Brazil to withdraw from Global Compact for Migration

Ambassador Ernesto Araújo, tapped as Brazil’s foreign minister, wrote on social media that the government of President-Elect Jair Bolsonaro will withdraw from the Global Compact for Migration. In Araújo’s view, immigration should be tackled according to “the reality and sovereignty of each country.”

“The Bolsonaro administration will dissociate itself from the Global Compact for Migration being launched in Marrakesh—an inadequate tool to deal with the problem. Immigration should not be treated as a global issue, but rather according to the reality and sovereignty of each country,” Brazil’s future chancellor posted on his Twitter page on Monday (Dec. 10).

The United Nations (UN) Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was approved by representatives from over 150 countries at the UN inter-governmental conference in Morocco, also on Monday.

In his address at the conference, UN António Guterres stressed “the sovereign right of the states to determine their migration policies and prerogatives to control migration within their jurisdiction, in compliance with international law.”

Compatible rules

Also on Twitter, Araújo talked about how the Brazilian government plans to tackle migration waves: “Brazil will seek rules compatible with its reality and the well-being of Brazilians and foreigners. As for Venezuelans escaping from the regime [of Venezuelan President Nicolás] Maduro, we’ll continue to shelter them, but working for the restoration of Venezuelan democracy is crucial.”

The ambassador added that immigrants are welcome in Brazil and will not be discriminated against.

“Immigration is welcome, but it shouldn’t be indiscriminate. There must be criteria to ensure safety for both migrants and citizens in the target country. Immigration must come at the service of national interests and the cohesion of each society.”