gain access to basic services, the significant role of education is often underplayed or undocumented. States must put education at the forefront of migrant inclusion and recovery policy in order to meet the objectives of the GCM.

As States and stakeholders are encouraged to pledge concrete actions for the implementation of the Compact, ahead of the International Migration Review Forum, systematic and participatory review mechanisms should be in place to ensure that these promote the human rights of migrants, and in particular the right to quality inclusive education.

In the context of their pledges and efforts to implement the GCM, Education International urges governments to systematically assess the impact of the full/partial closures of schools on the most vulnerable students, teachers, and education support personnel, including those with a migrant background/status, and urgently address the key equity issues that have been aggravated by the pandemic.

Education International call for diverse actors to “engage together in dialogue and analysis and inculcate cooperation and partnerships to act in solidarity with and for all people, as part of the collective work to realize the benefits of migration for all.” Trade unions are critical actors in understanding the needs of all workers, and must not be left out of policy decisions, particularly around fulfilling the labour rights of migrants.

A lack of immediate action on migrant inclusion in quality education systems and decent work condemns millions to a lifetime of hardship. National governments and the international community have a legal and moral obligation to all migrants. Immediate action is imperative.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 07, 2022
Neha Misra
  • The Solidarity Center works closely with the Council of Global Unions, and is a member of a number of coalitions including the Women in Migration Network, the Global Coalition on Migration, and the Civil Society Action Committee. With these coalition partners and together with our hundreds of labor partners around the world, at this moment of drafting the Global Compact declaration, we are saying (emphatically) that it is time for coherence in migration governance.

 

  • Regular pathways must be developed hand in hand with regularization of the undocumented, climate change responses, and humanitarian needs. The labor movement is calling for a new approach to migration that centers long-term regular pathways around the human rights of migrants, breaking down the artificial separation between refugee/asylum-seekers on the one hand, and migrants on the other. All people on the move have rights and should have regular pathways, regardless of the incoherent categories created by migration systems. In their efforts to promote regular pathways, states should focus on restoring and expanding humanitarian resettlement options, rather than misdirecting desperate migrants into flawed and abusive temporary labor migration programs. 

 

  • And decent work must be the driving principle for development - with an emphasis on the creation of decent work in origin countries so that migration is a choice and not an economic necessity - and ensuring that all regular pathways meet decent work criteria so that workers and their families that move across borders do so with full respect of their agency and humanity.

 

  • The strategies enacted in response to the Global Compact must protect and empower workers in countries of origin, transit and destination, and produce positive labor market outcomes for all working people, regardless of race, gender, or immigration status. In order to effectively integrate a worker rights lens into policy frameworks, workers need and expect a seat at the table as these policies are being developed and implemented. We have had enough of siloed, ineffective tweaks to an unjust migration system, and instead call for policy coherence that incorporates migration governance into broader economic, social, racial and gender justice initiatives. The new social contract called for by the global labor movement is an excellent frame for this.

 

  • We must recognize that a worker is a worker is a worker. All workers, regardless of their migration status, of whether the are in the informal or formal economy, whether they identify as male or female, whether they are Black or brown, whether they are identified as asylum seekers or refugees, climate migrants, economic migrants or a mix of all of the above must be treated the same under the protection of labor laws, and in particular we must move beyond the flawed language in the global compact and instead adhere to the ILO principle that ALL workers have the freedom of association, right to organize and collectively bargain. Workers agency to have a say in migration processes and their wages and working conditions must be recognized fully and without condition. 

 

  • And states must eliminate the use of temporary (circular, sponsorship, or guest-worker) labor migration programs that systematically and structurally expose migrant workers to exploitation by recruiters, employers and others. Temporary migration programs should not be used as a solution to labor shortages, humanitarian crisis, climate change, or irregular migration.

 

  • Given that serious humanitarian concerns gave rise to the GCM, and the serious humanitarian crisis we face globally due to conflict, the economic impact of the pandemic, and climate change, implementation strategies should prioritize regularization schemes and rights-based channels—which allow migrants the freedom to move, settle, work, and fully participate in society—over expanding temporary or circular work programs. States should promote regular migration pathways that ensure full worker rights, facilitate social and family cohesion, and provide options for permanent residence and meaningful participation in civic life. 

 

  • Thank you!

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 08, 2022
Neha Misra

Solidarity Center works closely with the Council of Global Unions, and is a member of the Women in Migration Network, Global Coalition on Migration, and the Civil Society Action Committee. With these coalition partners and together with our hundreds of labor partners around the world at this moment of drafting the Global Compact declaration, we are saying (emphatically) that it is time for coherence in migration governance. Regular pathways must be developed hand in hand with regularization of the undocumented, climate change responses, and humanitarian needs. The labor movement is calling for a new approach to migration that centers long-term regular pathways around the human rights of migrants, breaking down the artificial separation between refugee/asylum-seekers on the one hand and migrants on the other. All people on the move have rights and should have regular pathways, regardless of the incoherent categories created by migration systems. In their efforts to promote regular pathways, states should focus on restoring and expanding humanitarian resettlement options, rather than misdirecting desperate migrants into flawed and abusive temporary labor programs. And decent work must be the driving principle for development - with an emphasis on the creation of decent work in origin countries so that migration is a choice and not an economic necessity - and ensuring that all regular pathways meet decent work criteria so that workers and their families that move across borders do so with full respect of their agency and humanity.

Strategies enacted in response to the Global Compact must protect and empower workers in origin, transit and destination countries, and produce positive labor market outcomes for all working people, regardless of race, gender, or immigration status. In order to effectively integrate a worker rights lens into policy frameworks, workers need and expect a seat at the table as these policies are being developed and implemented. We have had enough of siloed, ineffective tweaks to an unjust migration system, and instead call for policy coherence that incorporates migration governance into broader economic, social, racial and gender justice initiatives. The global labor movement's call for a new social contract is an excellent frame for this.

We must recognize that a worker is a worker is a worker. All workers, regardless of their migration status, whether the are in the informal or formal economy, identify as male or female, are Black or brown, are identified as asylum seekers or refugees, climate migrants, economic migrants or a mix of all of the above, must be treated the same under the protection of labor laws, and in particular we must move beyond the flawed language in the global compact and instead adhere to the ILO principle that ALL workers have the freedom of association, right to organize and collectively bargain. Workers agency to have a say in migration processes and their wages and working conditions must be recognized fully and without condition. And states must eliminate the use of temporary (circular, sponsorship, or guest-worker) labor migration programs that systematically and structurally expose migrant workers to exploitation by recruiters, employers and others. Temporary migration programs should not be used as a solution to labor shortages, humanitarian crisis, climate change, or irregular migration.

Given that serious humanitarian concerns gave rise to the GCM, and the serious humanitarian crisis we currently face globally, implementation strategies should prioritize regularization schemes and rights-based channels—which allow migrants the freedom to move, settle, work, and fully participate in civic life—over expanding temporary work programs. States should promote regular migration pathways that ensure full worker rights, facilitate social and family cohesion, and provide options for permanent residence.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 10, 2022
Paul Tacon

Florence Kim 

 

Equality of treatment is a key issue for the Progress Declaration. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the major inequalities of treatment faced by migrant workers and members of their families caused by weaknesses in labour migration governance. To prevent a recurrence of this scenario, the Progress Declaration could call for migrants and returnees at all skills levels to be fully-integrated in the recovery with equality of treatment in law and practice, access to social protection and justice, enabling them to be both beneficiaries and agents of recovery.

A renewed push for international labour standards-based international labour migration governance which centres on decent work and social protection for all, regardless of migration status, will be critical to achieving this inclusive recovery.

Labour migration remains the most important migration flow in the world. 70 per cent of all migrants of working age are migrant workers. The GCM rests on the ILO Conventions on decent work and migrant workers.

Rights-based solutions empower all migrant workers, and enable them to contribute to sustainable development. They are needed across policy domains as varied as ensuring safe and regular pathways for labour migration; fair recruitment; decent work, including for migrant workers in irregular situations; social protection; eradicating trafficking in persons by ending forced labour; skill development of migrant workers; and ensuring sustainable reintegration of returning migrants.

Freedom of association for migrant workers is a critical enabler of progress. So, too, is a strong voice for businesses which have been deeply negatively affected by the pandemic’s impacts, and who are best-placed to identify skills needs going forward. Therefore, social dialogue, recognizing that employers’ and workers’ organizations are essential to developing and implementing solutions, is essential to develop appropriate solutions.

