“Assent to the Global Compact for Migration is in Switzerland’s interest,” said a statementExternal link published on Wednesday.
Initially the government had agreed the non-binding deal without formal consultation by parliament.
The aims set out in the pact are in line with Switzerland’s migration policy, according to the government, and would not require any action legal amendments or financial commitments.
However, parties from the political centre and the right have argued that the pact would lead to more migration, contradict Swiss law and practice as well as jeopardise Switzerland’s independence.
The so-called Global Compact provides a framework for countries with “less robust migration systems”, the government says.
More than 150 countries adopted the pact at the UN General Assembly in 2018, but Switzerland, together with 11 other nations, abstained.
More
More
UN migration pact: A hard landing for ‘soft law’
This content was published on
The uproar caused by the UN migration pact may have been political, but it also raises questions about the legitimacy of such agreements.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
The parents of the young jihadist who left for Syria to join the Islamic State have been given suspended sentences by the Federal Criminal Court.
This content was published on
Felix Lehner, Pamela Rosenkranz and Miroslav Sik have been awarded the Swiss Grand Award for Art/Prix Meret Oppenheim 2025.
Nearly 2% of new Swiss disability insurance claims involve Long Covid
This content was published on
Just under 2% of new claims submitted to the disability insurance between 2021 and 2023 concern people suffering from Long Covid.
This content was published on
The watch industry had to contend with a weakening of its exports last year, which reached a volume of CHF25.9 billion ($28.5 billion).
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Where Swiss development aid meets migration
This content was published on
Controversial and currently on hold in Switzerland, the UN Migration Pact strives to help people live in peace and follow their dreams.
Expert group recommends Switzerland sign migration pact
This content was published on
The Federal Commission on Migration has recommended that Switzerland sign a recently-drafted, controversial United Nations pact.
Landmark forum seeks ‘better answers’ to refugee response
This content was published on
The first-ever “Global Refugee Forum” opens in Geneva on Monday to identify practical solutions to improve the lives of refugees and host communities.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.