Countering Xenophobia Essential to the Global Compact for Migration, Says ICMC at UN in Geneva

Countering Xenophobia Essential to the Global Compact for Migration, Says ICMC at UN in Geneva
The first Thematic Session of the Global Compact on Migration, during which Advocacy Officer E. Groarke took the floor, revolved around the idea of "breaking the silence" on migration. Photo: UN Web TV

During the first Thematic Session of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, ICMC-MADE Network‘s Advocacy Officer, Emer Groarke, reiterated the necessity for human rights to be central to the Global Compact process, with a clear focus on the rights of vulnerable migrants.

During this first session of the consultative process, over 100 government statements were delivered around the key idea of “breaking the silence” with regard to migration. The session explored ways to challenge racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance, including through a change of attitudes towards migrants.

During her intervention, Groarke commended the New Deal for Refugees, Migrants and Societies, prepared by over 100 civil society organizations ahead of the UN Summit on Refugees and Migrants, for proposing practical steps on international action for social inclusion and against discrimination. “It is also useful in these sessions to hear so many examples from states, civil society and others of on-the-ground activities being undertaken to tackle these growing issues. We are confident that the value of such practice-oriented content will be reflected well in the Compact,” said Groarke.

Read more on the MADE website.

Related video

Watch a video of Emer Groarke’s intervention starting at 2:44:00 (courtesy of United Nations Web TV). 

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ICMC provides assistance and protection to vulnerable people on the move and advocates for sustainable solutions for refugees and migrants.