CHARTER SWISS CIVIL SOCIETY PLATFORM OF THE ON MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Transcription

1 CHARTER OF THE SWISS CIVIL SOCIETY PLATFORM ON MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT The Charter of the mdplatform defines mission, structures and procedures, as well as guiding principles for collaboration among and with members. mdplatform.ch, Bollwerk 35, 3011 Bern / October 2015/ Revised Feb 2018

2 Content 1 Preamble Achievements (Phase I ) Mission (Phase II ) Structures and Procedures Membership General Assembly Core Group Strategic Partner Organisations Secretariat (Mdplatform Coordination) Project Steering Board Guiding Principles Guiding principles for membership, nominations and elections Guiding principles for collaboration Project agreements and collaboration agreements Guiding principles for communication /9

3 1 Preamble 2018 Between 2006 and 2014 the international community build a common understanding of the interlinkages between migration and development and of the necessary conditions for migration to contribute to sustainable development. The Global Forum on Migration and Development allowed specific follow up discussions. By 2015 the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030 (explicitly integrated this interlinkage, recognized the positive contribution of migration to development and, within this perspective, the need to promote safe, orderly and regular migration and better protect migrants rights. However, by 2016 many states worried on an increase of irregular migration towards their countries, resulting in hostile response towards migrants, and the adoption of restrictive policies, possibly conflicting with human rights and child rights standards. In this context, the UN identified a lack of solidarity and failure to protection the needs for migrants. The multilateral institutions and the UN challenged member states demanding shared responsibilities and addressing migration governance as a multilateral concern. The UN launched discussion with the NY Declaration in September 2016, followed by the UN Secretary General s Report Make migration work for all in 2017, followed by international negotiations on the Global Compact for Migration and the Global Refugee Compact, with its planned adoption in late The Agenda 2030, GCM and GRC frame policies and shift the narrative towards a universal understanding of migration as a requirement and integrative part of development in all countries, hence addressing migration in a holistic way required in all phases of development; requiring adequate protection of migrants at all stages. In parallel, the governance around irregular migration, including within mixed migration flows, is addressed in order to minimize the human and social costs of migration. Nevertheless, this new discourse and framework on M&D are facing a cold response by many national states, when political leaders, government representatives or parliament members present migration as a threat - threat for sovereignty, for employment, for security, for salary level, for social and cultural integrity - that requires restrictive and punishing response. An alternative narrative based on evidence - within the Global Framework of the Agenda 2030, GCM and GRC can proactively inform and influence the ongoing discussions: - Protection and development engagement in countries of origin is required and a continued necessity but cannot prevent people to migrate. - There is a need for more regular migration mechanisms allowing migrants with potential to exploit this potential to become actors for development. - Additionally, it requires mechanisms at regional level responding positively to migrant s potential as part of national development policy mechanisms. The Agenda 2030 and now the GCM and GRC form a M&D framework which shall help the mdplatform to achieve its objectives. 3/9

4 2 Achievements (Phase I ) Caritas / Helvetas established mdplatform.ch based on a mandate of the SDC GPMD in the midst of this dynamic context of global discussions and changing perceptions of migration and development. Mdplatform.ch actively participated at international level in the GFMD, where like-minded states and CSOs have advocated for and contributed to the formulation of the GCM and GRC frameworks. Mdplatform secretariat and interested members closely followed this policy shift at international level and shared it with its members, engaging them in discussions with Swiss Government Stakeholders. During Phase I, the Swiss Civil Society Platform on Migration and Development (mdplatform) provided its members with a space to discover, share and expose the different views, approaches and experiences of Swiss CSOs and concepts related to the Nexus of M&D. Phase I additionally allowed members to understand the global dialogue on migration and development and to get familiar with the concepts discussed at international level and able to take a part in the UN Global Compacts on Migration and Refugees processes. Furthermore, the diverse membership allows mdplatform to share complementary perspectives, practices and evidence on M&D. In summary, CSOs in Switzerland already have experience in the area of M&D and cover quiet a number of the dimensions/commitments contained in the global compact and the SDGs. For a detail analysis of the achievements of the platform between 2015 and 2018, please read the independent Review of Phase as well as the annual reports. All these documents are available on the platform website. 3 Mission (Phase II ) For Swiss Civil Society Organisations aiming to contribute to the implementation of a the GCM and migration dimensions of the SDGs in Switzerland, it will be critical to gain a better understanding on which actors contribute to what objectives, define ways of sharing good practices, establish mechanisms to consult/dialogue and hold each other accountable for the acheivement of these objectives - bearing in mind that the GCM shall not be dealt by states as a pick and choose buffet but a 23 course meal. Today, CSOs and other actors do already work on the 23 objectives of the GCM. But many other Swiss stakeholders working on M&D are not sufficiently familiar with the narrative of the SDGs related to migration and with the Global Compact for safe, regular and orderly Migration nor the Global Refugee Compact. Their area of work yet reflect the dichotomy of development and integration. Their narrative does not address the overlapping and universal narrative elaborated on the Nexus of Migration and Development and the Agenda 2030 at global level. The Swiss Civil Society Platform on Migration and Development (mdplatform.ch) can help shaping Swiss Migration Governance within the framework of the SDG, GCM and GRC. It requires that Swiss Civil Society Organisations influence the Parliament and Swiss Public s perception of the nexus of Migration and Development. Mdplatform.ch can therefore Enhance the buy-in of the diverse Swiss stakeholders active on M&D. The Agenda 2030 and GCM/R are adequate frameworks for policy formulation and implementation activities in the nexus of Migration and Development. Increase capacities of Swiss stakeholders by sharing experiences on project and policy practices, promote and validate innovations in the nexus of Migration and Development. Foster a more evidence-based Migration and Development discourse in Switzerland. Facts and good practice examples shall be promoted to illustrate the benefits of migration for development and propose alternatives to restrictive and punitive measurements in migration governance. 4/9

