[Foreign Policy] Global Compact on Refugees

On December 17, 2018 the Global Compact on Refugees was signed. This should strengthen the rights of refugees and support the host countries. However the situation is so extensive that a closer look at the content and the context is worth it. [1] [2] [3]

The Goals

The Global Compact on Refugees is divided into four chapters totaling 107 points. These points are explicitly formulated as goals. In order to achieve its goals the UN plans to hold a forum at ministerial level every four years. [2]

"Ease the pressures on host countries"
"Enhance refugee self-reliance"
"Expand access to third-country solutions"
"Support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity"

The Global Compact on Refugees is supposed to at least relieve the host countries which currently have a particularly large number of refugees. At the same time refugees should be able to enable and facilitate access to education, health care and the labor market. In addition the cooperation of the countries should be extended to bring together for example family members. Furthermore refugees should be enabled to return voluntarily. Deportations are not mentioned. [2]

Freedom of Expression and Censorship

According to the Global Compact on Refugees the reception and the understanding of refugees among the citizens in the receiving countries should be improved. In order to promote a peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities all forms of discrimination should be fought. This should improve the understanding of the plight of refugees.

Recognizing the importance of good relations between communities, pending the availability of durable solutions, programmes and projects will be designed in ways that combat all forms of discrimination and promote peaceful coexistence between refugee and host communities, in line with national policies. Specific programmes and projects will be supported to enhance understanding of the plight of refugees, including through technical cooperation and capacity development for local communities and personnel. Engagement of children, adolescents and youth will be fostered, including through sports and cultural activities, language learning, and education. In fostering respect and understanding, as well as combating discrimination, the power and positive impact of civil society, faith-based organizations, and the media, including social media, will be harnessed. [3,p.16]

To be against racism is all well and good. But if migration and all criticism is entirely to be considered as xenophobic or even racist, then there is no freedom of expression or free speech.

Resettlement

As a permanent solution for refugees various solutions are presented in the Global Compact on Refugees. These include voluntary repatriation (return to the country of origin), resettlement and local integration. The resettlement of refugees should relieve the host countries, where there are currently a large number of refugees. For this purpose the UN also wants to expand the repertoire of states for resettlements.

One of the primary objectives of the global compact (para 7) is to facilitate access to durable solutions, including by planning for solutions from the outset of refugee situations. Eliminating root causes is the most effective way to achieve solutions. In line with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, political and security cooperation, diplomacy, development and the promotion and protection of human rights are key to resolving protracted refugee situations and preventing new crises from emerging. At the same time, addressing the causes of refugee movements can take time. The programme of action therefore envisages a mix of solutions, adapted to the specific context and taking into account the absorption capacity, level of development and demographic situation of different countries. This includes the three traditional durable solutions of voluntary repatriation, resettlement and local integration, as well as other local solutions and complementary pathways for admission to third countries, which may provide additional opportunities. [3,p.16]

However the right of refugees and host countries for refugees to return to their country of origin is neglected. The resources of the main host countries are not taken into account in total. If there is a lack of resources in one host country the next one should step in.

Right of Residence and Family Reunions

In the context of resettlement however complementary reception routes should also be part of the three-year strategy. The states should promote family reunification in the host countries. And regions where refugees are settled should be funded additionally.

The three-year strategy on resettlement (section 3.2 above) will also include complementary pathways for admission, with a view to increasing significantly their availability and predictability. Contributions will be sought from States, with the support of relevant stakeholders, to facilitate effective procedures and clear referral pathways for family reunification, or to establish private or community sponsorship programmes that are additional to regular resettlement, including community-based programmes promoted through the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI). Other contributions in terms of complementary pathways could include humanitarian visas, humanitarian corridors and other humanitarian admission programmes; educational opportunities for refugees (including women and girls) through grant of scholarships and student visas, including through partnerships between governments and academic institutions; and labour mobility opportunities for refugees, including through the identification of refugees with skills that are needed in third countries. [3,p.19]

It is explicitly required that refugees receive a permanent right to stay or an offer for naturalization. In order to achieve this regional frameworks should be created where appropriate.

[1] Global Compact on Refugees
https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/refugees-compact
[2] The Global Compact on Refugees
https://www.unhcr.org/the-global-compact-on-refugees.html
[3] Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - Global Compact on Refugees
https://www.unhcr.org/gcr/GCR_English.pdf

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