GMPA: Global Migration Policy Associates

Migration Topics

Decent Work
Development
Dynamics and Trends
Environment and Climate Change
Family and Children
Gender
Globalization
Governance
Health
Human Rights
Integration, Equality and Non-Discrimination
International Standards
Labour and Skills Mobility
Social Security
Statistics
Regional Dynamics, Issues and Trends


Labour and Skills Mobility


Family and Children


Dynamics and Trends


Governance

Governance of Migration
(Research papers and policy briefs below)

There is indeed a comprehensive international legal framework for governance of migration despite academic literature and political discourse to the contrary. It is essentially designed to support good governance, regulation, and effective administration at national and local levels, where most migration issues and responsibilities are concentrated. The international governance framework comprises mandates and responsibilities in a range of international and regional agencies and organizations. The framework includes globally applicable policy recommendations elaborated in formal, authoritative international conferences over the last three decades.Identifying appropriate and workable approaches to governance of 'natural,' permanent and worldwide migratory phenomena is urgent. The rule of law and legal mechanisms are recognized foundations for guaranteeing protection of migrants, obtaining democratic governance of nation-States, and for regulating relations among nations. Indeed, a comprehensive framework of international standards, institutions, stakeholder consultative forums and administrative mechanisms to protect migrants and regulate migration was carefully constructed over the last century. 

The legal framework is provided by complementary legal standards in several areas of international law (See International Standards)

The international institutional structure mirrors the multitude of concerns in governing large populations, whether within a particular state or spread across many. A number of specialized UN and other international institutions address relevant aspects of migration in their mandates, competencies and activity. These include the international agencies addressing labour and employment, health, security, development, education, human rights, criminal justice, etc. No single agency could possibly address with necessary competence the range of concerns of governing populations, each requiring specialized knowledge, law, technical approaches, and functions, in the same way that no national government could do away with distinct ministries – often 20 or more– covering specific areas of governance to instead function with a sole super-ministry.

Today, need for normative and policy guidance is evident in almost every country, and internationally. Globalized economic, social, political and demographic factors are increasing dependency of countries worldwide on foreign skills and labour, while absence of decent work, repressive conditions and environmental factors displace millions, making human mobility a predominant feature of contemporary globalization. Widespread abuse and exploitation of migrants undermine decent work and social welfare in many situations. Rising discrimination and xenophobia pose as yet unchecked threats to social cohesion. News media and public discourse paint migration as threatening security, society and the very identity of nations.

These features pose new challenges for national and local governments, for social partners and for civil society. However, in a contemporary environment of deregulation, existing rules, mechanisms and dialogue spaces for national governance and international cooperation are often overlooked or overruled. Dialogue abounds but little discussion is anchored in clear understandings of what governance means and what governance instruments apply to migration. Nor is much debate grounded in adequate, evidence-based assessments of existing conditions and historical experience and acquis.

Building on solid normative standards and worldwide experience, GMPA is engaged in review of established principles, policy frameworks, institutional setups and practical measures to reconsider their relevance to future as well as present conditions.

GMPA is also focusing on regulation and governance of population (labour and skills) mobility in multi-State economic integration, common market and "free movement" areas. Today, more than 110 countries are part of one or more multi-country regional integration initiatives where freer circulation of people is formally established or is being negotiated. Another GMPA concern is to provide guidance and support for local authorities worldwide who have vital administrative roles and responsibilities in cities, districts, departments and regions with increasingly diverse and immigrant populations.

 

Documents and Papers