Platform statement - Key Messages for Africa Regional Review of GCM



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Addis Ababa, Oct 2024 

In the past few years, the African Non-state Actors Platform on Migration & Development has been deliberate in its engagements in the GCM Regional Review process, particularly ensuring the diversity of voices and participation of civil society, diaspora actors and trade unions. This is not simply about recognition at the dialogue but most importantly about advancing the concerns of migrant populations from various sub-regions at this Second Regional Review in Addis Ababa, and towards the second International Migration Review Forum in New York in 2026.

As African Non-State Actors, our ambition is to go beyond sharing human stories and humanising migration governance discourse, but also wanting to directly impact the hearts of policymakers to shape policies and practices that impact real lives behind numbers and global frameworks like the GCM. To achieve this, there is an urgent need for meaningful partnership and intentional commitment between member states and non-state actors, including civil society, academia, the private sector, migrant organisations, diaspora actors, and trade unions.

In preparing for the Second GCM Regional Review in Addis Ababa, the African Non-State Actors also note the difficulties for stakeholders (states and non-states) in obtaining visas to enter Ethiopia. We note with disappointment that our colleagues had to spend several hours overnight at the airport. This puts into context the challenges that Africans face in moving within Africa due to rigid visa regimes.

Within the context of the insights gathered from the Stakeholders Consultation on the GCM Review held in Dakar from 3 – 4 September, and the Virtual GCM Exchange on Building Bridges with Champions for Impact held on 3 October, key messages are proposed to African member states in light of this Second African Regional Review of the GCM. 

We share our FULL STATEMENT HERE, which can be shared with member states and stakeholders in the GCM ecosystem. 

Photo credit: FES AMPC