Migrants Day 2019: UN marks first anniversary of Global Compact on migration

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In commemoration of the 2019 International Migrants Day, the United Nations Network on Migration Wednesday observed the first anniversary of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Global Compact) in celebration of the courage of about 272 million migrants all over the world as well as their important contributions to countries of origin and destination.

“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,” said a statement by the United Nations Network on Migration.

The Global Compact is said to be the first intergovernmental agreement prepared under the auspices of the UN covering all dimensions of international migration, in a holistic and comprehensive manner. It was adopted by the majority of the UN Member States at the Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on 10 and 11 December, 2018. The agreement was formally endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 19, 2018.

“[The Global Compact] is 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 statement said.

“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, added the statement.