Finally, experience on the ground and consultations have shown that addressing climate change-related migration is critical, and will become more so in the coming years. Integrating the guidance emerging from the UNFCCC Task Force on Displacement and the Platform for Disaster Displacement and linking it to the GCM, could be a key contribution of the Progress Declaration to strengthening the response to this challenge.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 11, 2022
Apolinar Z Tol…

 

One of the key challenges for migrant workers is on freely exercising their rights to join unions for collective bargaining and systemic wage theft.  The Member States of GCM must ensure that this right is fully guaranteed through enforceable policies and programmes with strong participation of trade unions as social partner.  The pervasiveness of wage theft must be mitigated. This calls on for New Social Contract. 

 

While business is steadily rebounding, businesses should not continue the old ways on stepping on the backs of workers who are still struggling with the impact of the pandemic.

 

  1. Work towards the creation of a New Social Contract for Migrant Workers between governments, workers and employers. This New Social Contract should include a universal guarantee for all workers, regardless of nationality, sector or status, that all labor rights are to be respected and universally applied, particularly the freedom of association, right to join unions and bargain collectively, that jobs are decent, social protection is universal, due diligence and accountability are driving business operations, and that social dialogue ensures just transition measures for climate and technology. 

 

  1. Strict adherence to all international labor standards and rights as enumerated in International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions and principles for all workers, regardless of status. Recognizing workers agency, the freedom of association, right to organize and join unions and bargain collectively for decent work, the right to strike, and protections from the worst forms of child labor, should be guaranteed for all workers regardless of their migration status or sector, and should be built into all regular pathways. Migrant workers right to safe workplaces and occupational safety and health should be respected regardless of their status or work sector. 

 

  1. In close collaboration with civil society and trade unions, establish formal in-country and cross-border mechanisms for access to justice, regardless of status, including for wage theft and other failure to pay or transfer earned benefits. 

 

  1. Bring all workers, especially agriculture and domestic workers, under full coverage of national labor laws and protections that are consistent with international labor standards, including ILO Domestic Workers Convention (C189), ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (C190), and ILO Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention (C182), without discrimination against migrants among them. 

 

  1. Establish social protection for all migrant workers, and for migrants who return to countries of origin (portability of social protections) and with immediate health coverage upon return. 

 

  1. Eliminate the use of temporary (circular, sponsorship, or guest-worker) labor migration programs that systematically and structurally expose migrant workers to exploitation by recruiters, employers and others. Temporary migration programs should not be used as a solution to labor shortages, humanitarian crisis, climate change, or irregular migration.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 16, 2022
Apolinar Z Tol…

 

One of the key challenges for migrant workers is on freely exercising their rights to join unions for collective bargaining and systemic wage theft.  The Member States of GCM must ensure that this right is fully guaranteed through enforceable policies and programmes with strong participation of trade unions as social partner.  The pervasiveness of wage theft must be mitigated. This calls on for New Social Contract. 

 

While business is steadily rebounding, businesses should not continue the old ways on stepping on the backs of workers who are still struggling with the impact of the pandemic.

 

  1. Work towards the creation of a New Social Contract for Migrant Workers between governments, workers and employers. This New Social Contract should include a universal guarantee for all workers, regardless of nationality, sector or status, that all labor rights are to be respected and universally applied, particularly the freedom of association, right to join unions and bargain collectively, that jobs are decent, social protection is universal, due diligence and accountability are driving business operations, and that social dialogue ensures just transition measures for climate and technology. 

 

  1. Strict adherence to all international labor standards and rights as enumerated in International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions and principles for all workers, regardless of status. Recognizing workers agency, the freedom of association, right to organize and join unions and bargain collectively for decent work, the right to strike, and protections from the worst forms of child labor, should be guaranteed for all workers regardless of their migration status or sector, and should be built into all regular pathways. Migrant workers right to safe workplaces and occupational safety and health should be respected regardless of their status or work sector. 

 

  1. In close collaboration with civil society and trade unions, establish formal in-country and cross-border mechanisms for access to justice, regardless of status, including for wage theft and other failure to pay or transfer earned benefits. 

 

  1. Bring all workers, especially agriculture and domestic workers, under full coverage of national labor laws and protections that are consistent with international labor standards, including ILO Domestic Workers Convention (C189), ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (C190), and ILO Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention (C182), without discrimination against migrants among them. 

 

  1. Establish social protection for all migrant workers, and for migrants who return to countries of origin (portability of social protections) and with immediate health coverage upon return. 

 

  1. Eliminate the use of temporary (circular, sponsorship, or guest-worker) labor migration programs that systematically and structurally expose migrant workers to exploitation by recruiters, employers and others. Temporary migration programs should not be used as a solution to labor shortages, humanitarian crisis, climate change, or irregular migration.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 16, 2022
Apolinar Z Tol…

 

One of the key challenges for migrant workers is on freely exercising their rights to join unions for collective bargaining and systemic wage theft.  The Member States of GCM must ensure that this right is fully guaranteed through enforceable policies and programmes with strong participation of trade unions as social partner.  The pervasiveness of wage theft must be mitigated. This calls on for New Social Contract. 

 

While business is steadily rebounding, businesses should not continue the old ways on stepping on the backs of workers who are still struggling with the impact of the pandemic.

 

  1. Work towards the creation of a New Social Contract for Migrant Workers between governments, workers and employers. This New Social Contract should include a universal guarantee for all workers, regardless of nationality, sector or status, that all labor rights are to be respected and universally applied, particularly the freedom of association, right to join unions and bargain collectively, that jobs are decent, social protection is universal, due diligence and accountability are driving business operations, and that social dialogue ensures just transition measures for climate and technology. 

 

  1. Strict adherence to all international labor standards and rights as enumerated in International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions and principles for all workers, regardless of status. Recognizing workers agency, the freedom of association, right to organize and join unions and bargain collectively for decent work, the right to strike, and protections from the worst forms of child labor, should be guaranteed for all workers regardless of their migration status or sector, and should be built into all regular pathways. Migrant workers right to safe workplaces and occupational safety and health should be respected regardless of their status or work sector. 

 

  1. In close collaboration with civil society and trade unions, establish formal in-country and cross-border mechanisms for access to justice, regardless of status, including for wage theft and other failure to pay or transfer earned benefits. 

 

  1. Bring all workers, especially agriculture and domestic workers, under full coverage of national labor laws and protections that are consistent with international labor standards, including ILO Domestic Workers Convention (C189), ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (C190), and ILO Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention (C182), without discrimination against migrants among them. 

 

  1. Establish social protection for all migrant workers, and for migrants who return to countries of origin (portability of social protections) and with immediate health coverage upon return. 

 

  1. Eliminate the use of temporary (circular, sponsorship, or guest-worker) labor migration programs that systematically and structurally expose migrant workers to exploitation by recruiters, employers and others. Temporary migration programs should not be used as a solution to labor shortages, humanitarian crisis, climate change, or irregular migration.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 16, 2022
Kate Barth

Florence Kim 

The UN Secretary General’s Report names as a top priority for the IMRF “promoting inclusive societies and including migrants in COVID-19 response and recovery.”  Migrant inclusion and engagement were also named as two of the focus areas (“Migrant Agency and Voice” and “Civil Society Engagement”) in Civil Society Action Committee’s 12 Key Ways for States to Get Back on Track, a document that set forth civil society’s priorities for the IMRF. Key to achieving migrant inclusion and engagement is ensuring the full participation of migrants and migrant-allied civil society in the policies and the decisions that shape migrant lives. Migrant and migrant-allied civil society participation in turn rests on these groups’ ability to freely exercise their rights to association, assembly and expression. Unfortunately the zero draft of the Progress Declaration does not call for the protection and promotion of migrants’ civic freedoms nor an enabling environment for civil society organizations that provide voice, humanitarian assistance or other services to migrants.

This failure to incorporate considerations of migrants’ civic freedoms and civic space into the Progress Declaration is a critical omission. As detailed in the 2020 report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, migrants’ ability to exercise their civic freedoms is increasingly under threat around the world. Migrants face both legal and practical barriers to their exercise of rights, including discriminatory laws and policies, difficulty in accessing information, insecure migration statuses, employer blockages and community stigmatization. Moreover, in many places the COVID-19 crisis has served to further restrict migrants’ exercise of their civic freedoms.

