In the midst of unprecedented levels of migration around the world, the UN Secretary-General has declared that “Xenophobic and racist rhetoric seems to be not only on the rise but also becoming more socially and politically accepted.” The personal costs of xenophobia and discrimination are high, the social, political and economic ones even higher. Hostility, tension and friction are tearing communities apart, leaving everyone poorer in spirit.
In November 2017 the NGO Committee on Migration, Subcommittee on Countering Xenophobia and Fostering Social Inclusion, with the help of the United Nations-sponsored Together Campaign, launched a survey of Non Government Organizations to assist in preparing recommendations to the United Nations Global Compact for Migrants, with particular reference to Objectives 15 (Provide access to basic services for migrants); 16 (Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion; and 17 (Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote fact-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration); and in harmony with the desired attainment of SDG Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels). The goal of our survey was to attain a better understanding of xenophobia, barriers to social inclusion, and gaps in service, as well as challenges which grassroots organizations identified as elements that hinder the attainment of the goals set forth. The survey was designed to elicit promising practices, as well as challenges that various grassroots organizations have identified in their valuable work.
In order to get the most reliable, first-hand information, we asked that respondents to the survey be those members of their organizations who work directly with migrants and or/refugees in a specific location. The survey elicited 76 responses altogether, from which the Subcommittee has selected the eight which seemed at the same time most representative, innovative and effective, and which together represent all five of the UN-designated regions of the world. These eight will be presented at our side event, Countering Xenophobia: Voices from the Region.
Co-sponsored by IOM and the NGO Committee on Migration, the side event will highlight good practices to counter xenophobia and promote social inclusion, based on the selected projects presented by the participating NGOs in their responses to the survey. These will be shown via video tape with subsequent interactive dialogue. IOM will offer perspectives on the highlighted issues, and the NGO Committee on Migration will launch and briefly discuss an analytical study which they have undertaken of the submitted good practices. Participating Member States will act as first respondents from the floor to present their views, make recommendations and draw conclusions based on the material presented, in the context of the ongoing discussions on the Global Compact.
Date/time: Friday, 18 May 2018; 1:15p.m.-2:45p.m., Conf. Room 7
Click here to view the event flyer and concept note.