Ukraine refuses to sign UN Migration Pact
The press service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Ukraine refused to sign the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
The decision was made because of the annexation of the Crimea by Russia and the fighting in the Donbas, as a result of which there are 1.5 million internally displaced persons in Ukraine.
"The Ukrainian side is making every effort to ensure the rights and meet the needs of internally displaced persons, but there is still a lot of work ahead that requires considerable material and financial resources. Having in mind the above, Ukraine will consider joining the World Pact for safe, orderly and legal migration at another stage under favorable conditions, "- said the Foreign Ministry.
At the same time, the Foreign Ministry welcomes the development of cooperation in the field of migration and notes the important role of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in this process.
The Global Pact contains a number of directives and about 20 specific measures that, however, are not legally binding. These measures include the issuance of documents to refugees in the event of their absence, the prevention of discrimination and access to social assistance programs.
According to the UN, in 2017 the number of international migrants reached 258 million, which is 14 million more than in 2015.