In a twenty-first century marked by international migratory flows, the role of local authorities has become more important than ever in order to ensure social cohesion and access to fundamental rights. As meeting point for debates on social inclusion and human rights, our Committee facilitates knowledge exchange between local governments on migrations and diversity. At a global level, local authorities have also been able engage in international debates on the global governance of migration.

Despite its transnational nature, international migration flows have a direct impact at the local level. Migration poses new challenges in guaranteeing local social cohesion and opportunities for all. Indeed, many migrants still see their full right to the city deprived. It is because municipalities are the closest level of government to the needs and aspirations of people, that they can actively contribute to enhancing social inclusion, access to human rights and counter racism by reinforcing positive messages around migration and diversity.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

WHAT WE DO

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Organizing meetings of local governments and supporting advocacy campaigns

After UCLG’s launch of a Wave of Action on migration, local governments decided to take a more active role in global debates on this subject. Working in partnership with UCLG's World Secretariat, our Committee fostered local government participation in the “Cities for Migration” campaign. At present, our Committee supports local government debates on migration and the participation of local authorities in the UCLG Policy Council on the Right to the City.

• Advocacy campaign "Cities for Migration"
• UCLG Community of Practice on Migration
• UCLG Policy Council on the Right to the City

Promoting city-to-city learning and knowledge sharing

Local governments of our Committee have participated in learning events on issues such as social inclusion, participatory democracy or intercultural and interreligious dialogue. At present, the MC2CM project presents local authorities in the Euro-Mediterranean region with an opportunity to share their experience on migration. In parallel, our Committee continues to showcase city practices on this subject and facilitates knowledge sharing through various tools.

• Migration City-to-City in the Mediterranean (MC2CM)
• Local governments, social cohesion and intercultural dialogue