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Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) has endorsed the two Global Compacts on Migration and Refugees which were formally adopted by the United Nations in Marrakech, Morocco on 10 December 2018. The Global Compact on Refugees was endorsed by members of the UN General Assembly on 17 December 2018, and the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was endorsed by members of the UN General Assembly on 19 December 2018.
“We are delighted to endorse both compacts,” CRA president Sr Monica Cavanagh RSJ said. “At this critical time, they so clearly support the human rights and dignity of all. In the face of increasing pressures of historic movements of peoples across the world, they are a clear embodiment of the call to us as an international community to co-operate and respond together in just and humane ways.”
CRA welcomed Australia’s decision to join 181 countries in support of the Global Compact on refugees, which outlines concrete steps for international cooperation in the treatment of asylum-seekers and refugees. While affirming this decision, however, religious leaders are deeply concerned about the government’s refusal to join 164 other countries and endorse the accompanying compact on migration.
“We believe that wide international support for both compacts will lead to greater justice and de-politicisation of the plight of vulnerable individuals and families compelled to leave their countries in search of safety and a new life,” Sr Monica said. “Their objectives for safe, orderly and regular migration will strengthen international co-operation and enhance good government and peace across the world.
We urge the Australian Government to join the world community and lead our country to a new vision and a new reality.”