In addition to the civic freedoms of migrants’ themselves, the rights of migrant-allied civil society are also under attack. As detailed by the Special Rapporteur’s report, migrant-allied groups have been increasingly criminalized for their humanitarian work, often after being smeared by a toxic narrative painting their assistance to migrants as akin to criminal smuggling or trafficking. In recent years, migrant-allied groups have also faced the imposition of onerous administrative or financial burdens on their operations. These criminalization or toxic narrative campaigns and increased obstacles to operation often lead to de jure or de facto harassment of migrant-allied groups, and complicate their ability to carry out their work—much of which is crucial to the accomplishment of GCM objectives.

The successful pursuit of GCM objectives requires migrant input and participation, which will be impossible to obtain if migrants are unable to freely organize, assemble and speak on their own behalf. It would be difficult, for instance, to achieve Objective 6 (facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work) without the assistance of labor unions representing migrant workers’ collective interests. A robust civic space enabling the free operation of migrant-allied groups is likewise crucial to achieving GCM objectives. Migrant-allied groups are often in a better position than authorities to deliver services to migrants and can serve as effective advocates for migrants, especially those in irregular situations. For instance, States will not be able to effectively achieve Objective 15 (provide access to basic services for migrants) without the assistance of migrant-allied providers who can help establish easily accessible service points at the local level and reach migrants in vulnerable positions.

The prioritization of migrant inclusion by the Secretary General and the Civil Society Action Committee recognizes that the protection of migrant and civil society participation is key to ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration. If migrant groups are constrained from speaking and acting on their own behalf, migration policies will fatally suffer from a lack of critical stakeholder knowledge and input. The Progress Declaration should therefore confirm that that a prerequisite for the realization of GCM objectives is that migrants can freely exercise their rights to association, assembly and expression, and that migrant-allied groups can operate without undue constraint. Thus, the successful implementation of the GCM requires the promotion and protection of migrant civic freedoms and an enabling civic space. Specifically the Progress Declaration should:

  • confirm that Objective 16 (Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion) is understood to incorporate the promotion and protection of migrant civic freedoms; and
  • call on States to (a) recognize in domestic laws migrants’ right to freedom of association, assembly, and expression, regardless of their migration status, and establish laws, policies, and practices supportive of migrants’ exercise of these rights; and (b) strengthen civil space and create an enabling environment for civil society organizations, including those working on migration and migrants’ rights issues.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 22, 2022
Maria Gabriela…

Florence Kim 

There are one billion people without legal identification. Objective 4 has not been implemented by many countries, not even for their own nationals.

The United Nations has supported the development of digital ID for refugees in Myanmar, for example. Why is the same type of solutions not implemented for refugees without legal identification in Latin America?

Why can only countries like Costa Rica issue 2'000 travel documents for foreigners financed by third parties so that Venezuelans with expired passports can access basic services that allow them to exercise their human rights? Why is this document or passport not offered by other countries in Latin America?

Why only Colombia was supported to create the Registry for the issuance of biometric document for Venezuelan beneficiaries of the temporary status?

Why only a country like Uruguay issues passports to its resident citizens that does not grant nationality, but clearly identifies the person? Couldn't this type of documents be issued by other Latin American countries?

Why countries that have signed the Geneva Conventions of 1954 (Refugees) and of 1961 (stateless) do not issue travel documents to refugees with expired passports or without legal identification and issues a travel document to "de facto stateless children" born in their territory, who are not registered because their parents are irregular migrants or do not have legal identity documents?

Why the International Red Cross does not issue humanitarian passports to refugees without legal identity documents?

Why are these many possible solutions for the issuance of an identity document not implemented? Why can't those who for reasons beyond their control do not have a national passport or legal identity document receive a travel document from the state where they reside?

Why is self-sovereign digital identity not researched further? Side events or working groups on this issue with identity experts, security experts, etc. should become part of the activities of the GCM implementation review events.

Have UNHCR and IOM though about implementing a solution to support states to comply with their duty established under objective 4?  

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 27, 2022
Mirana Rajoharison

Florence Kim 

The main challenge for diaspora and migrant organisations is the recognition, visibility and support of their contribution to origin/destination countries.

Lean, efficient and swift, they constitute a network of development agents who are the first to send humanitarian assistance and who are present in fragile areas where even INGOs cannot operate anymore. Their results are sustainable as their actions rely on strategic partnerships with the local authorities and local NGOs.

Financing diaspora activities would significantly tackle the raise of poverty in Africa we see since the COVID pandemics.

However, less than 0.1% of development aid is channeled to diaspora development projects or capacity building.

The Progress declaration should highlight that no progress has been made in financing diaspora organisations and that should become a priority as it contribute to several SDG and GCM goals, notably the the GCM2 and GCM19.

During the IMRF, ADEPT will share a study on Diaspora organisations' contribution to local development in Africa.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 28, 2022
Ion Bulgac

Florence Kim 

Dear UN Network on Migration Secretariat,

Please see in the enclosed document FAO's inputs (in track and change) to the IMRF Progress Declaration zero draft.

Respectfully,

Ion Bulgac, Rural Migration Specialist, FAO

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 30, 2022
Florence Kim

What are your recommendations on the scope for further international cooperation on international migration?

Quelles sont vos recommandations sur la portée d'une coopération internationale plus poussée en matière de migration internationale?

2
Members
2
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Mar 02, 2022
Paul Tacon

Florence Kim 

Member States should develop and implement bilateral labour migration agreements and regional freedom of movement agreements grounded in international labour standards and human rights, developed based on social dialogue

States should develop bilateral, regional and multi-regional social protection agreements to ensure social protection for all migrant workers, regardless of status, in line with relevant international labour standards

States should engage with and deepen dialogue cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations as well as recruitment agencies along migration corridors to enable coordinated action to ensure fair recruitment and decent work for migrant workers, especially ensuring zero-cost recruitment

States and stakeholders, especially the private sector and trade unions, could accelerate implementation of skills partnership approach to enable rights-based and equitable skill development and labour migration

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 11, 2022
Florence Kim

How can we ensure that the Progress Declaration will be evidence-based and action-oriented?

Comment pouvons-nous garantir que la Déclaration de progrès soit fondée sur des preuves et orientée vers l'action ?

1
Members
1
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Mar 02, 2022
Paul Tacon

Florence Kim 

There is a significant body of evidence that can be drawn from through the following sources:

Drawing from this wealth of data can ensure that the Declaration is evidence-based

To ensure that the Declaration is action-oriented, the co-facilitators could similarly draw on practical guidance produced by agencies and the Network such as:

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 11, 2022
Florence Kim

How can we effectively assess the further implementation of the Global Compact?

Comment pouvons-nous évaluer efficacement la poursuite de la mise en œuvre du Pacte mondial ?

5
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Mar 02, 2022

Florence Kim in anything we doing in life, if we involve the affected people is always gonna be possible and easy to find solutions I believe, let's involve and invite migrants, survivors, victims etc in Platforms like this, people like me i do my best to get this Platforms so that i will be participating and involve myself so that i can help others by telling my story as a victim/survivor of human trafficking, all we need is to be involve so that we can help in the work

 

Thanks

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 03, 2022
Kate Barth

Florence Kim 

The GCM preamble confirms that the Compact rests squarely on human rights principles and highlights the importance of safeguarding the rights of all migrants, regardless of migration status. However, neither the GCM nor UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 73/326, which set forth the format and the organizational aspects of the IMRF, specifies how State implementation will be evaluated for human rights compliance. By emphasizing only “that the Global Compact is to be implemented in a matter that is consistent with our rights and obligations under international law”, the GCM appears to leave open for interpretation the methods by which its objectives are to be realized. This leeway could empower States to pursue GCM objectives through actions that restrict migrant rights and civic space.

The GCM lists supportive actions that States should undertake to realize each objective. A few of these listed actions do necessitate support for civic freedoms and civic space. For example, section 22 of the GCM recommends “provid[ing] migrant workers engaged in remunerated and contractual labour with the same labour rights and protections extended to all workers in the respective sector, such as the rights to […] freedom of peaceful assembly and association . . . .” in order to realize Objective 6 (facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work). However, many of the GCM objectives are not supported by actions that necessarily promote human rights and, to the contrary, could be pursued in ways that are restrictive of migrant freedoms and civic space. For instance, States have already used the goal of countering migrant smuggling and trafficking (Objectives 9 and 10) as justification for cracking down on migrant-allied CSOs providing humanitarian services at the borders or at sea.

