Geneva – This week, the United Nations in Zambia established its Network on Migration, bringing the total number of country Networks to 50. Maximizing the collective expertise and capacity of the United Nations (UN) system, these Networks provide support to Member States and all partners in their implementation, follow-up, and review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), the principal international cooperative framework for strengthening migration governance for the benefit of all.

“The GCM recognized that for migration to work for the benefit of all, it cannot simply exist in debating chambers in New York or Geneva but must make a tangible impact where it most matters – on the ground,” said António Vitorino, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Coordinator of the United Nations Network on Migration. “Through the creation of now 50 (and counting) country networks on migration, the United Nations system recognizes this reality and has committed its full support to partners in pursuit of migration that is safe, orderly and regular.”

The first International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) will be held in 2022.  The IMRF will provide an essential opportunity for the international community – both states and non-state partners – to reflect on the progress made in strengthening migration governance through the GCM, and in protecting the rights of all, particularly those most vulnerable. Through showcasing tangible instances of how the GCM can benefit the lives of migrants and their communities, and how the UN system can support this common endeavour, the IMRF presents a vital opportunity to cement a landmark multilateral achievement in the field of migration.

Strengthening migration governance for everyone requires cooperation at all levels by all actors. Recognizing this reality, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the GCM in 2018 through its resolution 73/195. In addition, the GCM welcomed the Secretary-General’s decision to establish the United Nations Network on Migration to support their implementation of the Compact. The International Organization for Migration serves as the Coordinator and Secretariat of the Network.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions here. More information available on the Network’s website.

For more information, please contact Florence Kim at the secretariat of the UN Network on Migration: Email: fkim@iom.int; Tel: +41 79 748 0395.