5 4 Structures and Procedures 4.1 Membership Members assure active participation, information exchange and collaboration. Precondition for membership is to agree on this charter and to work in compliance with the guiding principles. Membership is automatically renewed, but can be terminated by the member on an annual basis. In case of non-compliance with the guiding principles, the core group may suspend or revoke continued membership. Membership includes two groups: 1. Ordinary members, consisting of organisations registered in Switzerland. These members have the right to vote in the General Assembly and to be nominated for the core group. These members can participate fully in project groups and benefit fully from the mdplatform services. 2. Affiliate members, consisting of individuals or organisations not registered in Switzerland. These members can participate fully in project groups and benefit fully from the mdplatform services. However, these members cannot vote nor be nominated for core group. 4.2 General Assembly The General Assembly is the annual gathering event of the mdplatform. It assures information sharing, debating and nominates the core group. It consists of all mdplatform members being present at the annual event. No delegation of votes can be granted. Participation is open to ordinary as well as to affiliate members but the right to vote is limited to ordinary members. Representatives of SDC and other government agencies are invited to participate as guests. The General Assembly does: elect the core group according to the charter s guiding principles for membership, nominations and elections, review annually the report of the secretariat, the project reports and the work plan, adopt the mdplatform charter every three years, host a thematic meeting on a specific M&D topic. The General Assembly meets on an annual basis (see Operational Procedures ). The lead coordinator of the mdplatform secretariat (see below) normally chairs the General Assembly meetings. 4.3 Core Group The Core Group assures that the diversity of membership is reflected upon in the decision making of the secretariat. The task of the Core Group is to assure the quality and diversity of membership in mdplatform scope and activities The core group is designated or elected from individuals from the following entities: 5/9

6 2 consortium organisation representatives (appointed by Consortia Organisations) 2-3 strategic partner organisation representatives (appointed by Project Steering Board Chap / 4.6) 6 representatives from member organisations (elected ordinary members representing the General Assembly s diverse membership; Election see chapter 5.1.). The core group does: Contribute to the elaboration of the annual work plan Endorse the annual work plan and monitor regular activities of the mdplatform secretariat Decide on new topics and make propositions for members involvement in platform activities based on their respective constituencies feedback and interest. carry out other tasks as described in the operational procedures. For such undertakings a lump sum compensation is provided to core group representatives directly or to the organisation they represent. The lead coordinator of the mdplatform secretariat normally chairs the core group meetings based on a standard agenda treating the following items: annual work plan (based on a progress report by the secretariat), issues and topics proposed by individual core group members, SDC or the secretariat, representation of the Swiss mdplatform in events and associations. 4.4 Strategic Partner Organisations Strategic partner organisations appoint representatives for advising the consortia and secretariat on scope and quality of the mdplatform strategic orientation. These representatives bring a specific additional expertise necessary for the achievement of mdplatform.ch strategic objectives. In particular, they can be:. 1. Representatives of academic institutions competent and active in research on M&D, 2. Private Sector Representatives competent and active in the area of M&D 3. CSO Representatives with wide experience and engagement in the international dialogue on M&D, policy formulation at international level and access to international fora like the GFMD. Strategic representatives: advise the secretariat and other core group members specifically in their field of competence. advise and support the secretariat in the preparation of events, conferences with expertise and expert contacts facilitate contacts and expertise at strategic level to the secretariat; mobilise members out of their network and cluster to participate in mdplatform.ch activities and events. are consulted on the above issues and when needs arise by the secretariat. are consulted in the consortia s elaboration of the Project Document of new project phases. Strategic partner organisations do appoint a representative for the core group. For such undertakings, strategic partners appointed representatives are eligible for the core group lump sum compensation, with consent of their respective organisation. 6/9

