Review of chapter 1: A tale of two compacts

Introduction of Agreements: The second part of this article begins with a description of the
three main United Nations agreements – the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction
(2015-2030), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN 2015b), and Although
these agreements were not binding, they sought to tackle global problems through
international cooperation.

Shift in US Policy: This text marks a major change in geopolitical sphere, notably in the US
context. In spite of some recent United Nations accords relating to migration and refugee
matters, after being elected into office, Donald Trump’s administration took a sharp turn and
went against any pro-immigration policies.

Global Governance Challenges: It speaks about deficiencies in global governance such as

incapability of multi-lateral mechanisms to stop and settle conflicts. As a result, there was an
upsurge of populism and nationalism in Europe and North America.

Impact on Liberal World Order: During this period many of the allies that had been formed
for the establishment of liberal world order were cast aside while unilateralism was embraced
making decisions easily. The emergence of right-wing movements in European countries also
happened during this shift.

Focus on Migration and Refugee Issues: It explains how the issue of migration gained ground
in international diplomacy amidst this period of tension and chaos.

Introduction of Global Compacts: In 2015, world war ii’s refugee system which was well
established underwent strains due to the high numbers of migrants and refugees who
overwhelmed it. This reoriented response mechanisms culminating eventually into
negotiations for the Global Compacts on Refugees and Migration in 2018.

Definitions and Data: This piece of writing underlines that, definitions are most essential in
discussions concerning refugees and migrants. The data entails on migration patterns, quoting
statistics from DESA under UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Migration Trends: This data shows an increment in the number of foreign migrants in
successive years, having notable shares in Asia and Europe in particular. In addition, it
reports patterns of immigration leading to growing populations in some countries.
Refugee Trends: The number of refugees is projected to be around 25.9 million mostly from
syria, afghanistan, south sudan, myanmar, and somalia. Most of the refugees are found in
developing countries like Turkey.

Durable Solutions for Refugees: Voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement:
Traditional durable solutions for refugees face challenges.

IDPs and Displacement: Internally displaced people are highlighted, as most IDPs undergo
violence and lack international support.

Protracted Situations: However, most of them currently exist in “protracted situations” which
last a few years or decades, complicating durable solutions further.

In the end, the content talks about world-famous accords, political changes and progressing
migrants’ difficulties with relation to it.

Review of chapter 2: The international refugee regime

It offers a brief introduction into the institutional regime of refugees as it describes the
normative foundation, the history, the main participants and the problems associated with it.
Here's a review:

Normative Framework:

The 1951 Refugee Convention is the crucial building block in the construction of an
international refugee regime.
The Convention defines what a refugee is and sets out the obligations of states parties
including the principle of non-refoulement.
As the main body of UNHCR, it works to protect and assist refugees worldwide.
Regime also tackles the issue of Palestinian refugees with the exception of the special
political circumstances involved in their expulsion.
Historical Development:
The evolution of the present day international refugee regime is tracked back to the period of
the early twentieth century, following World War and the Russian revolution.
It is worth noting that the first coordinated attempt at the international level for refugees was
carried out by the League of Nations in 1920 after World War I. After World War II, the
United nations high commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was formed in 1
Following that war’s crisis of refugee displacement, the 1951 Refugee Conventions defines
what a refugee is and their rights.
With time, the programme embraced changes to accommodate fresh waves of refugees. As a
result, supplementary bilateral arrangements were made as well as regional instruments.
Actors in the Refugee Regime:

Although there are tensions between these humanitarian principles and politics interests,
UNHCR is still the main actor.
Protection policies frequently coincided with Western power politics during the Cold War.
IOM, an international agency tasked with the logistics of resettling refugees, has often co-
existed uneasily with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, particularly in situations
relating to resettling.
In this regard, international refugee regime exhibits a historical division between the nations
belonging to the northern and southern hemispheres of the world.
Challenges and Changes:

However the regime experienced difficulties within the period of cold war in which
protection operations mostly satisfied political desires.
After Cold War, UNHCR became free but its funding for not strategically important refugees
was hampered.
The situation that remained divided in the north and south has seen most of the Refugees
locate in the developing country.
Mandate of UNHCR extended for IDPS and “refugee like people”.
Additional Actors and Informal Processes:

The refugee regime is composed of various UN and international agencies, NGOs, and
regional organizations.
Formal institutions work parallel to informal processes such as the Intergovernmental
Consultations.
Evolution and Adaptation:
The international refugee regimes have grown over close to seventy years, adapting,
changing, and adding on more legal and normative frameworks.
Briefly, it is an introduction to the history and structure of the global refugee system and its
development, problems, and major players.