Global Compact on Refugees

Definition

The Global Compact on Refugees is a non-binding international agreement established in 2018 to enhance international cooperation and provide a comprehensive response to refugee crises. It aims to strengthen the protections for refugees, ensure their inclusion in host communities, and promote solutions that allow refugees to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. The compact highlights the shared responsibility of states and emphasizes the need for predictable and sustainable funding to support refugee initiatives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Global Compact on Refugees was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly as a response to the growing global refugee crisis, which affects millions of people worldwide.
2. It includes four key objectives: ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, expand access to third-country solutions, and support conditions in countries of origin for safe return.
3. The compact encourages collaboration between governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to address the needs of refugees and host communities.
4. One of the significant aspects of the compact is its focus on data collection and evidence-based policies to improve the understanding of refugee situations and enhance responses.
5. By promoting inclusion in host communities, the Global Compact on Refugees aims to foster social cohesion and reduce tensions between refugees and local populations.

Review Questions

• How does the Global Compact on Refugees aim to ease pressures on host countries?
  • The Global Compact on Refugees aims to ease pressures on host countries by promoting international cooperation and support for nations that host large numbers of refugees. This includes encouraging funding and resources from other nations and organizations to help improve infrastructure, public services, and social support systems. By sharing responsibilities more equitably among states, the compact seeks to alleviate the burden on individual countries that might be disproportionately affected by refugee inflows.
• What role do durable solutions play within the framework of the Global Compact on Refugees?
  • Durable solutions are a crucial component of the Global Compact on Refugees, as they provide long-term options for refugees to rebuild their lives. The compact emphasizes voluntary repatriation, local integration into host communities, and resettlement in third countries as viable paths for refugees. By promoting these solutions, the compact seeks to ensure that refugees can achieve safety and stability while contributing positively to their new environments or returning home when conditions permit.
• Evaluate the impact of the Global Compact on Refugees in shaping global responses to refugee crises and fostering international collaboration.
  • The Global Compact on Refugees has significantly impacted global responses to refugee crises by establishing a framework for international collaboration and shared responsibility among nations. By bringing together governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders, it promotes coherent strategies that address both immediate needs and long-term solutions for refugees. The emphasis on data-driven policies enhances understanding of refugee situations, leading to more effective interventions. Ultimately, it fosters a collective approach that not only aids refugees but also strengthens relationships between host communities and those seeking safety.

Related terms

Refugee: A person who is forced to flee their home country due to persecution, war, or violence, and is unable to return safely.

Asylum Seekers: Individuals who seek international protection by applying for asylum in another country, often fleeing danger or persecution in their home country.

Durable Solutions: Long-term solutions for refugees that include voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement in a third country.