Positive Signs, Persistent Shortfalls: Reflections on the Second International Migration Review Forum

The Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) took place in May 2026 against a backdrop of increasing political polarisation, anti-migrant rhetoric and growing pressure on international cooperation and human rights. As the primary intergovernmental global platform for reviewing the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), the Forum provided an important opportunity for UN Member States and other stakeholders to assess progress and identify remaining challenges in migration governance.

Despite this difficult political context, the adoption of a new Progress Declaration by consensus represented an important affirmation of multilateral cooperation. The Forum also saw significant engagement from States, including a record 95 voluntary national reviews and more than 180 new pledges towards GCM implementation. However, important gaps remain between international commitments and the realities faced by migrants, particularly regarding the protection of their human rights.

The new publication, “Positive Signs, Persistent Shortfalls: Reflections and Brief Human Rights Analysis of the Second International Migration Review Forum”, authored by Kate Sheill and Lucy Richardson and published by the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Geneva Office, examines the outcomes of the Forum through a human rights lens. It highlights both positive developments and shortcomings in the 2026 Progress Declaration, including issues related to non-discrimination, child immigration detention, labour rights, access to services, climate-related mobility and the meaningful participation of migrants in migration policymaking.

Looking ahead to the next IMRF in 2030, the publication puts forward recommendations for strengthening rights-based migration governance and translating international commitments into concrete action. It emphasises the need for more ambitious implementation of the GCM, stronger accountability and meaningful engagement of civil society, migrants and migrant-led organisations at all levels.

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