APMM holds virtual migrants’ dialogue on the GCM

The Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants organized the Virtual Migrants’ Dialogue on the GCM, with the aim of animating the participation of grassroots migrants and civil society groups in the process of implementation, review and follow up of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). Held on October 30, the Virtual Dialogue followed the Virtual Conference held the week before (see separate article here) and was attended by more than 80 participants.

Hon, Nazrul Islam, director general of the Bangladesh government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared with the participants, many of whom were migrants, about their perspective on being a champion country for the GCM and the importance of working with various stakeholders, including migrant organizations and advocates. A champion country for the GCM pertains to a government committed to implementing the GCM and encouraging other governments to adopt and implement the said compact as well. Bangladesh is one of the 13 champion countries for the GCM.

Ms. Pia Oberoi, senior advisor for human rights and migration of the UN Human Rights Council, provided a migrant-friendly discussion on the GCM, its objectives and processes, and how the said compact can be useful for migrants and CSOs in pushing forward their agenda and demands to governments and within the UN.

Following our main speakers were reflections shared by civil society organizations on CSO engagement in intergovernmental processes. First to speak was Ima Ariate, standing in as co-chair for the Asia Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanism (APRCEM), who talked about the experience of CSOs in engaging on the implementation of the Agenda 2030. Next to speak was Julius Cainglet of the International Trade Union Confederation Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP) on their experience in engaging to advance workers’ rights with the International Labor Organization (ILO).

An open forum ensued with rich exchange of sharing and interventions among participants and speakers. The Regional Migrants Agenda, which reflected input and discussions in the Virtual Conference, was shared with the dialogue participants.