Global Compact For Migration

The United Nations member states, with the exception of the U.S. and Hungary, have agreed upon a Global Compact for Migration, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 10.7. This compact aims to establish a common understanding, shared responsibilities, and unity of purpose concerning migration, to make it beneficial for all by minimizing factors that force people to leave their countries, enhancing pathways for regular migration, reducing vulnerability, facilitating fair and ethical recruitment, ensuring decent work conditions, managing borders securely, using migration detention as a last resort, empowering migrants for inclusion, and establishing mechanisms for social security portability. The agreement, initiated after the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in 2016, is non-legally binding and respects state sovereignty.

In related developments, Portugal's Antonio Vitorino was elected as the head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Established in 1951, IOM is a leading intergovernmental organization working on migration issues, partnering with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental bodies. Headquartered in Switzerland, it was founded post-World War II to resettle refugees from Europe, becoming a related organization of the UN in 2016. IOM also runs the 'IOM X' campaign to promote safe migration and combat exploitation and human trafficking.

The Global Compact for Migration: A Framework for International Cooperation

The agreement on the Global Compact for Migration marked a significant, albeit non-binding, step towards international cooperation on one of the most pressing and complex issues of the 21st century. With the notable exceptions of the United States and Hungary, the vast majority of United Nations member states signaled their commitment to a shared understanding and collaborative approach to managing migration flows, protecting the rights of migrants, and addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by human mobility. This commitment is further underscored by the election of Antonio Vitorino, a seasoned Portuguese politician and lawyer, as the head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to migration issues. Vitorino's election represents a change in leadership at a crucial juncture, as the IOM is poised to play a central role in implementing the principles and objectives outlined in the Global Compact.

The Global Compact for Migration is intrinsically linked to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically target 10.7, which calls for international cooperation to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration. This target recognizes that migration, when well-managed, can contribute positively to the economic, social, and cultural development of both countries of origin and destination. The Compact seeks to translate this aspirational goal into concrete actions by providing a framework for states to work together in addressing the drivers of migration, protecting migrants' rights, and ensuring that migration benefits all stakeholders.

The genesis of the Global Compact can be traced back to the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2016. This declaration, a landmark achievement in itself, acknowledged the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to managing large movements of refugees and migrants. It paved the way for the development of two separate global compacts: one on refugees and one on migration. The Global Compact for Migration, which is the focus of this analysis, addresses international migration in all its dimensions, encompassing a wide range of issues from the root causes of migration to the integration of migrants into host societies.

The Global Compact is structured around 23 objectives, each outlining a specific area for international cooperation. These objectives are not legally binding but rather serve as a menu of options for states to draw upon in developing their own national policies and engaging in bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The objectives cover a wide range of issues, including:

• Minimizing the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin: This objective recognizes that migration is often driven by factors such as poverty, conflict, environmental degradation, and lack of opportunities in countries of origin. Addressing these root causes is essential to reducing forced migration and ensuring that migration is a choice rather than a necessity.

• Enhancing availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration: This objective aims to create more legal channels for migration, such as labor migration programs, family reunification schemes, and student visas. By expanding these pathways, states can reduce irregular migration and ensure that migrants can move safely and legally.

• Reducing vulnerabilities in migration: Migrants, particularly those in irregular situations, are often vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and discrimination. This objective seeks to protect migrants' rights and ensure that they have access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance.

• Facilitating fair and ethical recruitment and safeguarding conditions that ensure decent work: This objective focuses on preventing the exploitation of migrant workers and ensuring that they are treated fairly and with dignity. It calls for the establishment of robust recruitment practices and the enforcement of labor laws that protect migrant workers' rights.

• Managing borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner: This objective recognizes the importance of effective border management in ensuring the safety and security of both migrants and states. It calls for the use of technology and intelligence to combat transnational crime, such as human smuggling and trafficking, while also respecting the rights of migrants.

• Use migration detention only as a measure of last resort and work towards alternatives: This objective seeks to reduce the use of immigration detention and promote alternatives to detention, such as community-based supervision programs. It recognizes that detention can have a detrimental impact on migrants' physical and mental health and should only be used when absolutely necessary.

• Empower migrants to become active members of society and promote inclusion and social cohesion: This objective aims to facilitate the integration of migrants into host societies and promote social cohesion. It calls for measures to combat discrimination and xenophobia and to ensure that migrants have equal access to opportunities.

  Advertisement

• Ensure portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits: This objective seeks to ensure that migrants can transfer their social security benefits and earned benefits between countries. This is particularly important for migrant workers who contribute to social security systems in both their countries of origin and destination.

The Global Compact for Migration is a non-legally binding framework, meaning that states are not legally obligated to implement its provisions. However, it is intended to serve as a guide for states in developing their own national policies and engaging in international cooperation on migration issues. The Compact is based on the principles of state sovereignty, shared responsibility, and the human rights of migrants. It recognizes that states have the right to determine their own immigration policies but also acknowledges that they have a responsibility to cooperate with other states in managing migration flows and protecting the rights of migrants.

The Global Compact for Migration represents a significant departure from the traditional approach to migration governance, which has often been characterized by unilateral actions and a lack of coordination. The Compact seeks to promote a more cooperative and collaborative approach, recognizing that migration is a global phenomenon that requires global solutions. By providing a common framework for states to work together, the Compact can help to ensure that migration is managed in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

The Role of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is a key player in the field of migration governance. Established in 1951, the IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The IOM works closely with governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations to address the challenges and opportunities presented by migration.

The IOM's mandate is broad, encompassing a wide range of activities, including:

• Providing assistance to migrants in need: The IOM provides humanitarian assistance to migrants who are stranded, displaced, or otherwise vulnerable. This assistance can include food, shelter, medical care, and transportation.

  Advertisement

• Providing policy advice to governments: The IOM provides policy advice to governments on all aspects of migration management, from border control to integration. This advice is based on the IOM's extensive experience and research in the field of migration.

• Promoting international cooperation on migration issues: The IOM facilitates dialogue and cooperation among states on migration issues. This can include organizing conferences, conducting research, and developing joint programs.

• Supporting capacity building in migration management: The IOM provides training and technical assistance to governments and other organizations to strengthen their capacity to manage migration effectively.

The IOM has a long history of working on migration issues, dating back to its founding in the aftermath of World War II. Originally known as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME), the organization was established to help resettle millions of refugees and displaced persons who had been uprooted by the war. Over the years, the IOM has expanded its mandate to address a wider range of migration issues, including labor migration, counter-trafficking, and migration and development.

In 2016, the IOM became a related organization of the United Nations. This closer relationship with the UN has strengthened the IOM's role in the international migration system and has allowed it to work more effectively with other UN agencies to address migration challenges. The IOM's close ties with the UN system are vital for ensuring a coordinated and coherent approach to migration governance.

The election of Antonio Vitorino as the head of the IOM marks a new chapter in the organization's history. Vitorino brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a Portuguese politician, lawyer, and academic. He has also held several high-level positions in the European Union, including European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs. Vitorino's experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the IOM's work in the years to come, particularly in implementing the Global Compact for Migration.

India's Perspective on the Global Compact for Migration

India has been an active participant in the negotiations leading up to the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration. As a major country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants, India has a strong interest in ensuring that migration is managed in a way that benefits both migrants and states. India's approach to the Global Compact has been guided by its commitment to the principles of state sovereignty, the human rights of migrants, and the importance of international cooperation.

India has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities. India has also called for increased investment in development assistance to help countries of origin create more opportunities for their citizens and reduce the need for them to migrate.

India has also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of migrants, regardless of their legal status. India has called for states to ensure that migrants have access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. India has also emphasized the need to combat discrimination and xenophobia against migrants.

India has also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in managing migration flows. India has called for states to share information and best practices on migration management and to work together to combat transnational crime, such as human smuggling and trafficking. India has also emphasized the need for states to provide assistance to migrants who are stranded or displaced.

India's participation in the Global Compact for Migration reflects its commitment to a cooperative and collaborative approach to migration governance. India recognizes that migration is a global phenomenon that requires global solutions and that states must work together to manage migration in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

India's own migration policies reflect many of the principles and objectives outlined in the Global Compact. India has a large diaspora spread across the globe, and the Indian government has been actively engaged in promoting the welfare and well-being of its diaspora. India has also taken steps to facilitate the return and reintegration of Indian migrants who wish to return to their home country.

India's experience as a major country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants gives it a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by migration. India's participation in the Global Compact for Migration is an important contribution to the global effort to manage migration in a humane and orderly manner.

Challenges and Criticisms of the Global Compact for Migration

Despite its laudable goals and objectives, the Global Compact for Migration has faced a number of challenges and criticisms. One of the main criticisms is that the Compact is non-legally binding, meaning that states are not legally obligated to implement its provisions. Critics argue that this weakens the Compact's effectiveness and makes it difficult to hold states accountable for their commitments.

Another criticism is that the Compact is too broad and vague, lacking concrete targets and indicators. Critics argue that this makes it difficult to measure progress and to assess the impact of the Compact.

The decision by the United States and Hungary to withdraw from the Global Compact has also been a significant blow to the agreement. These countries have argued that the Compact infringes on their sovereignty and that it does not adequately address their concerns about border security and immigration control.

Concerns about national sovereignty have been central to the opposition mounted by some nations. The perception that the Global Compact could potentially cede control over immigration policies to an international body has fueled anxieties, particularly among countries with more restrictive immigration stances. Critics argue that the Compact could undermine their ability to determine who enters and remains within their borders, leading to unwanted pressures on their social and economic systems.

Another key area of concern revolves around the distinction between legal and illegal migrants. Some countries feel that the Global Compact does not sufficiently differentiate between these two categories, potentially blurring the lines and granting undue rights to individuals who have entered their territories unlawfully. This has led to fears that the Compact could incentivize irregular migration and weaken border enforcement efforts.

The potential financial implications of implementing the Global Compact have also raised concerns among some nations. The agreement calls for increased investment in areas such as migrant integration, healthcare, and education. Some countries worry that they may be unable to afford these additional costs, particularly in light of other pressing domestic priorities.

The impact on national security has also been a point of contention. Some countries fear that the Global Compact could make it more difficult to screen migrants for security risks, potentially increasing the threat of terrorism and other forms of crime. These concerns have been amplified by recent events in Europe, where some terrorist attacks have been linked to individuals who entered the continent as migrants.

The lack of enforcement mechanisms within the Global Compact has also been a source of frustration for some. The agreement is non-binding, meaning that there are no legal penalties for countries that fail to meet its objectives. This has led to skepticism about the Compact's ability to bring about meaningful change.

Despite these criticisms, the Global Compact for Migration remains an important framework for international cooperation on migration issues. It provides a common understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by migration and offers a menu of options for states to draw upon in developing their own national policies and engaging in bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The Compact also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of migrants and ensuring that migration is managed in a way that benefits all stakeholders.

The Broader Implications of the Global Compact

The Global Compact for Migration has a wide range of broader implications, spanning political, diplomatic, legal, security, humanitarian, economic, and social dimensions.

Political Implications: The Global Compact reflects a growing recognition that migration is a political issue that requires international cooperation and coordination. The Compact provides a framework for states to work together to manage migration flows, protect migrants' rights, and address the root causes of migration. The Compact also highlights the importance of political leadership in addressing migration challenges and promoting public understanding of the benefits of migration.

Diplomatic Implications: The Global Compact can strengthen diplomatic relations among participating countries, fostering cooperation on migration-related issues. The Compact provides a platform for states to engage in dialogue and to share information and best practices on migration management. The Compact can also help to build trust and understanding among states, which can be essential for resolving migration-related disputes.

Legal Implications: Although the Global Compact is non-binding, it can influence the development of national laws and policies related to migration. The Compact sets out a number of principles and objectives that can serve as a guide for states in developing their own legal frameworks for migration management. The Compact can also be used as a reference point in interpreting existing international law on migration issues.

Security Implications: The Global Compact addresses border management and security concerns related to migration. The Compact calls for states to manage their borders in an integrated, secure, and coordinated manner, using technology and intelligence to combat transnational crime, such as human smuggling and trafficking, while also respecting the rights of migrants. The Compact also emphasizes the need to address the root causes of conflict and instability, which can drive migration flows.

Humanitarian Implications: The Global Compact aims to protect the rights and well-being of migrants, addressing humanitarian concerns related to migration. The Compact calls for states to ensure that migrants have access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. The Compact also emphasizes the need to combat discrimination and xenophobia against migrants.

Economic Implications: Migration can have significant economic impacts, both positive and negative, on countries of origin and destination. The Global Compact seeks to manage these impacts in a way that benefits all. The Compact recognizes that migrants can contribute to the economic development of both countries of origin and destination, through remittances, labor, and entrepreneurship. The Compact also acknowledges that migration can pose challenges to labor markets and social welfare systems.

Social Implications: Migration can affect social cohesion and integration. The Global Compact aims to promote social inclusion and cohesion. The Compact calls for states to combat discrimination and xenophobia against migrants and to ensure that migrants have equal access to opportunities. The Compact also emphasizes the importance of promoting intercultural understanding and dialogue.

The Election of Antonio Vitorino: A New Leadership for IOM

The election of Antonio Vitorino as the head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) marks a significant development in the field of migration governance. Vitorino brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having served as a Portuguese politician, lawyer, and academic. He has also held several high-level positions in the European Union, including European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs.

Vitorino's election is particularly significant in the context of the Global Compact for Migration. As the head of the IOM, Vitorino will play a key role in implementing the principles and objectives outlined in the Compact. He will also be responsible for providing policy advice to governments, promoting international cooperation on migration issues, and supporting capacity building in migration management.

Vitorino's priorities as the head of the IOM are likely to include:

• Strengthening the IOM's role in implementing the Global Compact for Migration: Vitorino will work to ensure that the IOM is well-equipped to support states in implementing the provisions of the Compact. This will involve providing technical assistance, developing training programs, and conducting research on migration issues.

• Promoting a more humane and orderly approach to migration management: Vitorino will advocate for policies that protect the rights of migrants and ensure that migration is managed in a way that benefits all stakeholders. He will also work to combat discrimination and xenophobia against migrants.

• Enhancing the IOM's partnerships with governments, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations: Vitorino will seek to strengthen the IOM's relationships with its key partners in the field of migration governance. This will involve fostering dialogue, sharing information, and developing joint programs.

• Improving the IOM's operational capacity: Vitorino will work to ensure that the IOM has the resources and expertise it needs to respond effectively to migration crises and to provide assistance to migrants in need.

Vitorino's leadership of the IOM is likely to have a significant impact on the future of migration governance. His experience, expertise, and commitment to a humane and orderly approach to migration management will be invaluable in guiding the IOM's work in the years to come.

Connecting to Broader Issues in Indian Foreign Relations

The Global Compact for Migration and the role of the IOM connect to several broader issues in Indian foreign relations. India has a significant diaspora spread across the globe, and the Indian government has been actively engaged in promoting the welfare and well-being of its diaspora. The Global Compact and the IOM's work are relevant to India's efforts to protect the rights of its diaspora and to ensure that they are treated fairly and with dignity.

India is also a major country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants. The Global Compact and the IOM's work are relevant to India's efforts to manage migration flows in a way that benefits both migrants and states. India has a strong interest in ensuring that migration is managed in a humane and orderly manner and that the rights of migrants are protected.

India has also been actively engaged in promoting international cooperation on migration issues. India has participated in numerous international forums and initiatives aimed at addressing migration challenges. The Global Compact and the IOM's work are relevant to India's efforts to promote a cooperative and collaborative approach to migration governance.

India's approach to the Global Compact and its engagement with the IOM reflect its commitment to a multilateral approach to foreign policy. India believes that global challenges, such as migration, require global solutions and that states must work together to address these challenges. India's participation in the Global Compact and its engagement with the IOM are an important contribution to the global effort to manage migration in a humane and orderly manner.

Historical Connections and Future Outlook

The Global Compact for Migration and the IOM's work have deep historical connections, dating back to the aftermath of World War II. The IOM was founded in 1951 to help resettle millions of refugees and displaced persons who had been uprooted by the war. The IOM's work has evolved over the years to address a wider range of migration issues, but its core mission remains the same: to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

The Global Compact for Migration builds on previous international agreements on migration and refugee protection, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention. The Compact seeks to provide a more comprehensive framework for managing migration flows and protecting the rights of migrants.

The future outlook for the Global Compact for Migration and the IOM's work is uncertain. The Compact has faced a number of challenges and criticisms, and its effectiveness will depend on the commitment of participating countries. The IOM will play a key role in implementing the Compact and providing support to member states.

The effectiveness of the Global Compact will also depend on the ability to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities. Increased investment in development assistance and conflict resolution efforts will be essential to reducing forced migration and ensuring that migration is a choice rather than a necessity.

The Global Compact for Migration is likely to continue to shape international cooperation on migration issues in the years to come. The IOM will play a key role in implementing the agreement and providing support to member states. The success of the Compact will depend on the commitment of participating countries and the ability to address the root causes of migration. The challenges are significant, but the potential benefits of a more humane and orderly approach to migration management are immense.