THE CONVENTION

• The Global Compact on Refugees was officially affirmed by the UN General Assembly on the 17th of December, 2018
• The Global Compact represents the political will and ambition of the international community as a whole for strengthened cooperation and solidarity with refugees and affected host countries - Guiding Principles of the GCR
• Guiding Principles of GCR

  • Ease the pressure on host countries
  • Enhance refugee self-reliance
  • Expand access to third-country solutions. 
  • Support conditions in countries or origin for return in safety and dignity. 
• Purpose of Global Compact

  It builds on existing international law and standards, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and human rights treaties, and seeks to better define cooperation and share responsibilities.
• Justice and Enforcement

  Calls on the UNHCR and UN Refugee Agency to work with a wide range of partners, from governments, NGOs and other UN agencies, to help the private sector, international financial institutions and civil society to achieve their objectives. 
• Limitations

  While the GCR acknowledges important principles of international refugee law, such as non-refoulement, it lacks legally binding mechanisms to enforce these principles effectively. 

  • Without robust legal mechanisms, states may not feel compelled to uphold their commitments under the GCR, leading to gaps in refugee protection.