KSCM, SPD Fail To Push Debate Of UN Migration Compact

Prague, Sept 13 (CTK) – The Czech opposition Communists (KSCM) and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) have failed to push through a proposal that the Chamber of Deputies discuss the UN Global Compact for Migration at its current session.

 

KSCM deputy Zdenek Ondracek wanted the debate to show the cabinet’s position on the compact, while SPD leader Tomio Okamura wanted the Chamber of Deputies to take a position on it.

 

The global compact was approved by more than 190 UN member countries in mid-July. The goal of the deal, which is not binding on the signatories, is to support safe, controlled and legal migration and curb people-smuggling and trafficking.

 

At the time, the Czech Foreign Ministry emphasised that the document was not binding and that individual countries would take a position on it at a conference due in December.

 

Ondracek said the migration compact and a compact on refugees are on the agenda of the UN General Assembly session later this month, in which Interior and Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Hamacek (Social Democrats, CSSD) will represent Prague.

 

That is why Ondracek wanted the Czech cabinet to inform the lower house of parliament about its position on the two compacts.

 

In a sharper comment on the migration compact, Okamura said he wants the Chamber of Deputies to say in a resolution that the compact is at odds with the fundamental interests of Czechia and the Czech nation.

 

“Our government has failed to discuss these serious issues with us,” Okamura said.

 

However, neither he nor Ondracek found enough deputies’ votes to have the proposed debate included in the session agenda.

 

Last year, the negotiations about the global migration compact were left by the USA, which argues that the deal is incompatible with its own migrant policy.

 

In late July, the procedure of withdrawal from the talks was announced by Budapest, which said the compact went counter to Hungary’s security interests.

 

The goal of the Global pact for safe, controlled and legal migration is to ascertain why people migrate and define ways to protect migrants and integrate them in the EU, to enable their return home and solve other issues. It defines migration as a fundamental human right.