Repository of Practices
Primary GCM Objectives
GCM Guiding Principles*
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Dates
2019 - Present
Type of practice
Partnership/Multistakeholder initiative
Summary
Bangladesh UN Network on Migration's (BDUNNM) launch in 2019, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as the Coordinator and Secretariat, was the first ever national network to be set up to support Government’s effort for GCM implementation and review. The BDUNNM consists of members from UN RCO, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNODC, UNWOMEN, ILO, IOM and UNHCR. Given the country context, 2 technical working groups (TWGs) on Labour Migration (LM) and Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTiP) were formed along with civil society members. The BDUNNM and its TWGs initiated activities around Joint Programming; COVID-19 response; strengthening partnerships; consultative processes and advocacy efforts.
Organizations
Main Implementing Organization(s)
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Partner/Donor Organizations
UN RC, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNODC, ILO, UNWOMEN, IOM
Benefit and Impact
The BDUNNM developed a Joint Strategic Plan for Returning Migrants post-COVID-19 and a policy brief to assess the impact of COVID-19 on GCM implementation. The BDUNNM also supported the Government for regional review of GCM and drafting a National Action Plan.
CTiPTWG under the BDUNNM particularly advocated following the non-punishment principle for victims of trafficking, for the release of over 300 returnees who were identified as victims of human trafficking in 2020 with one voice. They were accused of by allegedly engaging in criminal activities, although no evidence concerning their alleged crimes was provided. IOM facilitated the discussions around the establishment of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) on counter-trafficking to identify the necessary steps on how different agencies can contribute to this development. CTIPTWG hosted key events in 2020 and 2021 in joint collaboration with the Government commemorated the World Day against Trafficking in Persons – marked on 30 July, through an online webinar to explore recent trends and COVID-19 impact in Bangladesh on trafficking in persons (TIP) and the way forward.
The Network is viewed as one of the most active ones with exemplary effort since its launch. There have been bilateral exchanges with several countries however, more formal exchange took place as follows:
In July 2020, a meeting between the UN Networks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh was held. This was the first ever information sharing meeting between two national UN Networks on Migration. Agenda items included the overview of country context; impact of COVID-19 on country and migrant population in respective countries; and the response of Networks, synergies, coordination, outreach. Another follow up meeting was conducted in November 2020 where both networks exchanged their plan and initiatives for migrants in light of COVID19 situation.
CTiPTWG under the BDUNNM particularly advocated following the non-punishment principle for victims of trafficking, for the release of over 300 returnees who were identified as victims of human trafficking in 2020 with one voice. They were accused of by allegedly engaging in criminal activities, although no evidence concerning their alleged crimes was provided. IOM facilitated the discussions around the establishment of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) on counter-trafficking to identify the necessary steps on how different agencies can contribute to this development. CTIPTWG hosted key events in 2020 and 2021 in joint collaboration with the Government commemorated the World Day against Trafficking in Persons – marked on 30 July, through an online webinar to explore recent trends and COVID-19 impact in Bangladesh on trafficking in persons (TIP) and the way forward.
The Network is viewed as one of the most active ones with exemplary effort since its launch. There have been bilateral exchanges with several countries however, more formal exchange took place as follows:
In July 2020, a meeting between the UN Networks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh was held. This was the first ever information sharing meeting between two national UN Networks on Migration. Agenda items included the overview of country context; impact of COVID-19 on country and migrant population in respective countries; and the response of Networks, synergies, coordination, outreach. Another follow up meeting was conducted in November 2020 where both networks exchanged their plan and initiatives for migrants in light of COVID19 situation.
Key Lessons
UN and civil society were brought together through the Technical Working Groups of the BDUNNM. In addition, the BDUNNM strongly advocated an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism titled the Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce, which is scheduled to be launched in first quarter of 2022.
Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)
o Include voices of civil society organizations (CSOs): Non-UN agencies/CSO co-chairs the TWGs and bring in the ground reality which supports to prioritize issues for joint advocacy. Some examples:
Jointly with the Counter Trafficking in Persons Technical Working Group (CTIP TWG), under the UN Network on Migration (BDUNNM), IOM Bangladesh facilitated a multi-stakeholder webinar on the World Day Against Trafficking in Person in July 2020, the first of its kind, and conducted an awareness raising event reaching half-million community people through utilizing online platforms, print media and digital media. In 2020, IOM Bangladesh continued its awareness-raising campaign on safe migration and counter-trafficking messages and used the online platform for the awareness campaign which targeted users via Facebook and YouTube appearing in total 6,251,016 times on a screen. A press release was issued to national media outlets and a digital media campaign to raise general awareness on human trafficking was conducted. The webinar was live streamed in Facebook. Link to event video: (20+) Facebook Live | Facebook
The CTIPTWG of the BDUNNM hosted key events. In 2021, the group commemorated the World Day against Trafficking in Persons – marked on 30 July, through an online webinar to explore recent trends of trafficking and smuggling, COVID-19 impact in Bangladesh on TIP, and the way forward. The event got significant media coverage. 35 media reports were published/broadcasted. A special supplement was published through the Daily Star with the outcome of the discussion at the webinar.
On 11 June 2020, the CTiP TWG supported the BDUNNM to publish an op-ed on the urgent, coordinated efforts needed to address human trafficking during COVID-19. Link: Human Trafficking: Together, we can stop the scourge https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/news/human-trafficking-together-we-can-stop-the-scourge-1912185
o Important to have an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to ensure ‘whole-of-government’ approach in the implementation and review process: 15 Ministries are proposed to be part of the Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce ensuring that the diverse aspects of GCM are considered and prioritized.
Jointly with the Counter Trafficking in Persons Technical Working Group (CTIP TWG), under the UN Network on Migration (BDUNNM), IOM Bangladesh facilitated a multi-stakeholder webinar on the World Day Against Trafficking in Person in July 2020, the first of its kind, and conducted an awareness raising event reaching half-million community people through utilizing online platforms, print media and digital media. In 2020, IOM Bangladesh continued its awareness-raising campaign on safe migration and counter-trafficking messages and used the online platform for the awareness campaign which targeted users via Facebook and YouTube appearing in total 6,251,016 times on a screen. A press release was issued to national media outlets and a digital media campaign to raise general awareness on human trafficking was conducted. The webinar was live streamed in Facebook. Link to event video: (20+) Facebook Live | Facebook
The CTIPTWG of the BDUNNM hosted key events. In 2021, the group commemorated the World Day against Trafficking in Persons – marked on 30 July, through an online webinar to explore recent trends of trafficking and smuggling, COVID-19 impact in Bangladesh on TIP, and the way forward. The event got significant media coverage. 35 media reports were published/broadcasted. A special supplement was published through the Daily Star with the outcome of the discussion at the webinar.
On 11 June 2020, the CTiP TWG supported the BDUNNM to publish an op-ed on the urgent, coordinated efforts needed to address human trafficking during COVID-19. Link: Human Trafficking: Together, we can stop the scourge https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/news/human-trafficking-together-we-can-stop-the-scourge-1912185
o Important to have an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to ensure ‘whole-of-government’ approach in the implementation and review process: 15 Ministries are proposed to be part of the Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce ensuring that the diverse aspects of GCM are considered and prioritized.
Innovation
- In March 2020, the BDUNNM, in partnership with the Government, organized a consultation to present a position paper on the “Scope and significance of migration in the context of the eighth five-year plan (8FYP) of Bangladesh”. The position paper was submitted to General Economics Division (GED) for inclusion of migration in national development plan. The 8FYP, approved in December 2020, reflected the inputs provided at the consultation including interventions for: Climate-induced migration; irregular migration; urbanization/internal migration and labour migration. The plan also includes ‘Overseas Employment and Well-being of Migrant Workers: A 10 Point Agenda for 8FYP’.
- The BDUNNM includes members beyond UN agencies through its TWGs on Labour Migration and Counter Trafficking in Persons which bring together CSOs/recruiting agencies/trade unions inter alia. This has been particularly effective to ensure ‘whole of society’ approach and ensuring voices from grassroots levels for implementation of GCM and advocacy initiatives.
- The BDUNNM has supported the GoB for joint advocacy positions in various foras:
o The BDUNNM, in synergy with Welfare Association for the Rights of Bangladeshi Emigrants Development Foundation (WARBE DF) and Bangladesh Civil Society for Migration (BCSM), organized a preparatory consultation for Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in 2019.
o In March 2022, the GoB in collaboration with BDUNNM and its TWGs hosted a preparatory consultation leading up to the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). The consultation aimed to identify challenges and delineate way forward to prioritized areas of pathways to safe and regular migration; protection of rights; climate induced migration and migration governance.
o On 26 November 2019, the BDUNNM, in collaboration with the GoB, conducted a sensitization workshop on GCM which stimulated discussions on thematic areas. One of the major recommendations included the need for an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to lead implementation and review of GCM in Bangladesh.
o In June 2020, the BDUNNM members developed a Joint Strategic Plan for Returning Migrants post-COVID-19 to supplement the Government’s response plan. The Strategic Plan details predeparture; on-arrival assistance; reintegration and recovery interventions.
o The BDUNNM provided strategic guidance on how COVID-19 will impact the implementation of GCM. An e-webinar was held to gather inputs from stakeholders to assess the impacts of the pandemic on migrants and propose options ensuring inclusive response for COVID-19 preparedness, prevention, response and recovery measures that protect human rights.
o The Network is viewed as one of the most active ones since its launch. There have been bilateral exchanges with several countries however, more formal exchanges took place with the UN Network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was one of the first formal exchanges between country level networks.
- The BDUNNM includes members beyond UN agencies through its TWGs on Labour Migration and Counter Trafficking in Persons which bring together CSOs/recruiting agencies/trade unions inter alia. This has been particularly effective to ensure ‘whole of society’ approach and ensuring voices from grassroots levels for implementation of GCM and advocacy initiatives.
- The BDUNNM has supported the GoB for joint advocacy positions in various foras:
o The BDUNNM, in synergy with Welfare Association for the Rights of Bangladeshi Emigrants Development Foundation (WARBE DF) and Bangladesh Civil Society for Migration (BCSM), organized a preparatory consultation for Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in 2019.
o In March 2022, the GoB in collaboration with BDUNNM and its TWGs hosted a preparatory consultation leading up to the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). The consultation aimed to identify challenges and delineate way forward to prioritized areas of pathways to safe and regular migration; protection of rights; climate induced migration and migration governance.
o On 26 November 2019, the BDUNNM, in collaboration with the GoB, conducted a sensitization workshop on GCM which stimulated discussions on thematic areas. One of the major recommendations included the need for an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to lead implementation and review of GCM in Bangladesh.
o In June 2020, the BDUNNM members developed a Joint Strategic Plan for Returning Migrants post-COVID-19 to supplement the Government’s response plan. The Strategic Plan details predeparture; on-arrival assistance; reintegration and recovery interventions.
o The BDUNNM provided strategic guidance on how COVID-19 will impact the implementation of GCM. An e-webinar was held to gather inputs from stakeholders to assess the impacts of the pandemic on migrants and propose options ensuring inclusive response for COVID-19 preparedness, prevention, response and recovery measures that protect human rights.
o The Network is viewed as one of the most active ones since its launch. There have been bilateral exchanges with several countries however, more formal exchanges took place with the UN Network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was one of the first formal exchanges between country level networks.
Additional Resources
Media
Date submitted:
02 February 2022
*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).