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IMRF Round table 4 Consultation

The aim of this discussion space is to gather inputs from a broad range of Member States and stakeholders in the preparations for the roundtable, and in particular the drafting of its background note, which is being prepared by OHCHR and UNDESA on behalf of the UN Network on Migration, in support of the Member State co-chairs of the roundtable (to be announced in 2022).

The background paper will address the background, objectives, and guiding questions for the Roundtable. It will be a short paper of 1,000 words and will be available prior to the IMRF. The Roundtable discussions will feed into broader discussions at the IMRF and will adopt a multi-stakeholder approach in line with the whole-of-society guiding principle of the GCM.

To contribute, you are invited to respond to the discussion questions below, or pose your own questions to the moderators and other participants. Responses are welcome in English, French, and Spanish. In case of difficulties posting please contact gcmhub@iom.int and pbitar@iom.int.

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Discussion Questions & Comments

Mohamed Osman

3. What emerging and priority challenges related to the objectives would you like to see the Roundtable address?

Jan 06, 2022
Kate Barth

Mohamed Osman The Roundtable should address the constricting civic space for migrant diaspora and civil society organizations, which is a key threat to the successful achievement of Objectives 3, 7 and 17. Especially in destination counties, there is a growing trend of hostility towards and legal restrictions on CSOs that provide advocacy or services to migrants and refugees. These migrant-allied CSOs have been increasingly criminalized for their 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 CSOs 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 CSOs, and complicate their ability to carry out their work—much of which is crucial to the accomplishment of GCM objectives 3, 7 and 17.

Migrant-allied CSOs are often in a better position than authorities to provide information or deliver services to migrants because they are viewed as independent from law enforcement and political pressures, because they can reach migrants at different points in their journey and because they may have capacity to support migrants in particular ways that governments struggle with. Migrant-allied CSOs can also serve as effective advocates for migrants, especially those in irregular or vulnerable situations, because they can elevate migrant voices and more safely fight against xenophobia and discrimination. The cessation of legal hostility against migrant-allied CSOs and the promotion of an enabling environment that would allow civil society to combat discrimination and provide information and services to vulnerable migrant populations should be a priority challenge for States because the free functioning of migrant civil society is a necessary precondition to the achievement of the GCM objectives.

In reply to by Mohamed Osman

Jan 27, 2022
CAROLINA HERNANDEZ

Kate Barth  - thank you for your comment.

Civil society, national human rights institutions and other human rights defenders indeed play a vital role in promoting and protecting the human rights of migrants. In keeping with international human rights standards and the whole-of-society approach of the Global Compact for Migration, their activities should be respected and supported. Actions that criminalise, penalize, impede or halt their work, as well as xenophobic and other harmful narratives against migrants and those who defend their rights, can have deadly consequences for migrants and lead to shrinking of civic space.

States should provide, in law and in practice, a safe, accessible and enabling environment for individuals and organizations that work to promote or protect the human rights of migrants and ensure that their rights are not violated or curtailed because of the work they do. States should also publicly recognize the important role of human rights defenders and the legitimacy of their work and condemn all instances of violence, discrimination, intimidation or reprisals against them and underline that such practices can never be justified (kindly see the guidance referenced in GCM objective 7: OHCHR/GMG Principles and guidelines on the protection of the human rights of migrants in vulnerable situations, guidelines 18.1 – 18.6 PrinciplesAndGuidelines.pdf (ohchr.org)).

In reply to by Kate Barth

Feb 07, 2022
Mohamed Osman

2. What emerging trends, progress, and innovations related to the GCM objectives under review do you think should be highlighted?

Jan 06, 2022
Susanne Melde
  • Con referencia al objetivo 1 sobre datos, basado en un Diagnóstico sobre la Situación de las Estadísticas y una serie de webinarios organizados por la División de Población de CEPAL y la División Estadística de la ONU en 2021, a nivel regional en América Latina y el Caribe existen varias prácticas del uso de fuentes administrativas para fines estadísticos. El fortalecimiento de la cooperación en materia migratoria en la región ha redundado en la revisión de los procesos de producción de datos de registros administrativos, entre otros. Varios países cuentan con un mecanismo de coordinación interinstitucional, así aplicando el enfoque pan-gubernamental del Pacto en el tema de datos migratorios. También es factible producir indicadores para la formulación y evaluación de políticas, pero existe una gran variedad entre los países en términos de sus capacidades en este tema. Agencias de Naciones Unidas como ONU DAES y OIM ofrecen herramientas en este sentido. Además, el intercambio de información entre diferentes países para abordar temáticas migratorias a nivel regional es prioritario en varios procesos a nivel regional. Tendencias migratorias cambiantes requieren más cooperación, recopilación y acceso a datos de manera oportuna.
  • With regard to objective 1 on data and based in an Assessment of Statistical Systems and a series of webinars organized by the Population Division of ECLAC and the Statistics Division of the UN, at the regional level in Latin America and the Caribbean a number of practices exist on the use of administrative sources for statistical purposes. The strengthening of cooperation on migration in the region has led to a revision of data production in administrative registries, among others. Several countries have an interinstitutional coordination mechanism, thus applying the whole-of-government approach of the GCM in the realm of migration data. It is also possible to produce indicators to formulate and evaluate migration policies, but there is a great variety among countries regarding their capacities in this area. UN agencies such as UN DESA and IOM offer tools in this regard. Furthermore, the exchange of information among different countries to address migration topics at the regional level is a priority in varios regional processes. Changing migration patterns require more cooperation, collection and access to data in a timely way.

In reply to by Mohamed Osman

Feb 07, 2022
Sarah Doyel, IOM

The GCM recognizes the importance of data to promote evidence-based public discourse to combat xenophobia and eliminate all forms of discrimination. For example, GCM Champion Countries Canada and Ecuador, alongside the Mayors Mechanism, are working together to counter anti-migrant sentiment through the GFMD’s Ad Hoc Working Group on Public Narratives on Migration. Their efforts mitigate xenophobia by demonstrating the contributions of migrants as development actors and safe, well-managed migration as a development accelerator. 

International cooperation is at the heart of each of GCM Objectives 1, 3, 7, and 17 and all others. A revitalized global partnership is needed to renew the solidarity of Member States and all stakeholders as set out in the GCM’s whole of society approach. Commitment to joint action requires the mainstreaming of migration in development planning and policy at global, regional, national and local levels. As the success of the Mainstreaming Migration for International Cooperation and Development project has shown, integrating migration into existing processes effectively aligns GCM implementation with the 2030 Agenda, recognizing that migration and sustainable development are multidimensional and interdependent. 

In reply to by Mohamed Osman

Feb 11, 2022
Alankrita Dayal

This is such an important discussion topic, and I would like to share a few sustainable solutions that have successfully helped our cities in North America improve service access and delivery for disadvantaged migrant populations, provide information and training to guide new arrivals, and strengthen local civic and political participation.

I am the North America Focal Point for the Migration Youth and Children Platform at United Nations MGCY, where we work on addressing a range of social issues affecting young people all around the globe, through policy design and implementation, youth advocacy, capacity building, and open dialogue in identifying emerging issues and creating an evidence base for best practices, at the grassroots, regional, national, and global levels. I am also the Executive Director at Program yoUr Future, where I oversee the research and development of our artificially intelligent technologies and programs which support underrepresented youth in overcoming language and cultural barriers, better accessing social welfare services, and preparing for the labor market through educational and financial interventions.

In our technology-driven world, when we’re thinking about inclusivity within our cities and designing policies and programs that provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration, it is very important to consider creative uses of smartphones to engage immigrant populations.

For example, in several of our North American cities, including New York and Chicago, one-stop apps provide a means for residents to access city services through a single portal–thereby, reducing barriers for residents with limited English proficiency and for those who lack institutional knowledge about which agency to contact for city services.

Civic apps are also helping migrants access information on immigrants' rights, training them for citizenship tests, and helping them volunteer, register to vote, participate in civic forums, and give feedback on civic planning processes.

Additionally, personalized learning tools and educational games, such as those that we have at Program yoUr Future (PUF), are ensuring adequate living conditions, decent work, and social protection for migrants by increasing their access to quality education and tailored instruction for specific occupations. Our apps for new arrivals are particularly advantageous over other technologies because of the on-the-go learning migrants can access during otherwise unused times (for instance while they are traveling to work), in any language and on any type of device, with the option to run offline, too, without the added cost of a wifi network. We have also integrated translation tools that help facilitate everyday interactions, including in urgent situations for accessing healthcare and disaster relief–which is a priority for our objectives.

By scaling the use of such innovations into the hands of even more individuals around the world, we can truly make a big different towards our sustainable development goals! 

And I think that is the true power of our Roundtable and the upcoming International Migration Review Forum–advancing such innovative, scalable solutions and identifying cross-cutting priorities that will enable us to work together to shape that beautiful, future world we all hope to live in. I welcome our shared commitment to uplift the voices of those who are most vulnerable within our communities. Looking forward to continuing this great discussion - Thank you.

In reply to by Mohamed Osman

Apr 05, 2022
Mohamed Osman

1. What are the key priorities that should shape discussions and best highlight the issues covered by this Roundtable?

Jan 06, 2022
Asanga U. Ranasinghe

Mohamed Osman a regional research in South Asia under the GOALS programme (Joint UN Programme To Support Collaboration and Effective Labour Migration Governance Launched on Eve of International Migrants Day - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb) has indicated the low level digital literacy amongst migrant workers, especially the low-skilled segment. Improving digital literacy will enable to capture data directly and easily from migrants as well as making it possible to provide information to them. 

