The Global Compact on Migration (GCM) stands as a milestone in global governance of migration as it sets objectives and guiding principles to improve migration management. States committed to people centred migration policy and to developing national implementation plans. As part of the follow up and review process, the GCM’s Regional Reviews are set to begin in 2024, bringing countries together to discuss regional migration dynamics and assess progress towards implementation of the GCM.

In collaboration with the UN Network on Migration, QUNO is actively engaged in the ongoing pre-consultations for the reviews. During the Europe stakeholder pre-consultation on the second round of Regional Reviews of the Global Compact on Migration, QUNO's Human Rights and Refugees Representative echoed the importance of ensuring a welcoming and democratic space for civil society engagement that also prioritizes meaningful migrant participation. At the heart of our work is a commitment to ensure that expertise and experiences of migrants are at the center of discussion and our firm belief that the implementation of the GCM requires the active involvement of migrants themselves.

To guide actors involved in the GCM Regional Reviews, QUNO has released a comprehensive briefing paper aimed at improving meaningful migrant participation. Central to the paper is the understanding that no single individual or organization can universally represent the incredibly diverse experiences of migrants worldwide. Acknowledging this, the paper emphasizes the value of intentionally engaging with migrants who are part of organized groups and processes.

QUNO advocates for collaborative efforts in shaping and advocating for collective, community-driven, and accountable policy proposals, campaigns, and initiatives. However, the paper recognizes that, in certain contexts, formal organizations may be challenging to establish due to legal constraints, social barriers, or limited resources and this should not exclude them from being heard.

QUNO's approach is inclusive, recognizing the need for varied engagement strategies and a broad range of perspectives. We emphasize the importance of greater outreach to ensure a wider range of first-hand experiences and expertise is drawn upon. By doing so, a more extensive group of migrants and organized migrant groups can actively engage with and learn from UN processes.

QUNO acknowledges that no process is perfect, but the upcoming Regional Reviews present an opportunity to experiment with improved methods. We encourage participatory and iterative approaches, fostering a commitment to continually refining processes for better inclusivity for meaningful migrant participation.