Civil Society Action Committee

“Our prayers and solidarity are with the many thousands of families suffering the impact of the sudden withdrawal of aid and grappling with an uncertain future.” With the unprecedented general suspension of funding for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and foreign assistance, like many other humanitarian organizations, ICMC must make the difficult decision to downsize, by cutting critical services to refugees and people displaced by war and persecution in several countries in the world. ICMC is complying with the U.S. stop-work orders, while looking for ways to overcome these huge challenges. “ICMC’s work to protect and serve vulnerable people on the move has never been more vital”, said ICMC President Christine Nathan. “We come to you, in the name of Jesus, to lift us up in prayer and – more than ever – with your generous financial support.” Read the statement https://bit.ly/3XjpmMN #StandWithRefugees

As migrants and advocates for human rights face increasing criminalisation, it is more important than ever for civil society to mobilise in order to build solidarity and collective action and push against harmful migration practices. The AC brings together civil society organisations and networks that support the advancement of human rights, safety, and dignity for all migrants, their families, and their communities. In January 2024, our AC Coordinator, Elana Wong, was featured on the Migration & Diaspora Podcast, a platform dedicated to in-depth discussions on migration and diaspora engagement. Drawing from her leadership of the AC, Elana provided a compelling overview of how civil society can actively shape migration policies and ensure that diverse voices are represented in international decision-making processes. During her episode, she reflected on the progress and challenges since the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in 2018. She explored strategies to ensure more inclusive migration governance, highlighting the need for sustained engagement and accountability to drive meaningful progress. Are you curious to hear more about what we do and how civil society can mobilise for collective action? 🎧 Listen to the conversation below and share your thoughts! https://lnkd.in/eGAZNPgZ 

“We are deeply concerned that the disruption of this program will cause further suffering to many families and individuals who have already invested years, resources and – above all – hope in this legal pathway to a brighter future.” On 20 January, the President of the United States issued an Executive Order that suspends the United States Refugee Admissions Program. Since 1980, the U.S. resettlement program has provided over 3 million refugees with the opportunity to safely settle in the United States and contribute to its progress. We urge the U.S. not to waiver in its historical leadership and commitment to offer protection to the most vulnerable, and wholeheartedly echo the 22 January appeal of Archbishop Timothy Broglio, made on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: “It is our hope that the leadership of our Country will reconsider those actions which disregard not only the human dignity of a few, but of us all.” Read our statement https://bit.ly/4gai5W8 #StandWithRefugees #USRAP

The Action Committee is excited to extend the invitation to the Grassroots Forum on Migration Governance (GFMG) first webinar of the 2025 series! This is a fantastic opportunity to continue critical conversations on the realities and challenges faced by migrants, their families, and grassroots movements worldwide. Bringing together civil society leaders and advocates, this webinar will focus on deepening our collective understanding of strategies to amplify migrants’ voices in migration governance. 🗓️ Date: Thursday, 30 January 2025  ⏰ Time: 10 PM GMT+8 | 5 PM GMT+3 | 3 PM GMT+1 | 9 AM GMT-5   👉 Register at: bit.ly/GFMG_JanWebinar With Migrant Forum in Asia, Alianza Americas, Secours Catholique-France, Secours Islamique France, NGO Committee on Migration, GRFDT Forum and the Cross-Regional Center for Refugees and Migrants. 

In case you missed it, on December 5th, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented his third biennial Report on the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) to the UN General Assembly. The Report includes progress updates on the Compact and recommendations for future actions, particularly regarding cooperation on missing migrants and humanitarian assistance to migrants in distress.    Read the Secretary-General's Report here: https://lnkd.in/eqcY5WYy    While the Report highlights some positive developments, the AC and its members remain concerned about the meaningful implementation of the Compact and the ongoing challenges surrounding safe, orderly, and regular migration worldwide.    We must recognise that xenophobia, anti-migration narratives and programmes, and migrant lives lost are only increasing in total around the world. There cannot be any progress if these fundamental issues are not addressed.    The AC Comment on the Report, reflecting feedback from across the AC network, outlines our concerns about the Report's focus on national development plans and the risks of presenting an overly optimistic picture that doesn't reflect the realities on the ground. Read the full AC's Comment below 👇

On this #InternationalMigrantsDay, the NGO Committee on Migration calls attention to the invaluable contribution of millions of migrants around the world. In partnership with the Permanent Missions of Canada, Mexico, and Luxembourg, we held a reception in honor of International Migrants Day 🎨Bringing Communities Together through Art🎨 where artists highlighted the transformative power of art in fostering inclusive and cohesive societies. This interactive event featured: 📸 Photographer Nathalie Sayago 🖊️ Illustrator and comic artist Sanika Phawde 🧶 Knitting collective Grupo de Mujeres Latinas with Trena Yonkers-Talz We wish to share our deepest gratitude with all those who made this event possible, including the incredible artists, the organizers (Cecilie K., Kati G., Kim Baranowski, Rashmi Jaipal, Meagan Thiessen, and Crystal Sawh), and our speakers (Ambassador Bob Rae, Ambassador Olivier Maes, and Ambassador Héctor Vasconcelos).

🌍 International Migrants Day 🌍 Today, we pay tribute to the incredible contributions of millions of migrants worldwide who enrich our communities and cultures. From advancing healthcare systems 🏥 to powering economies 💼, migrants are at the heart of vibrant societies. This day also invites us to reflect on the evolving challenges of migration and how we can build a more inclusive and supportive world for all. Let's honor their resilience, celebrate their achievements, and commit to creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. 🌟 #InternationalMigrantsDay #MigrationMatters

On this International #MigrantsDay, observed each year on 18 December, ICMC celebrates the invaluable contributions of millions of migrants around the world, while highlighting the multiple, complex factors that continue to drive many millions to leave their homes in search of safety and opportunity. ICMC stands proud in our commitment to serve and protect people on the move, guided by the call of Pope Francis for us “to see, and enable others to see, that migrants and refugees do not only represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved.” Find out more https://bit.ly/4gpUZfm #MigrantsDay #StandWithRefugees #Migration

Around the world, day in and day out, young migrants are making a tangible difference to their communities. They are teachers, doctors, farmers, social works, entrepeneurs and so much more. Young migrants, as one-third of the international migrant population, are taking charge. Together, they are addressing global challenges, promoting digital technologies, training communities. Being a migrant goes beyond any one term or data point. Being a migrant is a badge of pride. Their strength, resilience, courage and leadership is one that we celebrate, this #InternationalMigrantsDay. As a community of thousands of young leaders, and youth-led organisations, MYCP will continue empower youth, shape migration & build a better, collective future together. So this #MigrantsDay, be part of that story. A story of belief, hope, community and fundamentally, change. #ThisIsMYCP. Happy International Migrants Day. Join MYCP today at bit.ly/joinmycp

On #InternationalMigrantDay, we celebrate the contributions of migrant workers and stand up for their rights! 💪🧳 The ITUC is strengthening union power to ensure migrant workers are protected, heard, and empowered worldwide. 🌟 Together, we build a fairer and more inclusive future for everyone! 🤝💼 Learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/edtEn-w6 #UnionPower #MigrantWorkers #Solidarity #WorkersRights