The danger inherent in an international instrument failing to specify how human rights principles will meaningfully be used to evaluate implementation is not mere speculation. A similar contest has played out over the past few decades in the field of counter-terrorism. Although UN Security Council Resolutions and other UN instruments have generally required States to ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with human rights law, they have persistently lacked “a comprehensive assessment of the human rights impact of the required measures.” As a result, States have continued to use their counter-terrorism obligations under international instruments as justification to restrict individuals’ civic freedoms and civic space. State pursuit of GCM objectives could follow a similar trajectory if a proper rights-respecting framework for evaluating implementation is not put into place at the first IMRF and in the Progress Declaration. The Progress Declaration should therefore confirm that all State action in pursuit of GCM objectives must be rights-respecting and that State implementation of each of the GCM objectives should be evaluated through human rights metrics at future IMRFs.

In addition, to effectively assess the further implementation of the Global Compact, the UN Network on Migration and General Assembly should:

  1. Request that States explain how their implementation of GCM objectives protects and promotes human rights, including by safeguarding civic space and migrants’ civic freedoms.
  2. In consultation with migrants and civil society, develop and incorporate human rights indicators into IMRF background notes, to be used as the basis for review of State implementation during the voluntary GCM reviews; the multi-stakeholder hearings; and the IMRF policy debates and round tables.
  3. Select the importance of meaningful incorporation of human rights into GCM implementation as a theme for one of the webinars in the Dialogue series.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 10, 2022
Paul Tacon

Florence Kim 

An inclusive system of monitoring of progress could be developed, engaging all stakeholders and the UN system through the Network at global, regional and national levels, drawing on existing indicators and voluntary reporting of key initiatives by States. The process of reporting could be centralized on the migration network hub.

Potential means of assessment include:

  • Strengthened monitoring of migration-related SDG indicators (e.g. SDG indicators 8.8.1, 8.8.2, 10.7.1 etc)
  • Status of ratifications of key international labour standards related to migration
  • Number of bilateral and multilateral labour migration agreements based on UN System guidance entered into

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 11, 2022
Mirana Rajoharison

Florence Kim 

We need to assess against targets, so we need to define targets/ progress indicators for each of the 23 goals

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 28, 2022
Mirana Rajoharison

Florence Kim 

We need to assess against targets, so we need to define targets/ progress indicators for each of the 23 goals

In reply to by Florence Kim

Mar 28, 2022
Fatou Jagne Th…

Unless and until the people affected are invited and involve to be part of the work and we all make them believe and know that they are part of us untill then, the work will be done as we wish it to be. We feel not involve in the work of migration, we are Survivors, VICTIMS etc we should be involve so that our voices should be heard, we want to decide on our own and be part of the laws they writing for us, we want to be involved in anything concerning migration

Thanks

Mar 03, 2022
Neha Misra
  • The Solidarity Center works closely with the Council of Global Unions, and is a member of a number of coalitions including the Women in Migration Network, the Global Coalition on Migration, and the Civil Society Action Committee. With these coalition partners and together with our hundreds of labor partners around the world, at this moment of drafting the Global Compact declaration, we are saying (emphatically) that it is time for coherence in migration governance.
  • Regular pathways must be developed hand in hand with regularization of the undocumented, climate change responses, and humanitarian needs. The labor movement is calling for a new approach to migration that centers long-term regular pathways around the human rights of migrants, breaking down the artificial separation between refugee/asylum-seekers on the one hand, and migrants on the other. All people on the move have rights and should have regular pathways, regardless of the incoherent categories created by migration systems. In their efforts to promote regular pathways, states should focus on restoring and expanding humanitarian resettlement options, rather than misdirecting desperate migrants into flawed and abusive temporary labor migration programs. 
  • And decent work must be the driving principle for development - with an emphasis on the creation of decent work in origin countries so that migration is a choice and not an economic necessity - and ensuring that all regular pathways meet decent work criteria so that workers and their families that move across borders do so with full respect of their agency and humanity.
  • The strategies enacted in response to the Global Compact must protect and empower workers in origin, transit and destination countries, and produce positive labor market outcomes for all working people, regardless of race, gender, or immigration status. In order to effectively integrate a worker rights lens into policy frameworks, workers need and expect a seat at the table as these policies are being developed and implemented. We have had enough of siloed, ineffective tweaks to an unjust migration system, and instead call for policy coherence that incorporates migration governance into broader economic, social, racial and gender justice initiatives. The new social contract called for by the global labor movement is an excellent frame for this.
  • We must recognize that a worker is a worker is a worker. All workers, regardless of their migration status, whether in the informal or formal economy, whether they identify as male or female, whether they are Black or brown, whether they are identified as asylum seekers or refugees, climate migrants, economic migrants or a mix of all of the above must be treated the same under the protection of labor laws, and in particular we must move beyond the flawed language in the global compact and instead adhere to the ILO principle that ALL workers have the freedom of association, right to organize and collectively bargain. Workers agency to have a say in migration processes and their wages and working conditions must be recognized fully and without condition. 
  • And states must eliminate the use of temporary (circular, sponsorship, or guest-worker) labor migration programs that systematically and structurally expose migrant workers to exploitation by recruiters, employers and others. Temporary migration programs should not be used as a solution to labor shortages, humanitarian crisis, climate change, or irregular migration.
  • Given that serious humanitarian concerns gave rise to the GCM, and the serious humanitarian crisis we face globally due to conflict, the economic impact of the pandemic, and climate change, implementation strategies should prioritize regularization schemes and rights-based channels—which allow migrants the freedom to move, settle, work, and fully participate in society—over expanding temporary or circular work programs. States should promote regular migration pathways that ensure full worker rights, facilitate social and family cohesion, and provide options for permanent residence and meaningful participation in civic life. 

Mar 08, 2022
Gabriele Aiello

Statement from UNODC

This is a statement from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) providing suggestions on thematic priorities to be considered for the IMRF Progress Declaration.

Mar 08, 2022
Bruno Antunes

UNCTAD inputs to the Progress Declaration

The implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) calls for enhanced international cooperation. Further collaboration, in turn, will benefit from intensified recognition of the mutually reinforcing role of the GCM and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) collaborated in producing a toolkit to assist countries in leveraging the linkages of trade and migration. This included the role of trade-driven economic development to minimize the drivers of movement of people and to promote migration as a choice in support of objective 2 of the GCM. It also included the role of trade agreements, which govern the cross-border movement of persons to supply services, as an additional tool to pursue the recognition of qualifications in line with objective 18 of the GCM.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and UNCTAD collaborated to produce tools to leverage entrepreneurship in support of social and economic inclusion of migrants. This enhances their positive economic and development impact in countries of destination and contributes to achieving objective 16 of the GCM.

Trade in services can also support financial inclusion and therefore facilitate speedier, safer and less costly remittances. Digital financial services have played an important role in reducing transaction costs in remittance transfer. Access to financial services - such as diaspora funds and bonds - also provides options to use these private resources to participate in development-related investments.

The linkages between development and migration need to be considered in moving forward with the implementation of the GCM. UNCTAD will continue supporting collaborative efforts that build on the synergies between the 2030 Agenda and the GCM with a view to advancing both agendas.

Mar 08, 2022
Martina Peretti

The Civil Society Action Committee submits the "12 Key Ways Paper" as a joint contribution highlighting global civil society priorities towards the IMRF Progress Declaration.

Mar 09, 2022
Kate Barth

The Secretary General’s report names as a top priority for the IMRF “promoting inclusive societies and including migrants in COVID-19 response and recovery.”  Migrant inclusion and engagement were also named as 2 of the 12 focus areas in CS Action Committee’s 12 Key Ways for States to Get Back on Track. Key to achieving migrant inclusion is ensuring the full participation of migrants and migrant-allied civil society in the policies that shape migrant lives. Migrant groups' participation in turn rests on their ability to freely exercise their rights to association, assembly and expression. Unfortunately the zero draft of the Progress Declaration (PD) does not call for the protection of migrants’ civic freedoms nor an enabling environment for CSOs that provide voice or services to migrants.

This failure to incorporate considerations of migrants’ civic freedoms and civic space into the PD is a critical omission. Migrants’ ability to exercise their civic freedoms is under threat around the world. Migrants face both legal and practical barriers to their exercise of rights, including discriminatory laws, difficulty accessing information, insecure migration statuses, employer blockages and stigmatization. The pandemic has served to further restrict migrants’ exercise of their civic freedoms.

