GCM Indicators: Objective 21: Cooperate in facilitating safe and dignified return and readmission, as well as sustainable reintegration

This blog post addresses the implementation of Objective 21 in line with international human rights law. States pledge to fulfil the commitments laid down in the GCM in a manner consistent with their obligations under international law (§41). Further, the compact is based on international human rights law and ‘rests’ on the international human rights instruments. By implementing the GCM, states ensure effective protection and fulfilment of the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their migration status, across all stages of the migration cycle (§2 and 15(f)).

This post proposes six indicators, which can help assess the human rights compliant implementation of commitments under Objective 21 and streamline states’ reporting to the International Migration Review Forum, intended to discuss implementation of the GCM (§49). Some states have reportedly objected to any indicators, highlighting the non-binding character of the compact and state-let nature of the Review Forum. Yet, while the GCM is itself non-binding, several issues it addresses are tightly regulated under international human rights law. Protection of migrants in the context of the return is one of them.