INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION REVIEW FORUM SIDE EVENT
The Role of National Human Rights Institutions in Advancing Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration
18 May 2022, 09:00-10:00 EDT / 15:00-16:00 CEST – Online event on Zoom
Register here
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is organising this online side-event to the IMRF in co-sponsorship with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Kingdom of Morocco.
The Global Compact for Migration (Global Compact), adopted in 2018, is a significant commitment from governments to take a people centred and human rights-based approach to migration policy and to work together towards the achievement of its objectives. This focus on people and on migrants as rights holders aligns closely with the mandate and mission of national human rights institutions (NHRIs).
By virtue of their unique mandates and functions in line with the United Nations Paris Principles, NHRIs can provide a human rights-based, expert and evidence-based assessment of progress made in implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, identifying gaps, whilst offering recommendations to overcome them.
The Global Compact recognizes the critical role of NHRIs and encourages NHRIs, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and NHRI regional networks to engage in Global Compact implementation, follow-up and review, at national, regional and global levels.
This event will focus on the unique role and experiences of NHRIs worldwide in advancing implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.
In line with their mandates and functions, NHRIs’ contributions to advancing implementation of the Global Compact for Migration include:
- Documenting, disseminating information and promoting participation of all stakeholders, thereby realising the GCM’s multi-stakeholder approach
- Shaping national debate and discourse that places human rights at the centre and that promotes positive narratives on the contribution belonging of migrants to communities
- Advising on and promoting human rights-based GCM national implementation plans
- Leading on policy and legislative scrutiny
- Monitoring, reviewing and reporting on the human rights situation of migrants and progress made in GCM implementation from a rights-centred perspective, to national, regional and international human rights protection bodies
- Contributing to international dialogue to inform global policy development through regional networks and GANHRI as global voice of NHRIs,
- Providing examples of promising practices, innovative approaches and recommendations related to GCM implementation and the protection of migrant’s rights.
Objectives and expected outcomes
The event objective will be to discuss among NHRIs from all regions and all stakeholders and partners including United Nations, Member states and civil society the role and experiences of NHRIs in advancing implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.
Specifically, the objectives will be:
- To identify promising practices, tools/resources and innovative ideas for NHRIs to advance GCM implementation at the national, regional and global level
- To identify opportunities for global policy development, as well as knowledge sharing among NHRIs
- To identify ongoing migration-related human rights concerns, and priorities, for NHRIs
- Identify areas of interest, and expertise on migration that NHRIs have in different regions
- Continue supporting NHRIs and other stakeholders in GCM implementation on the identified areas of concern, priorities and in need of additional capacity building.
- Continue strengthening strategic partnership between GANHRI and NHRIs with UN agencies, OHCHR, member states, civil society and other stakeholders for the human rights-based implementation of the GCM
The event will be held online on Zoom. Simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish will be provided.
Agenda
Welcome and opening remarks
- Ms. Amina Bouayach, GANHRI Secretary and Chairperson of the Conseil National des Droits de l’Homme (Morocco)
- Ms. Carolina Hernandez, OHCHR Advisor on Migration and Human Rights
Moderated discussion with interactive dialogue
Moderator: Ms. Patricia Bárcena García, Adjunta Segunda Defensor del Pueblo of Spain
- Mr. Edgar Corzo Sosa, Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families
- Mr. Apolonio Tobar, Procurador of the Procuraduria para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos of El Salvador
- Ms. Priscilla Mbanga, Director Monitoring and Inspections, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
- Ms. Vanja Bakalović, Advisor on Migration of the Office of the Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia
- Ms. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, Executive Director, Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines
Conclusions and closing remarks
- Mr. Mohamed Chekkouri, Directeur des Questions Globales, Ministère des Affairs Étrangères du Maroc
- Ms. Patricia Bárcena García, Adjunta Segunda Defensor del Pueblo of Spain
