The Global Compact for Migration: patterns of contestation and critical justice assessment

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, approved in December, 2018, undoubtedly represents a step forward in the international dialogue on migration. The aim of this chapter is to go deeper into the consultation phases of the process to consider which matters were brought to the table during the six thematic sessions. We examine the discrepancies which emerged in the discussions and up until the final document was approved. A consideration of the position of the European Union (which however did not sit formally at the negotiating table) is also provided to see which instances were advanced and which ones made it into the final text. Space is also dedicated to examining how the whole process has been differently received by non-state actors from its beginning, through its development and up to its final achievements with a focus on how critical voices have nurtured the broader debate over migration and justice.