Order of Malta: 'Compact on
Migration success in itself'
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| A Sovereign Order of Malta doctor in the field assisting a migrant. |
The Sovereign Order of Malta has expressed its satisfaction
for the soon-to-be signed Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular
Migration.
By Linda Bordoni
Developed by the United Nations over a 2-year process, the
Compact is the first blueprint of its kind for states to work together to
govern migration respecting human rights and the rule of law.
The Order of Malta is one of the signatories of
the Compact. It has Permanent Observer Status at the UN General Assembly and it
will be in Marrakesh on 10 and 11 December to endorse the
document.
Speaking ahead of the signing ceremony, Albrecht von
Boeselager, Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, expressed his
satisfaction for the endeavor and spoke of the input the Order of Malta has
been able to contribute to the drafting of the Compact that attempts to address
all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive way.
Von Boeslager explained that thanks to its long-standing and
solid experience in assisting migrants and refugees through many different
projects across the globe, the Order of Malta was able to offer much insight
and value, and indeed participated in negotiations and procedures right from
the beginning of the drafting process.
He said that a lot of its input focused on technical points
and on highlighting the role of religion and faith-based organizations.
“Helping migrants, but also having an influence on the
decisions of migrants in their countries of origin” he said.
The Compact: an achievement in itself
Bearing in mind that the Compact is not a binding document,
Boeslager said he believes that “we must be very satisfied that it was possible
to draw-up such a Compact in negotiation with almost all countries of the
world”.
“That, he said, is a great achievement!”
Von Boeslager expressed his confidence that it will have an
effect, and pointed to the fact that in some countries they are already
starting to implement some of the measures, like negotiating resettlement
figures: “which country can take how many people.”
He said that for many the very negotiations, for example,
for the Compact have been an eye-opener.
“The issues have become much more visible for many
decision-makers” he said.
Strong and weak points
Von Boeslager said that in his opinion the strongest point
contained in the Compact is not a point, but the fact that it is a
multi-lateral Compact.
“Migration cannot be tackled by one nation alone. It’s a
world-wide phenomenon, and the fact that the UN and all participants succeeded
in having a multi-lateral compact is the strongest point” he said.
As for the weak points, von Boeslager said there are “quite
a number of points where we would have wished that would have been even more
concrete, but as further consultations are also part of the Compact, we are
confident they can also be addressed later.
“All in all I think it’s a great success” he said.
Signing ceremony
The Grand Chancellor also explained that the Signing
Ceremony is taking place in Marrakesh because Morocco has been one of the
drivers and leading countries in the endeavor.
He said the meeting on 10 and 11 December is a formal
gathering where the Compact will be confirmed by participating countries. He
added that it also foresees a couple of consultations, including assessments on
how the implementation will be done and the way forward.
The role of Pope Francis
Pope Francis has repeated called on all men and women of
goodwill to “welcome, protect, promote and integrate” migrants. The Section for
Migrants and Refugees that he heads at the Vatican Dicastery for Integral Human
Development, has contributed its experience and voice to the process and the
blueprint.
Von Boeslager said the Pope’s concern for the issue comes
across loud and clear: “Nobody can ignore his voice. Pope Francis is one of the
very few, if not the one remaining moral authority in the world”.
“I think people listen to his voice, he concluded, whether
they then follow it is another question, but I am sure he is heard!”
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