In a recent development, Austria voiced its decision not to endorse the Global Compact on Migration. Their refusal was driven by the perception of the initiative’s favoritism towards immigration, viewing it as a potential threat to Austria’s national security.
Background of the Situation
The issue traces back to September 2016 when Europe was grappling with a significant migration influx from Africa and West Asia. To manage this crisis effectively, all 193 member nations of the United Nations adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. This adoption was aimed at adopting a comprehensive approach to ensure better cooperation in managing human mobility at a global level and led to the formulation of a global compact in 2018. However, the US withdrew from the negotiations on the compact in December 2017. The US decision was based on its belief that the compact provisions contradicted its immigration and refugee policies.
Introduction to the Global Compact for Migration (GCM)
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) is a landmark agreement. It is the first-ever intergovernmental agreement negotiated to cover every aspect of international migration comprehensively and holistically. The compact was finalized under the auspices of the United Nations on July 13, 2018, with plans for formal approval at a meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, scheduled on December 11-12, 2018. The compact outlines 23 objectives designed to enhance cooperation in migration management. These objectives encompass numerous actions, including technical matters such as ensuring the portability of earnings for migrant workers and minimizing the detention of migrants. It’s crucial to note that the global compact is not legally binding.
Motivation behind the Global Compact for Migration
The UN approximates a vast total of over 258 million migrants living outside their birth countries. This count is projected to increase due to growing populations, enhanced connectivity and trade, increasing inequality, and climate change impacts. Migration presents immense opportunities and advantages for the migrants, host communities, and origin communities. However, poorly regulated migration can pose significant challenges. These challenges range from straining social infrastructures through unforeseen arrivals of large migrant groups to endangering the lives of migrants undertaking perilous journeys. The global compact is seen as a pivotal opportunity to improve migration governance, tackle the issues associated with current migration, and augment the contribution of migrants and migration towards sustainable development.
Quick Facts about Global Compact for Migration (GCM)
| Date of Finalization | Number of Objectives | Legal Binding |
|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2018 | 23 | No |
Austria’s Stand on GCM
The Austrian government voiced its concerns regarding the GCM, stating that the compact’s pro-immigration approach could endanger Austria’s national security. This stance led them to announce their decision not to sign the Global Compact on Migration.