In addition to the civic freedoms of migrants’ themselves, the rights of migrant-allied civil society are also under attack. Migrant-allied groups have been increasingly criminalized for their humanitarian work, often after being smeared by a toxic narrative painting their assistance to migrants as akin to criminal trafficking. In recent years migrant-allied groups have faced the imposition of administrative or financial burdens on their operations. These obstacles often lead to de jure or de facto harassment of migrant-allied groups and complicate their ability to carry out their work, which is often crucial to the accomplishment of GCM objectives.

The successful pursuit of GCM objectives requires migrant input which will be impossible to obtain if migrants are unable to freely organize, assemble and speak on their own behalf. It would be difficult, e.g., to achieve Obj. 6 without the assistance of labor unions representing migrant workers’ collective interests. A robust civic space enabling the free operation of migrant-allied groups is likewise crucial to achieving GCM objectives. For instance, States will not be able to effectively achieve Obj. 15 without the assistance of migrant-allied providers who can help establish easily accessible service points at the local level and reach migrants in vulnerable positions.

If migrant groups are constrained from speaking on their own behalf, migration policies will fatally suffer from a lack of critical stakeholder input. The PD should confirm that a prerequisite for the realization of GCM objectives is that migrants can freely exercise their civic freedoms and that migrant-allied groups can operate without undue constraint. Specifically the PD should:

  • Confirm that Objective 16 is understood to incorporate the promotion of migrant civic freedoms.
  • Call on States to (a) recognize in domestic laws migrants’ civic freedoms, regardless of migration status and establish laws, policies and practices supportive of migrants’ exercise of these rights; and (b) strengthen civil space and create an enabling environment for CSOs, including those working on migration.
Mar 10, 2022
Chus Álvarez

The Spotlight Report on Global Migration https://spotlightreportmigration.org/ focus on key issues affecting migrants at the grassroots, national and regional levels. The publication brings grassroots organizations, activists and communities’ voices to the forefront in speaking to decision-makers at the policy-level. Please find our list of recommendations here.

The report is a joint effort by the Global Coalition on Migration (GCM) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and it will be published on April 28, 2022.

Mar 10, 2022
Michele LeVoy

PICUM's input to the co-facilitators of the IMRF ahead of the Zero Draft on the Progress Declaration focuses on undocumented migrants’ access to services (including health care); access to justice; and regularisation, with examples from Europe of governmental practices in these areas.

March 2022 

Mar 15, 2022
Apolinar Z Tol…

One of the key challenges for migrant workers is on freely exercising their rights to join unions for collective bargaining and systemic wage theft.  The Member States of GCM must ensure that this right is fully guaranteed through enforceable policies and programmes with strong participation of trade unions as social partner.  The pervasiveness of wage theft must be mitigated. This calls on for New Social Contract.

 While business is steadily rebounding, businesses should not continue the old ways on stepping on the backs of workers who are still struggling with the impact of the pandemic.

  1. Work towards the creation of a New Social Contract for Migrant Workers between governments, workers and employers. This New Social Contract should include a universal guarantee for all workers, regardless of nationality, sector or status, that all labor rights are to be respected and universally applied, particularly the freedom of association, right to join unions and bargain collectively, that jobs are decent, social protection is universal, due diligence and accountability are driving business operations, and that social dialogue ensures just transition measures for climate and technology.
  2. Strict adherence to all international labor standards and rights as enumerated in International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions and principles for all workers, regardless of status. Recognizing workers agency, the freedom of association, right to organize and join unions and bargain collectively for decent work, the right to strike, and protections from the worst forms of child labor, should be guaranteed for all workers regardless of their migration status or sector, and should be built into all regular pathways. Migrant workers right to safe workplaces and occupational safety and health should be respected regardless of their status or work sector.
  3. In close collaboration with civil society and trade unions, establish formal in-country and cross-border mechanisms for access to justice, regardless of status, including for wage theft and other failure to pay or transfer earned benefits.  
  4. Bring all workers, especially agriculture and domestic workers, under full coverage of national labor laws and protections that are consistent with international labor standards, including ILO Domestic Workers Convention (C189), ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (C190), and ILO Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention (C182), without discrimination against migrants among them.  
  5. Establish social protection for all migrant workers, and for migrants who return to countries of origin (portability of social protections) and with immediate health coverage upon return.
  6. Eliminate the use of temporary (circular, sponsorship, or guest-worker) labor migration programs that systematically and structurally expose migrant workers to exploitation by recruiters, employers and others. Temporary migration programs should not be used as a solution to labor shortages, humanitarian crisis, climate change, or irregular migration.

 

Mar 16, 2022
Bruno Antunes

Intervention UNCTAD second townhall consultation, 25 March 2022

Thank you both very much for the comprehensive zero draft of the Progress Declaration, to be adopted at the IMRF.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, a member of the United Nations Network on Migration. is a development organization and is happy to acknowledge how the draft of the Progress Declaration brings to the limelight the important connections between the Global Compact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The recognition of the mutual reinforcing role of both agendas can potentiate further multi-stakeholder collaboration and international cooperation, as called for in the context of the implementation of the Global Compact.

Our two small suggestions to the text aim to further highlight the synergies between migration and development, particularly on leveraging the links between trade, migration and development.

First, we are pleased to report that UNCTAD and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees collaborated to produce tools to leverage entrepreneurship in support of social and economic inclusion of migrants. The training provided improved entrepreneurial skills of migrants in East Africa, the Andean region and the Middle East. This facilitates their integration into local communities, enhances their positive economic and development impact in countries of destination and contributes to achieving objective 16 of the Global Compact.

In this context, we suggest that paragraph 31 of the zero draft also mentions that progress was made in building entrepreneurial skills of migrants to promote inclusion and social cohesion.

Second, we would like to underscore that trade agreements also govern the cross-border movement of persons to supply services and can be a tool to remove barriers to the movement of people. For example, these agreements often contain provisions to pursue the recognition of qualifications. Trade liberalization can also aim to facilitate administrative procedures relating to visas, work, and residence permits.

In this context, we suggest that paragraph 45 of the zero draft also mentions the importance of leveraging on all the tools available, such as labour migration agreements and trade agreements, to facilitate the recognition of skills and competences.

Thank you again for this opportunity to make suggestions and contribute to the Progress Declaration. Your availability for these thorough consultations is highly appreciated.

UNCTAD remains available for further discussions and will continue supporting collaborative efforts that build on the synergies between the 2030 Agenda and the Global Compact with a view to advancing both agendas. Thank you.

Mar 26, 2022
Grégory Dianzenza

Please find attached the remarks on behalf of ADEPT concerning African diaspora/migrants, discussed on the first (7 March) and second (25 March) virtual townhall. Thank you !

Mar 29, 2022
Pui Yu IP

Labour’s Position on the 2022 International Migration Review Forum Progress Declaration
On behalf of the Council of Global Unions Migration Working Group, I am submitting our position on IMRF Zero Draft Progress Declaration.  We have also articulated the same demands in our participation in the two previous virtual town hall meetings. 

Our key demands:

  • Collective worker voice and participation.
  • Commitment to decent work, quality public services and sustainable development.  
  • Non-discrimination mandates.  
  • Diverse channels for regular migration.  
  • Just models for labour migration and adherence to international standards.
Mar 29, 2022
Michele LeVoy

PICUM's Comments (29 March 2022) on the Zero Draft of the International Migration Review Forum Progress Declaration focus on:

  • Best interests of the child;
  • Migrant smuggling and humanitarian assistance;
  • Simplification of procedures and modernisation of border crossing points;
  • Implementing community-based solutions and working towards ending detention;
  • Access to services.
Mar 29, 2022
Patricia Spadaro

Secours Catholique-Caritas France submits its written inputs on the Zero Draft of the Progress Declaration of the 2022 International Migration Review Forum, with concrete recommendations for strengthening the topic of safe pathways for regular migration in the context of climate change and environmental degradation.

Mar 29, 2022
Stella

AFFORD would like to make a suggestion for an addition to the comprehensive zero draft of the Progress Declaration, especially as it relates to obj 19, and to paragraph 32, pasted below: 

"32. Progress was achieved in the provision of health and psychological assistance to those impacted by the pandemic through efforts of diaspora networks and communities that set up humanitarian initiatives and digital platforms. Progress was also made in the recognition of the role of diaspora engagement and remittances in national development strategies, and in programmes that are being undertaken to improve financial inclusion and the literacy of foreign workers and their families. Several Member States concluded and implemented bilateral or multilateral agreements to foster the portability of social security entitlements." 

