A United Nations pact to be signed Monday will help promote “safe, orderly and regular” migration and the sharing of best practices in addressing the global refugee crisis, says federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen.

The Global Compact for Migration, or GCM, was borne out of the escalating refugee crisis facing Europe in 2015, when more than a million migrants crossed the Mediterranean from Africa and the Middle East. It sets out a comprehensive approach to international migration that aims at collaboration between states, strengthens regular migration pathways, tackles irregular migration and protects migrants’ rights.

Although the pact is non-binding, the debate has created tension in many countries, with some like the United States and Hungary already pulling out of the negotiations. In Canada, federal Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer last week urged the Liberal government not to sign the deal, saying Canada’s immigration policies should not be dictated by an international pact.

“This agreement is not a threat to Canada or any country’s sovereignty. It’s not a threat to our ability to control the border,” Hussen told the Star in a phone interview before heading to Morocco, where he’ll sign the compact on Monday on Canada’s behalf.

“Migration is a global reality and it makes sense to have a global approach. We are hopeful all (refugee) source countries, transition countries and destination countries could benefit from this framework and work together for safe, orderly and regular migration.”

The number of international migrants worldwide has continued to grow and was estimated at 258 million in 2017, representing a 49 per cent increase compared to 2000. Among them, 68.5 million people have been forced from their homes, including 25.4 million refugees who fled their country.

The GCM will be the first global agreement designed to better manage international migration in all its dimensions, for the benefit of all states and communities, and with the rights of all migrants at the fore, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“It reflects the shared understanding by governments that cross-border migration is, by its very nature, an international phenomenon and that effective management of this global reality requires international co-operation to enhance its positive impact for all,” Haq said in a statement.

“This comprehensive framework comprises a range of objectives, actions and avenues for implementation, followup and review, all aimed at facilitating safe, orderly and regular migration, while reducing the incidence and impact of irregular migration.”

Canada has been actively engaged in the development of the agreement with Louise Arbour, a former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, being appointed the UN special representative for international migration and leading the global effort to work with member states and other stakeholders to iron out the deal.

Calling the compact a “important milestone” in global migration co-ordination, Hussen said the majority of the almost 200 action items in the pact reflect Canadian practices and are aligned with the compact’s objectives and commitments.

“Comprehensive national migration systems can help drive innovation, economic growth, and social stability,” said Hussen. “This compact is not only an effective way to address the challenges that migration can bring, but is also an opportunity for nations to harness the contributions of newcomers and to ensure their successful integration into new countries.”

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