The Global Compact for a Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration: Strengths and Weaknesses of a Soft Law instrument
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24215/2618303Xe055Keywords:
migratory governance, soft law, migrations, follow-up mechanismAbstract
The 2016 New York Declaration and, later on, the Global Compact for a Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration from 2018 constitute a cornerstone in the regulation or governance of migratory flows. The latter has been proclaimed a non-binding instrument and, as a result, soft law; however, this type of law is no stranger to the rest of the legal system. Even though no obligations may be created by soft law which are legally binding to the States, it does give rise to several interesting interactions tackled in this article. We look at its possible interpretations and the possibility to be combined with (a few) other international provisions governing migration. A brief analysis of its very own follow-up mechanism is also included here, so as to frame the Compact in international migratory regulations and so as to shed light on its legal capabilities. Soft law being an increasingly common mechanism when facing global challenges, it is necessary to analyze it together with all other provisions from the legal system as well as to look into its potential when it comes to fulfilling its purpose via follow-up mechanisms differing from the traditional sanction method applied by hard law.
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