CCRM members met in a two- day conference on the 24 and 25th of July in Beirut Lebanon. The meeting was attended by 15 participants representing 10 organizations in 6 countries. The meeting was held at a very critical time, as the world has been actively engaged in preparations ahead of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), and the Global Compact on Migration (GCM). In particular, the meeting achieved the following aims:
Developed a deeper analysis and understanding of the priorities affecting migrants and refugees in each country and sub-region
Contextualized the discussion from the global to the local and strengthened the engagement of civil society organizations with international processes particularly the Global Compact on Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees
Strategized in preparation for the Civil Society MENA Global Compact Consultation, August 24th and 25th, 2017
Strategized on ways of local civil society engagement beyond the Global Compacts, particularly with local and regional processes.
Beyond the Global Compacts processes, participants highlighted the need for long term grassroots mobilization in this region for the defense of migrant and refugee rights. Participants highlighted the environmental constraints that local actors face and highlighted the need for solidarity and concerted efforts to move the rights agenda forward. Synergies between the situation of refugees and migrants in the countries of the region was explored and a strategy for common advocacy to bridge the two discussions has been highlighted as regional priority.
