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Global Compact on Migration: Order of Malta addresses the summit in Marrakesh

164 nations approve document covering ‘safe, orderly and regular migration’

Marrakesh, 11 December 2018

Grand Chancellor addresses Global Compact on Migration, Marrakesh“Migration is a global phenomenon requiring a joint and multilateral approach,” said Albrecht Boeselager, Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, at the conference to approve the Global Compact, an agreement prepared under the auspices of the United Nations which establishes the guidelines for global migration management, politics and strategies. The 23 objectives were developed over two years of negotiation for the joint document, to which the Order of Malta contributed through its diplomatic mission to the United Nations in New York.

Unprecedented number of slaves in the world

 “With the unprecedented figure of over 40 million slaves in the world, we cannot ignore the fact that the non-management of migration strengthens the criminal networks that exploit migrants and refugees. We’re not just talking about trafficking in persons but also in organs, weapons and drugs,” continued Boeselager, referring to the efforts of the two Order of Malta ambassadors responsible the focus on human trafficking. 

The Order’s support for migrants and refugees

The Order of Malta is present in the main countries of origin, transit and arrival of migrants and refugees. In Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq, the Order develops health and social projects for refugees. Since 2008, the organisation has been present on the Italian vessels operating in the Mediterranean, providing first aid to migrants attempting the crossing on rubber dinghies and makeshift boats. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the Order also runs numerous healthcare projects. In Germany, it manages some 150 centres for migrants and refugees, offering legal, social and psychological assistance as well as courses for fostering integration.