While we recognise that some progress has been made, we would also want to reiterate the importance of structured and formalised support for diaspora contributions. We would like to suggest the following wording as an addition to paragraph 32: 

Diaspora skills-sharing and volunteering is believed to be equal to, if not more than financial remittances. Most of the efforts by diaspora networks and communities in setting up humanitarian initiatives and digital platforms were organisational and individual efforts and mostly informal. Two significant areas that were enhanced by diaspora skills-sharing and volunteering efforts during the pandemic were in the humanitarian and economic initiatives with many diaspora business professionals continuing to support and invest in entrepreneurs and SMEs during the pandemic. These efforts need to be better supported by Member States in collaboration with other actors through structured programmes that leverage diaspora skills, time and investment while at the same time building their capacity to do more.

Mar 29, 2022
Genevieve Gencianos

Public Services International (PSIComments on the IMRF Progress Declaration Zero Draft

Delivered during the Co-facilitators' second virtual townhall briefing with stakeholders and UN entities

25 March 2022

It is important to set the progress declaration in the context of lessons we learned from the pandemic crisis, but also bearing in mind that we also have the equally urgent climate crisis and the ongoing conflicts not just in Europe but in many parts of the developing world  – all of which require our attention and response as we deal with the root causes and structural drivers of migration.

Anchored on the cross-cutting and interdependent guiding principles and working on the 23 principal objectives of the GCM, we must advance our progress in the GCM by not just returning to normal, but a fair, coherent, people-centered, rights-based, gender-responsive and child-sensitive normal addressing all the deeply rooted inequalities that were laid bare by the pandemic.  

Labour has laid out 5 key demands for this First IMRF which continue to represent the key demands we’ve made during the negotiations of the GCM. The Global Unions are sending the full submission of these demands, which are summarised herewith:  

1. Collective worker voice and representation, particularly freedom of association and the right to organize and collectively bargain.

2. Commitment to decent work, inclusive and quality public services and sustainable development to address the root causes and drivers of migration, including in the response to the climate crisis.

3. Non-discrimination in access to human and labour rights, social protections, universal health care, including access to vaccines.

4. Supporting rights-based channels for regular migration

5. Promoting just, fair and rights-based models for labour migration and the rejection of temporary, circular migration that undermine workers’ rights and sustainable development.

Speaking on behalf of public service workers, who stayed on the frontlines fighting the pandemic in our cities, municipalities and national governments, including among them migrant health and care workers, who are predominantly women, we cannot overemphasize the importance of building the agency of women and equal treatment and respect for their human and labour rights, including access to social protection and health care. Evidence shows how migrant health and care workers disproportionately suffered higher infections and deaths due to the lack of access to these rights. PSI unions remain at the forefront defending and advocating for the human and labour rights of migrant health and care workers and has put forward a trade union policy agenda for international cooperation.

While we recognize the importance of skills recognition and supporting the mobility of skills in the health sector, this must not be done at the expense of developing countries who are being drained of these skills and at the expense of the right to health and universal health coverage. Having learned from the pandemic, health worker migration has only become more evident as an important challenge in the global migration policy agenda and the SDGs. We must tackle this challenge by beginning with rights-based, fair and ethical recruitment, with the genuine participation of all stakeholders and through social dialogue, in order to arrive at a fair and just labour migration policy in the health sector.

 

------------------

For more information, contact:

Genevieve Gencianos, PSI Migration Programme Coordinator, genevieve.gencianos@world-psi.org

Mar 30, 2022
Patricia Spadaro

Act Alliance, the Climate Migration and Displacement Platform (CMDP), the Civil Society Action Committee, the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and Secours Catholique-Caritas France, supported by the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD), submit written inputs to inform the Zero Draft of the Progress Declaration of the 2022 International Migration Review Forum. 

Mar 30, 2022
Sonia Grigt

This is Education International's input on the zero draft of the Progress Declaration. Education International (EI) is the Global Union Federation that represents organisations of teachers and other education workers. EI is the largest sectoral organisation of unions with more than 32 million teachers and education service professionals in 383 organisations in 178 countries and territories. Education is a member of the Council of Global Unions representing more than 200 million workers globally, including migrant workers. EI's input focuses on the need for a major focus on education, labour migration and social dialogue.

Mar 30, 2022
Timo Schmidt

In addition to the detailed input to the Zero Draft of the IMRF Progress Declaration already shared with the co-facilitators, please find attached overall key messages for the IMRF prepared by the Secretariat of the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) as part of the PDD's Steering Group Working Group on Human Mobility.

Mar 30, 2022
Caroline Horne

Initiative for Child Rights in the Global Compacts written input on the Zero draft of the IMRF Progress Declaration

With thanks for the comprehensive zero draft of the IMRF Progress Declaration and the opportunity to make a contribution, the multi-stakeholder Initiative for Child Rights in the Global Compacts is happy to share the attached input and recommendations which we hope can be useful in considering progress of the GCM implementation for children. 

Mar 30, 2022
Caroline Horne

Initiative for Child Rights in the Global Compacts' input on the Zero Draft of the IMRF Progress Declaration

With thanks for the comprehensive zero draft of the IMRF Progress Declaration and the opportunity to contribute, the multi-stakeholder Initiative for Child Rights in the Global Compacts is happy to share the attached input and recommendations which we hope will be useful in reviewing progress of GCM implementation for children. 

Mar 30, 2022
Luis Carlos Ro…

Adjunto encontrarán aportes de CODHES,Colombia,  a la Declaración de Progreso -borrador cero, después de la segunda sesión informativa virtual con partes interesadas y Agencias de la ONU el día 25 de marzo de 2022

Mar 30, 2022
Francia Serrano

Hi,

In addition to the remarks from the virtual townhall meeting, My World Mexico team would also like to submit the following comments for your consideration in the IMRF Declaration Progress.

Thank you for your attention,

Mar 30, 2022
Laurel Townhead

QUNO (Quakers) Comments on the Zero Draft

We thank the co-facilitators for making this space available to submit written comments and for the opportunities to engage through the open, virtual townhall meetings immediately before or after each round of negotiations to enable them to hear from a broad range of stakeholders. We hope the expertise, experience and perspectives shared on this discussion space and in the townhall meetings will be a useful and valuable part of the development of the Progress Declaration.

We thank the co-facilitators for this draft and are pleased to see some of our key concerns reflected, we look forward to working towards an ambitious, effective and human rights based progress declaration.

In addition to the comments contained in this document specific language proposals are available on request: 

Laurel Townhead, Representative, Human Rights and Refugees

ltownhead@quno.ch

Mar 30, 2022
Elana Wong

Please see the Migration Youth & Children Platform's inputs into the zero draft of the Progress Declaration, which suggests specific language focused on youth and children, and supporting the inputs of the Civil Society Action Committee and members. 

Mar 30, 2022
CAROLINA HERNANDEZ

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) appreciates that REV 1 draft responds to many of the comments provided to the Zero Draft.

To further advance an ambitious and human rights-based Progress Declaration, we would recommend the following:

  • Adopt a more explicitly people-centred and human rights-based approach. In several places we have encouraged language which more explicitly adopts a people-centred approach. While the document notes well the positive contributions of migrants to countries of origin, transit and destination, it would be important to reinforce the perspective of migrants as human beings and as rights-holders, regardless of their contributions.
  • Consider how to better incorporate and mainstream the GCM guiding principles throughout the text. We greatly appreciate that the GCM guiding principles are reaffirmed in the Introduction and have been strengthened in several parts of the text. We have made suggested edits considering how to better mainstream them across all sections of the document, in particular the guiding principles on people-centered, rule of law and due process, human rights, gender-responsive and child-sensitive, as these have particular international human rights law implications.
  • Uphold the commitment to non-regression. It is important not to re-open the GCM negotiations and to ensure the Progress Declaration does not re-open binding international treaty instruments. In many cases the GCM guiding principles, Objectives or actions reflect existing international law obligations. Where these are discussed/re-committed to in the text, it will be important not to inadvertently backtrack these obligations (examples in the attached doc). We also suggest retaining the commitment to draw from the GCM "actions" as important elements “to realize the [GCM] commitments” in compliance with international law.
  • Communicate the GCM’s overwhelmingly positive and transformative agenda on migration governance. We believe this is an important aspect of communicating that migration is a normal and overwhelmingly positive human phenomenon consistent with the GCM, the NYD and SG reports.
  • Strengthen the 360-degree approach. We appreciate the steps that have already been taken to strengthen the 360-degree approach, by highlighting all 23 GCM Objectives. However, in our view there are still some GCM Objectives, or aspects of the Objectives, that would benefit from further strengthening. To this end, we have suggested language to further strengthen some Objectives (examples in the attached doc).
  • Consolidate and strengthen the commitment to enhanced implementation of the GCM through concrete language, in line with the guidance of GA resolution 73/326 establishing the IMRF modalities wherein it was decided to include in the Progress Declaration “recommendations on the implementation of the Global Compact”. We suggest strengthening the text further on the development, implementation and monitoring of national implementation plans, and similarly to strengthening concrete mechanisms of follow-up and review at the global and regional levels including through committing to report progress on implementation of the GCM within the reviews of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council.

