Africa welcomes first ever global compact for migration

Abstract

Following 18 months of intense consultations and thematic discussions, Member States of the United Nations today finalized the text of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in what was hailed as a “historic moment that has been equated to a welcome return to multilateralism”. The text of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, constitutes the first time that Member States of the United Nations have come together to negotiate an agreement covering all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Welcoming the unprecedented finalization of the text, the representative of the Comoros, who spoke on behalf of the Africa Group noted that several proposals, based on the Common African Position were adopted. The Common Position, he said, “aims at building a new global migration governance architecture that allows for reacting decisively, managing collectively and responsibly migratory issues in a holistic manner and based on the principle of international solidarity.” The Global Compact is the culmination of thematic discussions and consultations among Member States and such actors as local officials, civil society representatives and migrants themselves; stocktaking and reflection on the views that were shared; and intergovernmental negotiations. In total, this open, transparent and inclusive process lasting over 18 months led to unprecedented dialogue and learning by all participants on the realities of international migration.