(Moises Castillo/Associated Press)UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly endorsed a sweeping accord to ensure safe and orderly migration Wednesday over opposition from five countries, including the United States and Hungary. The Global Compact for Migration, the first international document dealing with the issue, is not legally binding. The General Assembly resolution endorsing the compact was approved by a vote of 152-5, with Israel, the Czech Republic and Poland also voting “no” and 12 countries abstaining. Supporters counter that the compact is non-binding and every country remains sovereign and in charge of its borders and migration policy. The 34-page compact addresses all aspects of migration — why people leave their home countries, how to protect them, integrate them and cooperate in returning them home safely.

Source: Washington Post December 20, 2018 02:15 UTC