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Human rights

Cross-cutting theme in the Global Compact for Migration

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) is based on a set of cross-cutting and interdependent guiding principles. This page provides resources for the guiding principle of Human Rights:

“By implementing the Global Compact, we ensure effective respect for and protection and fulfilment of the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their migration status, across all stages of the migration cycle." (GCM, 2018: para. 15)

The Global Compact for Migration provides a comprehensive roadmap to ensure the effective respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of migrants. A human rights based approach is relevant to ensure the successful implementation of all Objectives of the GCM. 

 

Human rights in the text of the Global Compact

The guiding principle of Human Rights is also mentioned in the following sections of the GCM:

  • Preamble, para. 2, 4
  • Shared Responsibility, para. 11, 12
  • Unity of Purpose, para. 15(j)
  • Objective 1, para. (17): Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies
  • Objective 2, para. 18(b)(c)(h): Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin
  • Objective 3, para. 19(c): Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration
  • Objective 4, para. 20 (f): Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation
  • Objective 5, para. 21(a): Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration
  • Objective 6, para. 22(f)(g)(h)(l): Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work
  • Objective 7, para. 23 (a)(b)(l): Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration
  • Objective 9, para. 25 (c): Strengthen the transnational response to smuggling of migrants
  • Objective 11, para. 27 (a)(c)(g): Manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner
  • Objective 12, para. 28 (b)(c): Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral
  • Objective 13, para. 29 (a)(b)(c)(f)(g): Use migration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives
  • Objective 14, para. 30 (d): Enhance consular protection, assistance and cooperation throughout the migration cycle
  • Objective 15, para. 31 (b)(d): Provide access to basic services for migrants
  • Objective 17, para. 33 (b)(d): Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration
  • Objective 21, para. 37 (a)(e)(f): Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration
  • Section on Implementation, para. 44

The Global Compact for Migration (GCM) report is available in AR, ZH, EN, FR, RU, ES.

Contents using this term
TitleTypeCreated
Coordinated Management of the DTM at the Chilean-Bolivian border Practice Repository
Secours Catholique-Caritas France's contribution to the European Regional Review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration on March 11th 2024Resource
Free to Move, Free to Stay : Protecting Human Rights in the Context of Environmental MobilitiesResource
Kenya GCM Implementation Plan (2023-2027)Practice Repository
Workshop on “The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)” in the framework of the Almaty ProcessEvents
Support Programme for Indigenous Communities in the Context of Climate Change, Environmental Degradation, and Deforestation Practice Repository
Integration of human mobility due to environmental and climate reasons in Ecuador's National Plan for Climate Change Adaptation Practice Repository
National Migration Law, 20 years afterResource
Policy brief on the Effects of Climate Mobility on Women and Girls in the MENA region Resource
Collection of information on international migrants in the Brazilian Demographic CensusPractice Repository
Green Yoma for Youth on the MovePractice Repository
Collecting data about women’s climate change displacement in MexicoPractice Repository
Migrant Response and Resources Mechanism in NigerPractice Repository
Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP) for the Horn of Africa and YemenPractice Repository
Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V)Practice Repository
Ocean Viking - Cooperation between SOS MEDITERRANEE and IFRC for Search and Rescue and Post-Rescue Assistance and ReliefPractice Repository
Kenya’s GCM implementation planPledge
Cooperation between Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and their Governments to provide humanitarian assistance and protectionPractice Repository
Memorias MigrantesPractice Repository
Recommendations on Regional Coordination and Information Exchange Mechanisms in the Search for Missing Persons in the Context of MigrationPractice Repository

*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).