UN endorses Global Migration Pact News
hasekura / Pixabay
UN endorses Global Migration Pact

The UN General Assembly voted on Wednesday to endorse the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

The General Assembly’s vote tally included 152 votes in favor, 12 abstentions, and five votes against, which included the US. The US withdrew its participation from the compact last year due to inconsistencies with its own migration policies.

Previously adopted in Marrakech on December 10 by 164 Member States, this new official endorsement means the non-binding agreement now serves as the framework for a cooperative international migration policy.

According to a statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the endorsement represents:

solidarity with migrants in situations of appalling vulnerability and abuse. It underscores the need to anticipate future trends, from labour markets to the impacts of climate change. And it highlights the imperative of devising more legal pathways for migration, which would also help to crack down on trafficking and exploitation.

To address issues inherent to modern migration, the agreement lists 23 objectives to improve migration conditions and immigrant protections. This list includes minimizing the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their countries of origin, as well as empowering migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.