Enclosed you will find, for your kind consideration, OHCHR's specific comments and language suggestions.

OHCHR stands ready to provide any support needed on the human rights-related elements of the Progress Declaration.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 06, 2022
Sofía Rojo

Florence Kim 

CELS (Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales) Comments on the REV 1 Draft

We thank the co-facilitators for making this space available to submit written comments. We hope that the contributions submitted here will help to working towards an ambitious, effective and human rights based progress declaration.

Thank you

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 07, 2022
Ion Bulgac

Florence Kim 

Hereby, FAO submits the inputs/suggestions to the REV1 Draft of the Progress Declaration and we remain hopeful that our contribution will be taken on board and ultimately enrich the text of the declaration with the agriculture, rural development and food security considerations.

Kind regards,

Ion Bulgac,

Rural Migration Specialist, Decent Rural Employment Team, Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP), Economic and Social Development Stream

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 07, 2022
Migrant Forum …

Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) is sharing its written inputs on the issue of wage theft to the first revision of the Progress Declaration that was also raised during yesterday's third Townhall meeting.

 

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 07, 2022
Le Wang

Save the Children appreciate the significant efforts and provision in Rev1 of the declaration and the increase of recognition of the rights of children in migration in this version. And we welcome the inclusion of Paras 9ter and 42bis as well as increased references to children throughout the document. 

in the spirit of collaboration and our common ambition to accelerate the implementation of the GCM in line with its guiding principle of child sensitiveness and the best interests of children,  in the below comments, we would like to highlight and recognise the parts of the document where children are more visible and offer recommendations to ensure children are at the heart of a declaration that fully reflects the child-focussed spirit of the GGM.

Please find our full recommendations of text in the attached file. 

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 08, 2022
Le Wang

Save the Children appreciate the significant efforts and provisions in Rev 1 of the declaration and the increased recognition of the rights of children in migration in this version. In our previous comments, we recommended the inclusion of specific paragraphs on children, and we welcome the inclusion of paras 9ter and 42bis as well as increased references to children throughout the document.

In the spirit of collaboration and our common ambition to accelerate the implementation of the GCM in line with its guiding principle of child sensitiveness and the best interests of children,  in the below comments, we would like to highlight and recognise the parts of the document where children are more visible and offer recommendations to ensure children are at the heart of a declaration that fully reflects the child-focussed spirit of the GGM.

Please find Save the Children's suggestions of text in the attached file. 

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 08, 2022
Michele LeVoy

PICUM's submission (8 April 2022) on Rev 1 of the Zero Draft of the Progress Declaration concerns the following areas:

- Children in migration
- Detention
- Migrant smuggling and return
- Racism
- Labor rights, regular pathways, and regularisation
- Access to services

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 08, 2022
Stella

AFFORD - comments to Rev 1.

We thank the co-facilitators for making multiple spaces available for submitting comments.  Please find the attached submission for wording as it relates to the inclusion of 'diaspora' in the IMRF Progress Declaration Rev 1. 

Thank you

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 08, 2022
Van Loon, Hans

Proposal: add the following paragraph to the Progress Declaration:
 

56 a. We request the Secretary General to examine the possibility of preparing a global conference to negotiate  a global legal framework instrument to facilitate the procedural and administrative aspects of cooperation regarding temporary labor migration movements.

This suggestion follows up on the final Article (22) of the Resolution on Mass Migration adopted by the Institut de Droit International (https://www.idi-iil.org/en/) at its 2017 Hyderabad session, which calls on States "to negotiate a basic legal instrument, of a universal character, governing direct cooperation between States of Origin and Host States of mass migration flaws, including temporary migratory flows".

The attachment sets out the proposal in more detail. Note that it (1) focuses on temporary (including circular or repetitive) migration and (2) is strictly limited to facilitating cross-border administrative coordination and cooperation, to assist in the implementation of any (bilateral) temporary migration programs as may be agreed between States of Origin and Host States.

The Proposal focuses on temporary labor migration, because of the urgent need to enhance cooperation in this field (see reports on abuses of workers from Bangladesh etc. involved in FIFA construction work in Qatar), but lends itself also to other forms of temporary migration, e.g. for education purposes.

The proposal leaves it entirely to the sovereign policies and decision-making processes of the States to negotiate the content (criteria for admission and entry, duration of the temporary schemes, working conditions) of the temporary labor agreements. However, certain practical coordination and cooperation aspects will apply in all cases, and these aspects (only) are the subject of this proposal.

Hans van Loon, Member Institut de Droit international, Former Secretary General, Hague Conference on Private International Law 

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 08, 2022
Timo Schmidt

We thank the co-facilitators for advancing on the Progress Declaration and in particular for the quick turnaround in producing a revised version.

Please find attached further written input on the REV 1 Draft by the Envoy of the Chair of the PDD and the PDD Secretariat.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 09, 2022
Paola Cammilli

The Building and Wood Workers' International hereby endorses and respectfully shares the input on the issue of wage theft to the first revision of the Progress Declaration, as part of the Justice for Wage Theft Campaign.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 09, 2022
Binod Khadria

Florence Kim 

Hello Ms. Florence Kim: 

Following my suggestions made verbally in the townhall meeting on 6th April to the Co-facilitators Amb Maes and Amb Fatima, here is my written submission on Rev 1 of the Progress Declaration:

1. Please add the third and the most important dimension of the mission approach at hand - the "Whole of Migrant" approach (implying all types and kinds of migrants are included) to the "Whole of Government" approach and the "Whole of Society" approach. This would also make the overall approach of IMRF a truly balanced one, ensuring that none of the people on the move - the diaspora, the refugees (despite there being the GCR), the trafficked, the smuggled, the white collar workers right up to the STEM professionals, the blue-collar workers, the minors (both accompanied and un-accompanied), the children, the youth, the women, the elderly and any other - that the various spokespersons voiced their worries about being left out - i.e., "no one is left behind" when the IMRF addresses their interests to be protected by the member states and other stakeholders over the next four years;

2. There should be a Preamble to the Progress Document, incorporating the generic terms like " Wage Theft" - elaborating what categories of deprivations and exploitation of the waged labour the IMRF would strive to eliminate or minimize, and the "Whole of Migrant" approach - what all categories of migrants and their families the IMRF would specifically take in its fold while upholding their various rights. The Preamble should highlight all such terms that would be all pervasive and crucial for the Progress Document to lay the path forward concretely for the Member States to adhere to with confidence and follow in letter and spirit, even if not binding and not treading on any state's sovereignty; 

3. A Glossary of Terms should be provided so as to incorporate various relevant meanings and operational significance when more than one interpretation of the same terminology could possibly be made, leading to deviation from the intended path;

4. The Progress Document should be of as high a quality as any other refereed or peer-reviewed publication, whether for the academia or any other learned circles, be it of the policy and law makers, judiciary or the high executive. It should be truly a Guide Book that would be cited and referred to over a time horizon and generations stretching far beyond the next four years - beyond assessment of what was aimed for and what could be achieved by 2026. Then only the noticeably growing inclusivity (of stakeholders and well as their diverse voices and views) and the collective authorship facilitated by the Co-Facilitators through the zero draft and Rev 1 would have a lasting value and a lasting impact on the Societies, the Governments and above all the Migrants.

I hope the essence of the above four suggestions would be incorporated in the finale revised draft of the Progress Document. I shall be happy to extend any assistance or editing or clarification required for the purpose.

Submitted by Professor Binod Khadria, President, Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT) and former Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; Co-editor of World Migration Report 2020 (IOM) and Thematic Expert, Second Informal Thematic Debate on Drivers of Migration at UNHQ, New York in May 2017 in the run up to the signing of the GCM Agreement in Dec 2018.

I may be contacted at: bkhadria@gmail.com

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 09, 2022
Florence Kim

Please share your comments and questions on Rev 2 by clicking on the "reply" button.

