“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.
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?
Swiss federal office sees no reason to end deportations of asylum-seekers to Croatia
This content was published on
Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) continues to deport asylum-seekers to Croatia. It thus rejects a demand from the Swiss Refugee Council in mid-February, which called for a halt to the returns.
ChatGPT responds to negative emotions and therapy, research shows
This content was published on
Stressful information can also cause anxiety in artificial intelligence (AI). As scientists in Zurich have shown, it's even possible to calm the GPT-4 AI model with mindfulness exercises.
Mortgage benchmark fall paves way for potential rent cuts in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland’s national benchmark for mortgage costs dropped to the level it had before the global inflation surge, paving the way for potential rent reductions.
Switzerland ‘deeply concerned’ by Trump’s death penalty order
This content was published on
Switzerland has told the UN Human Rights Council that it is "deeply concerned" by US President Donald Trump's recent executive order to strengthen capital punishment at federal and state level.
Blatter, Platini return to court for new fraud trial over CHF2 million FIFA payment
This content was published on
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and former UEFA President Michel Platini appeared in court in Switzerland on Monday accused of fraud - 2.5 years after they were cleared.
Israel criticises Swiss decision to host Middle East conference in Geneva on Friday
This content was published on
Israel has condemned Switzerland for planning to host a meeting on international humanitarian law in the Middle East next Friday in Geneva.
Centre Party’s Franziska Biner elected to Valais government
This content was published on
Voters in canton Valais in southern Switzerland elected Franziska Biner to the cantonal government in the first round of voting, beating off more established politicians.
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.