The United Nations Network on Migration commemorates this first anniversary of the adoption in Marrakech, Morocco, of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Global Compact) and celebrates the world’s 272 million migrants and their important role and the contributions to countries of origin and destination.

In the run-up to International Migrants Day on 18 December, the United Nations Network on Migration is gathering today in Geneva to review its progress in the year since Marrakech and seek ways to improve migration for the benefit of all. The Network reaffirms its commitment to support partners in upholding the guiding principles of the Global Compact, in promoting international cooperation for the development and implementation of principled and effective national migration policies from a 360-degree approach, and to highlight that national sovereignty and the protection of human rights are mutually reinforcing.

The Global Compact is a significant step by Member States towards making migration work for all.  Based on international law and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Compact highlights the need for international cooperation to address migration’s challenges and reap its benefits, while respecting, protecting and fulfilling the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their migration status, and promoting the security and prosperity of all our communities.

The Global Compact unambiguously recognizes migrants as enriching our societies, ultimately contributing to sustainable development for all. Women comprise almost half of all international migrants, and there are 164 million migrant workers around the world.  It also calls for the dispelling of misleading narratives that generate negative perceptions of migrants and the elimination of all forms of discrimination, including racism, xenophobia and intolerance, against migrants and their families.

In 2020, the Network will continue to work with Member States and all relevant stakeholders in implementing the Global Compact, including through upholding their principled commitments; with migrants to better ensure their safety and dignity; and with communities around the world to ensure the benefits of migration are enjoyed by all.