Leaders from 164 countries have agreed to a global pact that sets in action a plan to improve cooperation on international migration.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describes The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration as a roadmap that will prevent suffering and chaos for hundreds of thousands of migrants. Despite opposition and withdrawals from several nations, including the United States, the adoption was warmly received by most delegates present. General Assembly President, Maria Fernanda called it a milestone.
“The Marrakesh Compact will remain the reference for all future initiatives dealing with cross-border human mobility,’’ she said during a press conference late Monday evening.
Morocco Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, whose country is not only hosting the U.N. conference but also frequently serves as a launch point for many Africans seeking to migrate to Europe, applauded the decision and said it was the first of its kind.
“It is expected to fill the gap in this area,” Bourita said. This is a political document that reflects the volition of the international community to treat migration as a global issue.” Bourita also added he thinks the pact will push these U.N. member states, including those in Africa, to implement national policies.
“Africa needs to develop its own database, its own statistics and its explanations for the phenomenon. It is a way of fighting against all the misconceptions related to migration and Africa’’.
