Global Compact on Refugees

Definition

The Global Compact on Refugees is a comprehensive framework adopted by the United Nations in 2018 to enhance international cooperation and support for refugees and the countries that host them. It aims to improve the protection of refugees and promote solutions for their inclusion in host communities, recognizing the shared responsibility of nations in responding to refugee situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Global Compact on Refugees was adopted during the UN General Assembly in 2018 as a response to the increasing number of displaced individuals worldwide.
2. It emphasizes a whole-of-society approach, urging governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together in supporting refugees.
3. One of its key components is the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), which seeks to provide immediate support to host countries and communities.
4. The Compact promotes better data collection and sharing among nations to improve planning and response strategies for refugee situations.
5. While it is not legally binding, it encourages countries to adhere to its principles and commitments in their policies toward refugees.

Review Questions

• How does the Global Compact on Refugees address the challenges faced by host countries in managing refugee populations?
  • The Global Compact on Refugees addresses challenges by promoting international cooperation and support for host countries. It emphasizes the need for shared responsibility among nations, encouraging assistance through financial resources, technical support, and capacity-building measures. By implementing the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework, it aims to ensure that host countries receive adequate support in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, ultimately helping them manage increased pressures from large influxes of refugees.
• Evaluate the significance of the Global Compact on Refugees in improving international legal frameworks regarding refugee protection.
  • The Global Compact on Refugees significantly enhances international legal frameworks by building upon existing treaties like the Refugee Convention. It provides a platform for states to reaffirm their commitment to refugee rights while encouraging them to adopt more inclusive policies. The Compact fosters collaboration among countries and stakeholders, leading to innovative approaches for refugee protection and solutions. Its emphasis on collective responsibility also helps create a more robust global response system that can adapt to evolving challenges faced by refugees.
• Assess how the principles outlined in the Global Compact on Refugees could reshape global attitudes towards refugee integration and resettlement.
  • The principles of the Global Compact on Refugees could significantly reshape global attitudes by promoting a more empathetic and inclusive view of refugees. By emphasizing shared responsibility and the benefits of integrating refugees into host communities, it encourages societies to view refugees not just as burdens but as contributors to social and economic development. This shift in perspective could lead to more welcoming policies, improved public discourse surrounding refugee issues, and increased participation from various sectors in supporting integration efforts. Ultimately, successful implementation could foster a culture of acceptance and solidarity towards displaced individuals worldwide.

Related terms

Refugee Convention: The 1951 Refugee Convention is a key international treaty that defines who is a refugee, outlines their rights, and establishes the legal obligations of states to protect them.

UNHCR: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is an agency mandated to protect and support refugees and displaced persons, working to ensure that they have access to asylum and their rights are upheld.

Durable Solutions: Durable solutions refer to long-term outcomes for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement to a third country.