Cities working together for Migrants & Refugees 5^th Mayoral Forum on Human Mobility * Migration & Development held 8^th December 2018 in Marrakech Morocco.  *The Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the UN Global Compact for Safe-Orderly and Regular Migration December 10-11^th 2018. * The UN General Assembly adopted the Global Compact of Migration Dec 17^th 2018 (Took place during UN International Migration Week)

In 2016 the New York Declaration for Refugees & Migrants had been implemented with the understanding that they would re-meet in 2018 to further the Global Compact on Migration.

The UN Global Compact of Migration (UNGCM) emphasizes the Principle ‘Leave No-One Behind’. Recognizing the Rights *Needs of ALL Migrants. Including those experiencing Mass Migration in Cities. The UNGCM is a Non-legally Binding agreement. That provides a Framework of Cooperation and Policy Development on Migration

Its important to note that the UNGCM and its connection to the Marrakech Declaration. Which highlights the ‘crucial role of cities’ in implementing the UNGCM. Recognizing Cities as being Partners ‘ managing migration flows and ensuring Migrant Rights (The Human Rights Approach)

The Core message of the UNGCM is ‘Leave No-one Behind’ . This is the core principle of the UNGCM that underscored that importance of addressing the needs *Rights of All Migrants *Regardless of their Legal Status or Origin

MASS MIGRATION IN CITIES: The UNGCM acknowledges that Cities are often at the forefront of migration flows * face unique challenges in managing large scale migration. Therefore the UNGCM emphasizes the need for cooperation among UN Member States and other stakeholders to address Migration challenges effectively

Whilst the GCM is Non-legally binding it does provide a framework for UN Member States to develop & Implement Migration Policies based on International cooperation & shared responsibility *There are 23 Objectives outlined in the UNGCM for better managing migration at ALL levels – from Local to Global

The focus is on Human Rights (Protected under the Social Justice Umbrella). The protection of Migrants Human Rights throughout the migration process- including safe and regular migration pathways. Cities are involved in developing Migrant & Refugee sensitive crisis response and recovery strategies

Ensuring safe access to Essential Services for All- Including Migrants is a Key Focus. With Cities working to leverage the contributions of Migrants & Refugees to build more ‘Inclusive Societies’. * Addressing misinformation * Promoting Inclusive Narratives about Migration is prioritized.

The UNGCM is the 1^st ever negotiated Global Agreement on a Common Approach to International Migration in All Of Its Dimensions. Emphasizing the principle of ‘Shared Responsibility’ among Countries of Origin-Transit and Destination. Thus p[providing a Road Map for improved Governance of International Migration through Innovative Solutions *increased commitment from UN Member States * A renewed focus on ‘Multi-stakeholder Partnerships

RESEARCHER: Cassie….WakeUpNZ

https://migration4development.org/en/resources/marrakech-mayors-declaration-cities-working-together-migrants-and-refugees#:~:text=Indeed%2C%20as%20Antonio%20Vitorino%2C%20IOM’s,UN%20High%20Commissioner%20for%20Refugees.

8^th December 2018 *150 Mayors  *and City Leaders from across the world  gathered for the 5^th Global Mayoral Forum in Marrakech Morocco. The Focus being on Human Mobility & Migration Development – City Leadership and the implementing the UN Global Compacts in Cities (UN Human Habitat)

76 Mayors adopted the Marrakech Mayors Declaration – titled ‘Cities working together for Migrants & Refugees. This being a Full formal recognition of the role of Local Authorities in the implementation of the UNGCM with follow-up reviews of both global compacts. With the UN Global Compacts at the forefront of ‘Managing the Impact Of Migration’ Promoting ‘Inclusive Safe & Sustainable Societies’

Where migration is to remain primarily Urban. The Mayor of Bristol saying that there is “no delivery of the UNGCM if Cities Do Not Deliver” (Cities being crucial in implementing Migration worldwide). The Director General of IOM (UN) explained “In an increasingly urbanized world we should be connecting Migration to Urbanization Policies as this is the ‘New Urban Agenda’ whereby Migrants also have a Right to the City. If we are to leave no-one behind”

The Mayoress of Montreal (Valerie Plante) added that “Cities – Local Government are not only instances that react to Migration flows and the implementation measures enacted by other levels of Govt. They are also Partners * The UN High Commission for Refugees (Filippo Grandi) stated that “Cities – Local -Regional authorities have a Key Role to play in implementing the Global Compacts – with Cities acting as the lynchpin – that can bring the necessary Actors together (From Civil Society to the Private Sector)

 That is “To ensure a ‘Whole of Society Impact” where Mayors had already made commitment in respect to the implementation and the follow-up review of both Global Compacts. Therefore to the full engagement with the Framework of the ‘Mayors Mechanism, that was to be launched in 2019 at the Global Forum on Migration in Ecuador

The 5^th Mayoral Global Forum was Co-organized by the ‘Open Society Foundations (George Soros) *The International Organization for Migration (IOM) *United Cities & Local Governments (UCLG) *The Knowledge Partnership of Migration & Developments (KNOMAD) of the World Bank  *UN Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR) *Govt of Morocco *UNICEF *UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) * UN Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat ) and Cities Alliance. (SDC)

https://migration4development.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Marrakech%20Mayors%20Declaration_Cities%20Working%20Together%20for%20Migrants%20and%20Refugees_2018_EN.pdf  4 Pages

MARRAKECH MAYORS DECLARATION  –  5^th Mayoral Forum om Human Mobility, Migration and Development *Cities working together for Migrants & Refugees. Adopted at the 5^th Mayoral Forum on Human Mobility * Migration & Development December 8^th 2018

The Mayors and City Leaders at the 5^th Mayoral Forum on Human Mobility, Migration Development addressed the gathering at the UN Global Compact of Migration launch in Morocco and then later in the UN Assembly New York as follows in  seized the opportunity to endorse the UNGCM speech to the UN Assembly

“We, the Mayors and City Leader from across the globe gathered at the 5^th Mayoral Forum on Human Mobility, Migration development declare as follows: “We commend this historic step that the UNGCM & GCR represent to address the challenges *& opportunities of International Migration and Forced Displacement, the upholding of the Rights & Dignity of Migrants & Refugees around the world

“The full and formal recognition of the Role of Local authorities in the implementation * follow-up and Reviews of the Compacts. The statements * commitments made by Cities & their Networks throughout the Preparatory processes leading to the GCM & the GCR. As well as our ambition that both UN Global Compacts bolster ‘Inclusive’ * coordinated ‘multi-level governance * and response for the benefits of Migrants & Refugees’

“We affirm that migration remains primarily urban. While acknowledging that Immigration is a State prerogative. Cities of every continent are at the forefront of ‘managing the Impact of Migration as well as the promotion of Inclusive  safe & sustainable societies”

This being the increasing role that Cities and other Local authorities play and the growing array of responsibilities in providing support to Migrants & Refugees. Ensuring their successful inclusion in our communities. As first responders- cities constantly  innovate & develop pragmatic solutions which can have a positive impact at the National and International levels”

Cities are a force for change where our efforts * active participation are essential in achieving the UN Global Compacts of Migration’s objectives. Where there is a structured dialogue with Local Government on Migration issues as National * International levels which is fundamental in ensuring adequate responses & guarantee the implementation of the UN Global Compacts of Migration

The Mayors and City Leader then made a commitment to advance the Principles and Objectives of both Global Compacts in unison. Stating their common vision underpins the leaders of our Cities to ‘Leave No-one Behind” * To make Cities ‘Inclusive * Safe *Resilient * Sustainable. To stand in solidarity * to increase collaboration amongst Cities. Acknowledging that the contect differs across Cities that requires differentiated approaches

Thus they will take action which includes implementing Local & Joint programs * ensuring greater coordination of services offered locally. Thus experimenting with new approaches * mobilizing financial resources to support these efforts. Improving data collection and measurements of progress *creating sustainable partnerships between Cities hence sharing knowledge-best practices * pursuing Uban Diplomacy & Joint Advocacy

NOTE: The Berlin Declaration of the 4^th Mayoral Forum on Migrant & Refugees. (Protecting Rights & Fostering Empowerment) June 2017. *November 2017 The Mechelen Declaration on Cities & Migration endorsed by 149 cities. *May 2018 a further 41 cities endorsed this). The Global Parliament of Mayors Statement on Migrant Childrem (December 2017)  *The Bristol Declaration (Oct 2018) More informed role in migration internationally for Migrants in Cities

RESEARCHER: Cassie… WakeUpNZ