The civil society consultation was the second stakeholder consultation organized as part of the Migrants in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Initiative. It was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 28 and 29 January 2016, and organized by Australia, the Philippines, and the United States.

Civil society actors are key partners in the collective effort to better protect and assist migrants caught in countries experiencing conflicts and natural disasters. While States bear primary responsibility to assist and protect citizens and those within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction, civil society actors are a critical bridge between governments and migrants. They are among the first responders, migrant-trusted allies, gatherers of data, knowledge, and information, and key implementers and advocates. These competencies and strengths can be leveraged through greater cooperation, partnerships, and coordination for the benefit of migrants, their families and communities, and societies as a whole.

The consultation brought together more than 60 civil society representatives from across the globe, covering multiple disciplines and areas of activity, with members of the MICIC Initiative working group to discuss activities, roles, and responsibilities of civil society actors. Throughout two days of intensive discussions, participants identified concrete practices and recommendations on partnerships, preparedness, rights protection, need-based approaches, communication, emergency action, return and reintegration, diaspora involvement, and research and evaluation.

Consultation Documents

Consultation Agenda
Report Civil Society Consultation
Background Paper Private Civil Society
Guidelines and Practices Civil Society Consultation

 

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