ICMC Coordinates Global Civil Society Participation at the International Migration Review Forum

May 4, 2026

By Rachel Westerby

ICMC coordinated Civil Society Action Committee ensures civil society voices are present in discussions at the second review of the Global Compact on Migration, taking place in New York on 5-8 May

Flyer for ‘Uniting for the IMRF’, the 3 May civil society IMRF preparatory event facilitated by the ICMC-coordinated Civil Society Action Committee — ‘Uniting for the IMRF’, the 3 May civil society IMRF preparatory event facilitated by the ICMC-coordinated Civil Society Action Committee

The International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) is convened every four years to review progress in implementing the 2018 Global Compact for Migration (GCM)*, and set the direction for future cooperation and action to progress GCM goals.

Civil society participation at the second IMRF meeting, taking place in New York on 5-8 May, is coordinated by the Civil Society Action Committee, an independent global network of 54 civil society representatives coordinated by ICMC established in 2016.

Global Civil Society Preparations for the IMRF

Ahead of the IMRF, in early March the Action Committee convened a series of global consultations, bringing together civil society organizations and migrant communities from around the world to align priorities and messages. This global IMRF civil society preparatory process culminated in ‘Uniting for the IMRF’, a hybrid online and in-person Civil Society Day held on Sunday 3^rd May.

“Today, more than ever, migration is the frontline of a wider battle to defend a vision of justice grounded in human dignity,” said ICMC Secretary General Davide Bernocchi in his opening remarks, acknowledging the challenging global context for migration in which the second IMRF is taking place. “This IMRF is a moment for us, as civil society, to return to the roots of our commitment, and help the international community move toward a more united vision of humanity.”

Flyer for interfaith IMRF side event co-organised by ICMC and a coalition of Church and faith-based partners. — ICMC is co-facilitating a number of side events during the IMRF program, working with civil society and faith-based organizations. Image: flyer for interfaith IMRF side event co-organized by ICMC and a coalition of Church and faith-based partners.

Civil society actors have also participated as observers in IMRF discussions at UN Headquarters, and worked with partners to advocate for more meaningful and equitable participation across the IMRF process.

“The outcomes and narratives during the IMRF and its side events will demonstrate the state of global multilateralism and cooperation: what we value as an international community, and what we are willing to fight for,” explains Elana Wong, Coordinator of the Civil Society Action Committee for ICMC.

“At a time when we are grappling with the degradation of international rule of law, and with a regressive shift of respect for human rights and human dignity, this IMRF is an irreplaceable opportunity for global civil society to come together in continued solidarity and mutual support.”

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* The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is an international agreement adopted by 152 States in December 2018. As the first-ever global framework for migration governance, it aims to increase international collaboration on all aspects related to migration, including human rights, humanitarian needs, and development.

For more information on the GCM, see this resource produced by the Civil Society Action Committee.