IMRF Daily Briefing: 16 May
The Mayors Mechanism – co-steered by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Mayors Migration Council (MMC), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – is pleased to share the daily updates with regards to its activities at the International Migration Review Forum, taking place in New York City from May 16 to May 20.
This daily briefing recaps the activities and announcements of the day and lets you know what's coming up to ensure you are kept fully up to date on all IMRF discussions.
Happy reading!
You can also follow our activities on social media:
Main accounts: @GFMDmayors, @uclg_org, @MayorsMigration, @UNMigration
Formal hashtag IMRF: #Migration2022
Hashtag for local government activities at the IMRF: #CitiesIMRF
Hashtag for the Call to Local Action on Migrants and Refugees: #Call2Action
Day 1 – Monday, 16 May
What happened today?
Arrival of local government delegation in New York
Mayors and city representatives from 18 cities across the globe arrive in New York, bringing 70 actions through Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees
Read the press release and share it here.
IMRF Multi-stakeholder Hearing (agenda and concept note)
The President of the General Assembly hosted an informal interactive multi-stakeholder hearing with all relevant stakeholders, to provide an opportunity to discuss and assess GCM implementation, follow-up, and review of the GCM.
The PGA has also invited Mr. Colin Rajah, Coordinator of the Civil Society Action Committee to present a summary of the hearing during the opening of the plenary of the IMRF on Thursday.
Ms. Marta Suplicy, Secretary of International Affairs of the City of Sao Paulo, spoke in the Hearing.
What did Local and Regional Governments say?
Ms. Marta Suplicy, Secretary of International Affairs of the City of Sao Paulo - Multi-Stakeholder Hearing:
Cities are the first responders, promoting efficient solutions that can have a positive impact for communities, and tackling a full range of significant needs. For instance, in São Paulo:
We build inclusive communities by balancing narratives on migration that address systemic racism and all forms of discrimination;
We promote the social and economic inclusion of migrants, reducing their vulnerabilities and protecting them from exploitation and harm; and
We promote migrant participation through the Municipal Council of Immigrants.
The GCM firmly recognizes the role of local governments in migration policy. However, access for us to join the IMRF discussions is still limited. By facilitating more meaningful engagement of local governments, could, together, show real progress and bring the best of the power of cities.
We ask UN Member States and international partners: (1) foster meaningful local-led participation in the GCM processes; (2) unlock resources directly to local realities to push actions delivered faster and at scale; and (3) coordinate new partnerships both nationally, regionally, and internationally.
Ms. Raphaela Schweiger, Program Director Migration, Robert Bosch Foundation – Multi-Stakeholder Hearing
Coming up: Day 2 – Tuesday, 17 May
Below you can find an overview of the official IMRF programme and where local governments will be speaking, as well as other (side) events with a specific local government focus. The list is not exhaustive of all events in which local governments might participate and speak.
For the full overview of all IMRF side-events, you can click here.
IMRF Side-Event: Making Social Cohesion Work for Everyone: 8.30 – 9.30 EDT.
(Virtual. Livestreaming here. Concept note here.)
Concerns that xenophobia and discrimination are on the rise have sparked a panoply of investments in promoting social cohesion and combatting prejudice against people on the move. This side event aims to spark a much-needed, practical dialogue around “what works”.
Mr. Alexander Vandersmissen, Mayor of Mechelen, Belgium, will speak as a panellist.
IMRF Roundtable 1: 10 – 1pm EDT.
(Livestreaming here. Background Paper and agenda here.)
This session will cover objectives (2) Minimize adverse drivers, (5) Regular pathways, (6) Recruitment and decent work, (12) Screening and referral, and (18) Skills development and recognition.
Md Atiqul Islam, Mayor, Dhaka North, will be invited to speak from the floor.
UCLG-Global Task Force Local and Regional Governments Day: 12.30 – 3pm EDT.
(No livestreaming)
This meeting will gather the LRG constituency to discuss territorial priorities regarding the GCM and its connections with the 2030 Agenda and will be followed by an exchange between mayors and the UN Deputy Secretary General.
IMRF Roundtable 2: 3 – 6pm EDT.
(Livestreaming here. Background Paper and programme here.)
This session will cover objectives (4) Legal identity and documentation, (8) Save lives, (9) Counter smuggling, (10) Eradicate trafficking, (11) Manage borders, (13) Alternatives to detention, and (21) Dignified return and reintegration.
Fabrice Brad Rulinda, Mayor, Entebbe Municipality, will speak in the panel
IMRF Roundtable 2: 3 – 6pm EDT.
(Livestreaming here. Background Paper and programme here.)
This session will cover objectives (4) Legal identity and documentation, (8) Save lives, (9) Counter smuggling, (10) Eradicate trafficking, (11) Manage borders, (13) Alternatives to detention, and (21) Dignified return and reintegration.
Fabrice Brad Rulinda, Mayor, Entebbe Municipality, will speak in the panel
IMRF Side-Event: The Lampedusa Charter on Human Mobility: a municipalist call for dignity and territorial solidarity: 6.30 – 7.30 EDT.
(No livestreaming)
This session will gather mayors, partners and stakeholders around the co-creation process of the Lampedusa Charter and its connections with the UCLG Pact for the Future.
Local government speakers:
Philippe Rio, Mayor of Grigny, France
Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga, Portugal
Fabiana Goyeneche, Director of International Affairs, Montevideo
Mouhamadou Bamba KA, First Deputy Mayor, Commune Keur Maba, Sénégal
MMC Leadership Board will convene in private meeting.