Module 6
Collaboration and partnership
Tool 18: Global coordination for the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)
Tool overview
Global Compact on Refugees (GCR)
The Global Compact on Refugees is a framework for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing, recognizing that a sustainable solution to refugee situations cannot be achieved without international cooperation. It provides a blueprint for governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that host communities get the support they need and that refugees can lead productive lives. It constitutes a unique opportunity to transform the way the world responds to refugee situations, benefiting both refugees and the communities that host them.
Section 2.3, paragraph 72 and 73 of the GCR promote strengthening inclusive health system to avoid the need for parallel systems to cater to the needs of refugees. Parallel humanitarian health systems may have a significant role to play in acute emergencies and/or when national systems are under increased strain. In the medium to longer-term, the GCR envisions planning for socio-economic impact mitigation measures from the onset of a crisis.
Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)
A number of initiatives support global coordination regarding the GCM, including the UN Network on Migration, the International Migration Review Forum and the Start-up Fund for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund or Migration MPTF, a funding mechanism to support GCM implementation).
UN Network on Migration
The UN Network on Migration was established to support Member States in the implementation of the GCM and its 23 objectives, with health under objective 15. It is coordinated by the Director-General of the IOM with an Executive Committee that includes representatives from relevant United Nations bodies. WHO became a full member in November 2020.
The Network aims to strengthen support to Member States, United Nations country teams and country-level networks for the implementation of joint programmes funded by the Migration MPTF, the development of national GCM implementation plans and the delivery of capacity-building activities to support the United Nations system in implementation of the GCM. Activities include engagement with stakeholders, knowledge management and information sharing, as well as pilot testing of relevant tools developed by the thematic working groups. WHO is co-leading a working group on access to services and the thematic priority of ensuring inclusion of migrants in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, with an emphasis on COVID-19 vaccinations.
Guidance on GCM implementation, a booklet and workplan have been developed to provide guidance to government and all relevant stakeholders on GCM implementation.
International Migration Review Forum
In the GCM, Member States decided that the International Migration Review Forum will serve as the primary intergovernmental global platform to discuss and share progress on the implementation of all aspects of the GCM, including as it relates to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.
Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund
The Migration MPTF was called for in the GCM at the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018. It is a United Nations financing mechanism primarily to assist Member States in their national implementation of the GCM. United Nations entities at the country level will work with national partners on identifying migration needs through joint analysis and on designing joint programmes to provide a collective response to those needs. The Migration MPTF supports the 23 objectives of the GCM, adheres to its 360-degree approach and will provide funding to regional and global initiatives in support of GCM implementation.
The Migration MPTF is the only funding mechanism fully dedicated to supporting collective action on migration. It serves as an instrument for ensuring robust, coordinated, inclusive and coherent United Nations system-wide support to Member States. Its governance structure embodies a broader partnership and was designed to ensure inclusiveness, transparency and accountability.
The Migration MPTF is governed by a Steering Committee, which provides strategic guidance for achieving its programme objectives. The Director-General of the IOM as Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration serves as its chair. It is composed of three members each from United Nations entities, donors, countries of origin, transit and destination and other stakeholders. The Migration MPTF Management Unit is embedded within the Secretariat of the UN Network on Migration and is responsible for operational functioning and providing management support to the Steering Committee. The Secretariat draws upon the technical expertise and capacities of other components of the UN Network, as appropriate, and is housed at the IOM headquarters in Geneva.
The Migration MPTF is open to contributions from United Nations Member States and other stakeholders. It aims to mobilize significant funding from a wide array of contributors. The Migration MPTF has the potential to be a major contributor, both financially and in terms of working methods, in supporting international cooperation on migration as it attempts to optimize the overall benefits of migration while addressing its risks and challenges. More information on the Migration MPTF, its pipeline of joint projects and templates for funding requests, concept notes and proposal submission is given at the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Gateway.
Guidance and tools