7 The secretariat maintains regular exchanges with strategic representatives not able to participate in regular core group meetings. 4.5 Secretariat (Mdplatform Coordination) The mdplatform secretariat is responsible for the implementation of the project as signed by the consortia partners with SDC and for achieving its defined outcomes. It defines and implements procedures, initiates, coordinates and implements mdplatform activities. In this endeavour, the core group supports the secretariat to better respond to member s diverse needs and interests. In this endeavour, the secretariat can position the platform as an independent entity. The mdplatform secretariat consists of a part-time lead coordinator a part-time deputy coordinator and part-time support staff. The Consortia appoints secretariat staff in line with contract obligations. The coordinators do: represent the mdplatform vis-à-vis of stakeholders and third parties, invite for, prepare, chair and facilitate core group and General Assembly meetings; implement activities and projects approved in the annual work plan or its amendments maintain a web-based information and collaboration platform for members to ensure a regular flow of information on M&D issues provided by members, project groups, SDC GPMD, the mdplatform secretariat and third parties, establish a regular reporting procedure / dialogue with SDC GPMD, report to the platform structures (Steering Board, Core Group and General Assembly) on activities of mdplatform. For the mdplatform coordination, a permanent part time secretariat office and space for meetings and conferences is provided in Bern. 4.6 Project Steering Board The Steering Board consists of representatives of the contracting organisations Caritas and Helvetas Intercooperation (Consortia) and SDC GPMD. The lead coordinator of the mdplatform has an advisory seat. The leading partner of the consortium and meets chairs the Steering Board two times a year. The Steering Board does: advise the mdplatform on strategic issues and does mandate the mdplatform secretariat, approve operational procedures of the mdplatform, monitor financial expenditures and contractual obligations of the mdplatform, appoint strategic partner organisations for a 3 years project phase. decide on fixed amounts for lump sum compensations for core group representatives. 5 Guiding Principles 5.1 Guiding principles for membership, nominations and elections Becoming a member 7/9

8 Members constitute the body of the General Assembly. To become a member, applicants need to formally accept to work according to the Charter, appoint a representative and select a category that best defines the thematic sector they represent. Those categories for ordinary members are: Development Organisation, Migration Organisation, Migrant s Organisation or Other. Affiliate members, consisting of individuals or organisations not registered in Switzerland, select the category Affiliate. No membership fee is charged. Election of core group in General Assembly The core group is elected for a two years term mandate, starting Individuals can be re-nominated. The core group constitutes itself according to the Charter. Members can leave the core group on their own wish with a three months notice. Vacancies may be filled by consent in the core group, until the next General Assembly s ordinary election meeting takes place. The core group is elected by the General Assembly for a mandate of two years through the following process: The chair of the General Assembly appoints a nomination committee (2 or 4 individuals) among members that are willingly not opting for their own nomination in the core group. No later than four weeks before the General Assembly meeting, members of each category (except Affiliate ) nominate individual candidates of their respective category for the core group to the attention of the mdplatform secretariat, and the chair establishes a list of nominees. The nomination committee interviews nominated candidates and propose en globe a core group team of up to six (6) persons, consisting of dedicated, competent and collaborative individuals, representative for all categories (except Affiliate ) and being gender balanced. The General Assembly elects the core group team composed by the nomination committee en globe by consensus in a process of maximal two rounds. The second round may occur if no consent can be reached in the first round and opponents have articulated their desires to the nomination committee, which may amend the team composition. If no consensus can be found based on the amended team composition, an absolute majority vote will decide in a third round. 5.2 Guiding principles for collaboration Collaboration and communication within the mdplatform requires members interest in the nexus of migration and development, members commitment to actively engage in mdplatform activities. To further strengthen societal engagement for migration and development, the mdplatform offers as series of collaboration for members with respect to: Learning & capacity building: As mdplatform members, CSOs can work in projects, participate in learning events, conferences and debates, and benefit from opinion papers, reports, research and policy briefs etc. Information sharing: As mdplatform members, CSOs are part of community sharing information on different M&D discussions and activities of the different mdplatform members and of the international M&D civil society networks. Innovation & research: As mdplatform members, CSOs will be part of a structure that gives space for creating knowledge and innovative approaches in the M&D nexus. 8/9

9 Influence: As mdplatform members, CSOs can directly contribute to national discussions of M&D topics that also will have influence on the Swiss positions within the international dialogue (GFMD). Visibility: As mdplatform members, CSOs can show their engagement in issues of the M&D nexus in the public. By participating in project groups, representing the mdplatform in certain international debates or other activities they can further strengthen their visibility. 5.3 Project agreements and collaboration agreements Collaboration and interaction between members and with the mdplatform secretariat on projects and with respect to other services involving resources shall be specified in project or collaboration agreements. Such agreements, requiring standard administrative procedures on finance and reporting and time, shall be done in writing and be fulfilled accordingly. 5.4 Guiding principles for communication Collaboration and interaction between members and with the mdplatform secretariat on projects and with respect to other services require a mutual consent on communication principles elaborated below: Due to the heterogeneous character of the members, official contributions, meetings and minutes shall normally be in English. Decisions within mdplatform structures are transparent and documented, normally in minutes approved by participants and made available to concerned stakeholders. Any information shared or disseminated during meetings, in documents and in public, orally or in writing shall be respectful towards individuals and organisations. Any quote in the name of the mdplatform, shared or disseminated during meetings, in documents and in public, orally or in writing shall be reserved to the mdplatform secretariat and core group members. If wished by a participant, during meetings Chatham House Rule shall be applied; however participants will generally be listed in the minutes. [Definition: When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.] End of Document /9