U.N. members adopt Global Compact on Refugees

• An overwhelming majority of the U.N. member states voted in favour of the Global Compact on Refugees, affirming international solidarity and cooperation for refugee protection and host community development.
• “After two years of extensive consultations led by the UNHCR (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) with member states, international organisations, refugees, civil society, the private business sector and experts, this new global deal will provide more robust support for the countries where most refugees live,” said a press release.
• “It will also strengthen the shared responsibility to aid those who are forced to flee by conflict or persecution,” it added.IANS

What is the Global Compact on Refugees about?

• The term ‘refugee’ has been used to describe the millions of people worldwide that are either fleeing conflict or seeking better living conditions.
• Based on the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, adopted by Member States in September 2016, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) was given the task of developing and proposing a Global Compact on Refugees in consultation with States and other stakeholders.
• This new international agreement aims to forge a stronger, fairer response to large refugee movements.
• The four key objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees are to ease the pressures on host countries; enhance refugee self-reliance; expand access to third-country solutions; and support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity.
• Endorsed by members of the U.N. General Assembly, this agreement is expected to provide greater support for those fleeing homelands, and for the countries that take them in, which are often among the poorest in the world.

Source:TH