The UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: Analysis of the Final Draft and Monitoring Implementation
Edited by Elspeth Guild (Queen Mary University of London) and Tugba Basaran (University of Cambridge)
The New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 19 September 2016, initiated a process towards two Compacts: the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR) and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The Compacts are non-binding agreements which lay out a set of principles, objectives and partnerships for the governance of refugees and migration. This commentary will focus on the Global Compact on Migration, the first intergovernmental agreement on migration, negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations.
In the ‘GCM Commentary’ below, every objective of the Global Compact for Migration is examined in view of human rights obligations and state practices. The contributors provide for each of the GCM’s objectives a critical assessment, highlight significant changes during the negotiations, and underline future aspirations. The commentaries sought to provide scholars, practitioners and policy-makers alike with accessible substantive analyses in the lead up to the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration at the end of 2018. The commentaries were posted on this blog between September and December 2018, objective by objective. Translations of this blog series in French and Arabic are available on the Hijra website.
In the ‘GCM Indicators’ posts below, each of the objectives is examined with a view towards implementation, to determine what those charged with reviewing implementation should be watching out for, ensuring that the GCM is being applied correctly (and human rights consistently). The starting place is the identification of targets to which evaluators can have regard when examining national implementation. These blogs will assist states in finding their way through the GCM to the correct implementation. We also hope that these blogs may assist states engaged in the peer-to-peer UN Universal Periodic Review processes.
GCM Indicators: Objective 4: Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation
Blog post written by Sandra Mantu, Assistant Professor (Radboud University, the Netherlands) and forms part of series of blog posts examining the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Objective 4 expresses the commitment of...
GCM Indicators: Objective 15: Provide access to basic services for migrants
Blog post written by Bethany Hastie, Assistant Professor, Peter A Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia, and forms part of a series of blog posts examining the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly...
GCM Indicators: Objective 1: Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies
Blog post written by Jean Monnet Professor ad personam, Elspeth Guild, Queen Mary University of London, and forms part of a series of blog posts examining the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe,...
GCM Indicators: Objective 6: Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work
Blog post written by Jean-Baptiste Farcy, PhD Candidate (UCLouvain, Belgium) and forms part of a series of blog posts examining the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The aim of Objective 6 is to ensure decent work for all...
GCM Indicators: Objective 13: Use immigration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives
Blog post written by Dr Justine N. Stefanelli (British Institute of International and Comparative Law), and forms part of a series of blog posts examining the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The UN Global Compact on Safe,...
GCM Indicators: Monitoring Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
Blog post written by Jean Monnet Professor ad personam Elspeth Guild (Queen Mary University of London) and Dr Tugba Basaran (Cambridge University) and forms part of a series of blog posts examining the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and...
GCM Commentary: The Legal Status of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in International and UK Law
Blog post written by Kathryn Allinson (Queen Mary University of London), Paul Erdunast (Immigration Law Practitioners Association), Professor Elspeth Guild (Queen Mary University of London) and Dr Tugba Basaran (University of Cambridge) and forms part of a series of...
GCM Commentary: Objective 2: Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin
Blog post written by Nicolette Busuttil (QMUL) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. International Covenant on Economic, Social and...
GCM Commentary: Objective 19: Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries
Blog post written by Nicola Piper (University of Sydney), Udan Fernando (Centre for Poverty Analysis Colombo) and Sanushka Mudaliar (Human Rights Council of Australia) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the...
GCM Commentary: Objective 10: Prevent, combat and eradicate trafficking in persons in the context of international migration
Blog post written by Dr Vladislava Stoyanova (Lund University) a Senior Research Associate of the RLI, and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration....
GCM Commentary: Objective 12: Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral
Blog post written by Boldizsár Nagy (Central European University) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Principles and Guidelines,...
GCM Commentary: Objective 5: Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration
Blog post written by Kees Groenendijk (Radboud University) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. International Covenant on Civil and...
GCM Commentary: Objective 9: Strengthen the transnational response to smuggling of migrants
Blog post written by Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci and Francesca Romana Partipilo (British Institute of International and Comparative Law), and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly...
GCM Commentary: Objective 16: Empower migrants and societies to realise full inclusion and social cohesion
Blog post written by Ulrike Brandl (University of Salzburg) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Article 2, International Covenant on...
GCM Commentary: Objective 22: Establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits
Blog post written by Elspeth Guild, a RLI Senior Research Associate and Jean Monnet Professor ad personam (Queen Mary University of London), and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for...
GCM Commentary: Objective 18: Invest in skills development and facilitate mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences
Blog post written by Elisa Fornalé, Aylin Yildiz and Federica Cristani (University of Bern) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. ...
GCM Commentary: Objective 4: Ensure that all migrants have proof of legal identity and adequate documentation
Blog post written by Amal de Chickera (Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Universal...
GCM Commentary: Objective 14: Enhance consular protection, assistance and cooperation throughout the migration cycle
Blog post written by Stefanie Grant (Independent Researcher) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Article 5, Vienna Convention on Consular...
GCM Commentary: Objective 21: Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration
Blog post written by Dr Izabella Majcher, a Refugee Law Initiative Research Affiliate specialised in EU immigration and asylum policy. Izabella is a researcher at the Global Detention Project and a volunteer visitor to immigration detainees with the Ligue Suisse des...
GCM Commentary: Objective 7: Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration
Blog post written by Idil Atak (Ryerson University) and Delphine Nakache (University of Ottawa) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. ...
GCM Commentary: Implementation, Follow-Up and Review
Blog post written by Dr Sandra Lavenex (Unige) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Introduction The sections on Implementation,...
GCM Commentary: Objective 23: Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration
Blog post written by Dr Christina Oelgemoller (Loughborough University) and Nicholas Maple (RLI) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. ...
GCM Commentary: Objective 8: Save lives and establish coordinated international efforts on missing migrants
Blog post written by Syd Bolton and Catriona Jarvis (The Last Rights Project) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Universal Declaration...
GCM Commentary: Objective 15: Provide access to basic services for migrants
Blog post written by Bethany Hastie (University of British Columbia) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. International Covenant on...
GCM Commentary: Objective 11: Manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner
Blog post written by Elif Mendos Kuşkonmaz (Queen Mary University of London / University of Portsmouth) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration....
GCM Commentary: Objective 6: Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work
Blog post written by Jean-Baptiste Farcy and Sylvie Saroléa (Université catholique de Louvain) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. ILO...
GCM Commentary: Objective 20: Promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants
Blog post written by Dr Tugba Basaran (University of Cambridge) and Professor Nicola Piper (University of Sydney) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular...
GCM Commentary: Objective 17: Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote fact-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration
Blog post written by Kathryn Allinson, a Refugee Law Initiative Research Affiliate undertaking a PhD in Law at Queen Mary University of London, and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for...
GCM Commentary: Objective 13: Use immigration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives
Blog post written by Dr Justine N Stefanelli (British Institute of International and Comparative Law) and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. ...
GCM Commentary: Objective 3: Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration
Blog post written by Katharine T. Weatherhead, a Refugee Law Initiative Research Affiliate undertaking a PhD in Law at Queen Mary University of London. Katharine’s research is primarily focused on the law and politics of asylum in the EU. The working title of her...
GCM Commentary: Objective 1: Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies
Blog post written by Professor Elspeth Guild (Queen Mary University of London), and forms part of a series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN's Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. A French translation of this...
GCM Commentary: Editors’ Introduction
Blog post written by Elspeth Guild (Queen Mary University of London) and Tugba Basaran (University of Cambridge), the editors of this series of blog posts analysing the final draft (objective by objective) of the UN's Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular...