On 19 September 2016, the Member States of the United Nations met for the first time in history at the global level within the United Nations General Assembly to discuss issues related to migration and refugees. This process ended on 10 December 2018 with the adoption of the Global Compact by a majority of UN Member States at an Intergovernmental Conference held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The Global Compact is the first governmentally negotiated agreement covering all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
Its purpose is to ensure institutional and regulatory governance promoting greater migrant well-being and integration in their countries of transit and destination. The following are among the 23 adopted objectives regarding migrants’ integration:
- Objective 1: Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies.
- Objective 3: Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration.
- Objective 5: Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration.
- Objective 6: Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work.
- Objective 12: Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral.
- Objective 15: Provide access to basic services for migrants.
- Objective 16: Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion.
- Objective 17: Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration.
- Objective 18: Invest in skills development and facilitate mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences.
- Objective 19: Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries.
- Objective 20: Promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants.
- Objective 22: Establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits.
- Objective 1: Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies.
- Objective 2: Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin.
- Objective 3: Provide accurate and timely information at all stages of migration.
- Objective 5: Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration.
- Objective 6: Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work.
- Objective 12: Strengthen certainty and predictability in migration procedures for appropriate screening, assessment and referral.
- Objective 18: Invest in skills development and facilitate mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences.
- Objective 21: Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration.
- Objective 22: Establish mechanisms for the portability of social security entitlements and earned benefits.