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Members
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Comments
Apr 14, 2022
CAROLINA HERNANDEZ

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) appreciates the continued commitment to ensuring the Progress Declaration enhances and builds upon the existing GCM commitments.

Enclosed you will find, for your consideration, OHCHR's comments to the REV 2 of the GCM Progress Declaration. In these, we have focused primarily on ensuring the Progress Declaration upholds the GCM's commitment to the principle of non-regression while also seeking to strengthen the important final section on recommendations to accelerate GCM implementation.

We remain available to provide technical advice on any of the human rights-related elements of the Progress Declaration.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 14, 2022
Melanie Teff

UNICEF thanks the Co-facilitators for Rev2 of this document, with many amendments in this version that we have welcomed in the attached. Please find attached UNICEF's comments and proposals with regards to Rev2 of the Progress Declaration.

Best regards,

Melanie Teff - UNICEF

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 14, 2022
Kayly Ober

Please find attached below the language proposal submission for REV2 of the Climate, Migration, and Displacement Platform, a global coalition of more than 30 organizations and individuals working at the intersection of climate change, migration, and displacement.

You will note that we focus our recommendations on paras 10, 21, 23, and several of the 43s.

Apologies for the delay in submission to this discussion space.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 20, 2022
Inkeri von Hase

UN Women would like to thank the Co-facilitators for the opportunity to provide inputs to Rev 2. Our contributions focus on further strengthening the inclusion of gender equality considerations in line with the guiding principle of gender-responsiveness. 

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 22, 2022
Michele LeVoy

PICUM’s comments (22 April 2022) on Rev 2 of the Progress Declaration, cover the following areas:

  • Children in migration
  • Women
  • Immigration detention
  • Migrant smuggling
  • Return policies
  • Access to services
  • Racism
  • Labor rights

 

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 22, 2022
Cristina Benvenuti

 

Please find attached a few inputs with regards to Rev2 of the Progress Declaration from the UN World Food Programme, with language suggested for paragraphs 23, 33 and 42-ter.

Best regards,

Cristina Benvenuti – WFP Geneva Global Office

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 25, 2022
Sunjida Rahman

As a member of ECOSOC and co-chair of the Bangladesh United Nations Network on Migration (BDUNNM) technical working group, Institute of Informatics and Development (IID) has always strived to bring the voice of civil society to the global arena. 

IID extends appreciation as the Progress Declaration ensures continued development based on the multiple rounds of comments and feedback.

Enclosed you will find IID's recommendations on the REV2 of the Progress Declaration

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 25, 2022
samuel boutruche

Dear colleagues,

With many thanks to the co-facilitators and their teams for the excellent work on Rev 3, UNHCR would like to submit 2 additional suggestions in relation to the distinction between migrants and refugees (in line with para. 4 of the GCM) and to strengthen the para on migrants rescued at sea.

With many thanks for your kind consideration.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 27, 2022
Florence Kim

Please share your comments and questions on Rev. 3 by clicking on the "reply" button

4
Members
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Comments
Apr 27, 2022
Cristina Benvenuti

 

Many thanks for sharing this third draft. Please find attached a few inputs from the UN World Food Programme, with language suggested for paragraphs 23, 33 and 42-ter.

Best regards,

Cristina Benvenuti – WFP Geneva Global Office

In reply to by Florence Kim

1
Members
1
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Apr 27, 2022
Carol Barton

Attached find Women in Migration Network's comments on Rev 3, which echoes language of many civil society colleagues. We outline our most urgent points for negotiations, and then offer line by line commentary as well. See those priority concerns in this email as well.

1. Create a separate paragraph (9 pre) specifically addressing the realities of migrant women. There are paragraphs addressing race and children’s concerns, but not one addressing migrant women, not all of whom are remunerated workers. Our proposed language references internationally agreed language as noted below.

9pre. We recognize the specific contributions and experiences of women migrants and the need to redouble efforts to ensure a gender perspective throughout the whole of migration and its governance, and to realise the empowerment of all women and girls, respecting and protecting their rights, and acknowledging that achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and women’s full, equal, effective and meaningful participation and decision-making is essential to achieving safe, orderly and regular migration. [Based on gender responsive GP, GCM para.15, CSW66 Agreed Conclusions, para.5] We call for equal access to services regardless of migration status, among them health services, including sexual and reproductive health services and mental health services. These are critical to ensuring women’s resilience, including to sexual and gender-based violence.

2. Separate references to women and children in order to address their unique and specific needs. separately. In para 42, delete reference to children, which is found in 42 bis.

42. We commit to adopting national gender-responsive and child-sensitive migration policies and legislation in line with relevant obligations under international law to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all migrant women and children, in particular girls, regardless of their migration status. In this regard, we stress the importance of ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in the formulation and implementation of migration policies, while recognizing their independence, agency and leadership. [based on 76/141, OP31 + GCM, para 15(g)]

3. A clear reference to the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, for migrant workers, adherence to core ILO labour standards as well as a commitment to implementing ILO Conventions 189 and 190 in practice. (9 bis, 22, 45bis)

(See language in attachment)

4. A commitment to real migrant participation, including that of migrant women’s organizations, in the policy-making process. Meaningful migrant participation is a high priority for civil society. In Rev 3, paragraph 38’s substitution of “discussions” for “processes” and paragraph 39bis’s substitution of “participation in” for “contribution to” weaken States’ commitment to ensuring that migrants are empowered to meaningfully influence migration-related policies. Migrants need to be taken into account in policymaking through a formal opportunity to contribute to the legal frameworks that affect them. Revert to Rev 2 language on participation in paragraphs 38 and 39bis.

In reply to by Cristina Benvenuti

Apr 29, 2022
Kate Barth

Florence Kim 

As set forth in the UN Secretary General’s report (UN Doc. No. A/76/642, sec. III(A)) and in the Civil Society Action Committee’s 12 Key Ways document, ensuring migrant inclusion and participation in the decision-making that affects them should be a priority for the IMRF because it is a crucial ingredient in ensuring safe, orderly and regular migration. The successful pursuit of GCM objectives requires migrant perspectives, which will be impossible to obtain if migrants are not invited to participate in the development, delivery, and review of policy.

Rev.1 and Rev. 2 of the Progress Declaration included strong recommendations that States commit to ensuring migrants’ right to participate in the policy-making processes. Many States have been very supportive of this participation language. El Salvador, for instance, speaking on behalf of Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and others, welcomed the inclusion of the new paragraphs on migrant participation during 3rd round of informal consultations (2nd reading) held on 7-8 April. Portugal also commended the valuable addition of “meaningful participation.”

A commitment to meaningful migrant participation is of paramount importance for civil society. Not only was migrants’ agency and voice and civil society engagement included as two out of civil society’s 12 priorities in the 12 Key Ways platform, but the inclusion of language around participation has been widely applauded by civil society in all of the virtual Townhall Meetings.

Unfortunately, Rev. 3 edits have greatly watered-down crucial language around participation. Paragraph 38’s substitution of “discussions” for “processes” and paragraph 39bis’s substitution of “participation in” for “contribution to” weaken States’ commitment to ensuring that migrants are empowered to meaningfully influence migration-related policies. Participation merely in policy “discussions” gives no guarantee that migrants’ input will be taken into account during formal policymaking. Rather, the vague commitment only to migrant participation in “discussions” does not require States to avail migrants with a formal opportunity to contribute to the legal frameworks that affect them.

“Participation” has a meaning that has been fleshed out through various international instruments (see e.g., General Comment 25); it is understood as a broad concept requiring engagement of individuals, civil society organizations and civil society at large in decision-making processes by public authorities. Moreover, meaningful participation obliges a State to ensure that certain pre-conditions are in place, such as an environment of openness and transparency, empowerment and education, equality and non-discrimination, and that participants enjoy access to information and effective remedies to any participation blockages.

Unlike “participation”, “contribution” has no widely understood meaning under international law or best practices. By substituting “participation” for “contribution” therefore, the Progress Declaration weakens a standard that would empower migrants and civil society to influence the processes that shape their lives.  In doing so, the Progress Declaration is also removing a commitment that critical stakeholders can input into important migration-related policies and decisions, thus depriving migration policies of key expertise and risking the success of such policies and achievement of GCM goals.

For these reasons, the Progress Declaration should revert to the Rev. 2 language on participation in paragraphs 38 and 39bis.

In reply to by Florence Kim

Apr 27, 2022

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