In reply to by Mohamed Osman

Feb 09, 2022
Sarah Doyel, IOM

The COVID-19 pandemic has both illuminated and exacerbated existing structural inequalities, with compounding effects for migrants and displaced persons in situations of vulnerability. Addressing and mitigating these devastating effects is imperative to ensuring their safety and protecting their well-being. Reducing inequalities and eliminating discrimination are also crucial to ensuring a prosperous future for all. As set out in the GCM, reducing vulnerabilities creates the conditions in which migrants are able to reach their full potential, enriching communities and contributing to sustainable development both where they are and where they’re from.  

This can only be achieved through widely available and high-quality data disaggregated by migratory status. Disaggregated data is a prerequisite to advancing progress towards the SDGs and harnessing the development potential of human mobility. Prioritizing data innovation will allow us to fulfil the promise of leaving no one behind, supporting evidence-based policy that can work for the benefit of all.  

In reply to by Mohamed Osman

Feb 11, 2022
Alankrita Dayal

With nearly 85% of the world’s population owning smartphones, and its use rising exponentially, especially among young people, prioritizing the design and development of such easy-to-use apps is critical for developing smart and inclusive cities in which city services, buildings, transportation, and infrastructure are connected to networks that in turn, also generate huge datasets with which urban policymakers can then inform and validate new sustainable solutions.

At the same time, while designing tech policy, we must be inclusive of migrants who leave less of a data trail and who may thus be underrepresented in the running and planning of future cities, by co-designing with migrants themselves--both young and old, digitally literate or not, while also keeping in mind the diversity of intersectional identities, including gender, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs, we each bring to the table–to ensure city services empower people with more control and independence and enable everyone to participate fully, equally, and effectively in society.

By adopting ethical design practices as we create digital experiences, we also influence companies and communities to do the right thing by respecting human needs, addressing xenophobic attitudes in public discourse, and finding ways to counter them with fact-based information and communication campagins.

Further, digital sustainability can also help us achieve our green targets, as evidence suggests that people are more inclined to use city services, such as energy-saving mass transit, when they have tools at-hand to plan their journey. And through careful consideration of the needs of migrants as we design these tools, we can effectively identify, address, and reduce the vulnerabilities that affect migrant populations, and make it easier for them to physically, cognitively, and emotionally make informed decisions during their journeys.

In reply to by Mohamed Osman

Apr 05, 2022
Bruno Antunes

Objective 1: Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies

The lack of harmonisation and standardisation of data hinders a comprehensive assessment of migration patterns, and in turn limits the potential policy space for effective migration management and diaspora investment. The African Migration Observatory (AMO) is an important element to collect information and facilitating coordination between African countries on migration issues. In addition, cross-border traders endure the inefficiencies of border management. With regards to border management, there is a potential opportunity to use UNCTAD customs management system (ASYCUDA) and IOM border management information system (MIDAS) in tandem to collect and exchange data; and facilitate moving and trading across borders.

Objective 3: Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration

There is a need for a harmonized approach to data collection. The collection of trade data is strongly linked to the movement of people. For instance, longitudinal surveys of informal cross-border trade could be supplemented by socioeconomic surveys, to provide insights into the demographic, social and economic status of people crossing the border.

Feb 01, 2022
Asanga U. Ranasinghe

How can regional consultative processes such as the Colombo Process (https://www.colomboprocess.org) contribute to Objective 23 and specifically enrich the labour migration landscape, which will benefit migrant workers? 

Feb 06, 2022
Spanish Commis…

The Spanish Commission for Refugees - CEAR (see focus here: https://cear.es) has been claiming for a clear political communication line actively neutralizing any hate speech, altogether with actions directed to reducing social unrest. To do so, it is important to urge the Prosecutor Office to act ex officio to impede the diffusion of racist and xenophobic hoaxes or any other actions or statements againts migrants. Campaings needs to be put in place to foster conviviality and social inclusion at a regional and local level. For instance, as for a specific vein, improving access to the labor market for LGTBI+ migrants, as this collective is sone of the most discriminated. Also asks to pass the Comprehensive Law for Equal Treatment and No Discrimination, creating an independent body to protect and repair every victim of dicrimination. All of which said above falls within the Objective numer 17 of the Global Compact for Migration.

May 19, 2022
Pablo Sebastia…

The GFMD Mayors Mechanism – co-steered by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Mayors Migration Council (MMC), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – submits its Position Paper for Roundtable 4.

This paper has been prepared for the 2022 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). It illustrates the contributions and progress of Local and Regional Governments (LRGs) toward the implementation objectives of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) under discussion at Roundtable 4 of the IMRF. It proposes recommendations to national governments and international organizations for joint action to advance future progress.

May 31, 2022

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