PROGRAM BROCHURE

Pacific Islands Civil Society Consultation on the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration

Nadi, Fiji

2-3 November 2017

INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW

The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO),the Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF), Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Sydney Asia Pacific Migration Centre (SAPMiC),and the Diplomacy Training Program (DTP), are organizing and facilitating a two-day workshop to enable civil society in the Pacific to provide inputs and recommendations to the preparatory process of the UN Global Compact on Migration (GCM). The consultation will bring together representatives from NGOs, trade unions, faith-based groups, and others to consider the key issues related to migration in and from the Pacific Islands and the human rights and governance issues raised by this migration.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for civil society in the Pacific Islands to

  • reflect on particular concerns and issues relating to migration, development and climate change;
  • develop their understanding of the GCM of what it might mean for migration governance
  • develop inputs to feed into the consultations and processes of developing the GCM
  • consider future networking and collaboration in the Pacific on migration and the rights of migrants

The workshop will take place in the week leading up to the official regional consultation taking place in Bangkok (UNESCAP) between governments in the Asia-Pacific. The UN Global Compact on Safe Migration will be adopted by the UN in November 2018 following thematic and regional consultations with governments and stakeholders.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants to this consultation will be fromcivil society - NGOs, Faith Based Groups, Migrant Community representatives, Trade Unions and Academia.

PROGRAM CONTENT

The program content will include the following:

  • Introduction to the Global Compact on Migration for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
  • International human rights and labour standards relevant to migration governance
  • Facilitated discussions on key issues - Climate Change and Migration, Drivers of Migration, the Rights of Migrants, Circular or Temporary Migration Schemes, Migration and Development (the SDGs), Remittances

BACKGROUND TO THE CONSULTATION WORKSHOP

On 19 September 2016, the UN General Assembly set in motion a process (New York Declaration) to develop a Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in response to the growing global phenomenon of large movements of people. The GCM is to build on existing bilateral, regional and global cooperation and partnership mechanisms, and to facilitate migration in accordance with the 2030 Development Agenda (SDGs). A consultative process to seek input from governments, civil society and experts was agreed.

Between April and November 2017 there are six thematic consultations scheduled – human rights of all migrants, addressing drivers of migration, international cooperation and governance of migration, contributions of migrants and diasporas, smuggling of migrants, trafficking in persons and contemporary forms of slavery, and irregular migration and regular pathways.

Migration is a key issue in the Pacific and the absence of space and opportunities for Pacific civil society and government voices to be heard is noticeable in the consultation phase of the GCM process. To ensure the perspectives and concerns of Pacific Islands peoples are reflected in the GCM, the two-day workshop/consultation will provide a platform for Pacific Islands civil society to discuss the key issues and provide inputs and recommendations to the preparatory process of the GCM.

WORKSHOP PARTNERS

Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) is the major regional non-governmental organization serving the Pacific through strengthening and building the capacity of the civil society sector. Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) is a NGO based in Suva with experience in community education and advocacy on Fiji’s Constitution, democracy, human rights and multiculturalism. Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) is a regional network of non-government organizations (NGOs), associations and trade unions of migrant workers, and individual advocates in Asia who are committed to protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers. The Diplomacy Training Program (DTP) is an independent NGO, founded in 1989 by José Ramos-Horta, the Nobel Peace Laureate, providing practical training in human rights and people’s diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region. It seeks to advance human rights and empower civil society in the region through quality education and training and the building of skills and capacity in NGOs. DTP and MFA have been working in partnership since 2004 to develop the knowledge, skills and networks of advocates for the rights of migrant workers in and from Asia. These programs are driven by an understanding of the powerful role of civil society and committed advocates in driving change and realising human rights. They are also driven by the belief that progress will be made by skilled advocates working together within countries - and between countries of origin and destination.

COSTS

There is no charge for participation in the workshop. The costs of travel, accommodation and catering during the workshop will be met. Participants (or their organisations) are expected to meet the costs of local travel to and from the consultation and other incidental costs that may arise.

For further Information email: