Opinions & Interviews

MFA: No changes in Belarus’ migration policy in wake of UN migration compact

MINSK, 13 December (BelTA) – Belarus’ migration policy will not change after the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is approved, Anatoly Glaz, Head of the Information and Digital Diplomacy Office, Press Secretary of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a press briefing, BelTA has learned.

The work on the document started in April 2017. Belarus supported the compact because it welcomes the efforts of the international community to elaborate a joint action on current issues on the international agenda, Anatoly Glaz said.

“We also believe that it can make a positive contribution to the resolution of issues related to massive displacement of people. In practical terms, Belarus’ migration policy will not change,” Anatoly Glaz noted.

According to him, the compact will be the first intergovernmental document to cover all aspects of migration. “The problem is pressing on a global scale, including for our country. Belarus took an active part in the negotiations to draft the document and endorsed it. The document is, in fact, a political declaration of intent and does not create new obligations for UN members. At the same time it is aimed at improving international regulation of migration processes,” Anatoly Glaz said.

The Global Compact is general in nature and does not imply the immediate adjustment of migration policies. Moreover, the document reaffirms the right of the states to determine their steps in this area.

The Global Compact for Migration was adopted at an UN international conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. It is expected to be formally endorsed at an UN General Assembly session on 19 December.

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