The process of adopting the Global Compact for Migration. Actors, plots and repercussions in South America

Abstract

The article aims to analyse the positions, tensions and strategies of the different blocks and actors during the design, debate and finally adoption of the «Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration» in December 2018. Based on the documentary analysis of the reports and documents produced throughout the debate, the main tensions that emerged between the different blocks are studied, including the difference between regular and irregular migration, the use of distinctive categories of migrant and refugee, and the detention of migrants as the main instrument of control and criminalization. These issues highlight the different paradigms and conceptions of international migration between countries. The article focuses, particularly, on the role of civil society in the Latin American Bloc and its human rights perspective within the debate. Finally, a year after its implementation, some brief reflections are presented on the scarce repercussion of the instrument in South America.