December 11, 2018 —  The International Rescue Committee welcomes the adoption of the Global Compact, which represents a crucial step towards ensuring the safe, predictable and humane management of migration. As government representatives from more than 150 states come together to adopt the Global Compact, there is still a greater need for responsibility sharing and upholding a value-driven and needs based response for the people on the move.

Nonetheless, the Global Compact on Migration is groundbreaking in its nod towards a global framework that can manage migration in a humane and orderly way. It is aspirational, but it is entirely voluntary and does not affect member states’ sovereignty. As we applaud the 150 states that have come together this week to celebrate the compact, it is equally disappointing to see the growing number of European states who have decided to withdraw from this global effort. Shared responsibility and a cohesive effort on a global scale remains the only way to uphold the dignity and human rights of those on the move while managing migration in a more effective, safe and humane manner.

People have always, and will always, move across borders. The migration Europe has witnessed is part of a much wider global pattern of population movements which is a fact of the modern world. Regardless of how they have come to leave their countries - whether they have been pushed out by violence or persecution, climate change or conflict, or simply attracted elsewhere by job opportunities or family ties - many people on the move are exposed to significant risks on the journey.

The International Rescue Committee has seen these risks first hand. From working with people caught in crisis along migration routes from the Western Balkans to Africa to South America, we know that as they move across borders, people are vulnerable to increased exploitation and all forms of abuse. Women and girls, in particular, are exposed to increased risks such as sexual exploitation and stigma. It is essential to reduce these risks and vulnerabilities and protect the most vulnerable populations. The rights of people on the move must be respected and they must have access to protection and life-saving services. Equally, local communities want to know that new arrivals will be supported to contribute economically, socially and culturally to their new community. Both are possible. Provided that the right frameworks in place, migration can be managed to ensure that it is beneficial to all.

The text of the Global Compact on Migration is far from perfect. Many of the commitments are left open-ended, lacking specific criteria on how they can be reached. Flexible pathways for regular migration, including opportunities for asylum applicants to enter the job market must be sought. Global leaders must also look beyond short-term wins and reinforce their commitments to address the drivers of migration by investing in long-term initiatives to build the resilience of the communities and people that are most in need.

Imogen Sudberry, Head of International Rescue Committee in Brussels said:

“This is a positive step forward towards a more coordinated and humane global framework on migration. The rights of people on the move must be respected and they must have access to protection and life-saving services. Equally, local communities want to know that new arrivals will be supported to contribute economically, socially and culturally to their new community. Both are possible. Provided that the right frameworks in place, migration can be managed to ensure that it is beneficial to all”.