U.S. Bishops’ Chairmen Express Disappointment with U.S. Government Withdrawal from UN’s Process to Develop a Global Compact on Migration

WASHINGTON—ArchbishopTimothy Broglio, Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peaceof the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Joe S.Vásquez, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, expressed disappointmentafter the Trump Administration announced on Saturday, December 2, 2017, thatthe U.S. government is withdrawing from the process of the United Nations (UN)to develop a Global Compact on Migration. Thatprocess was begun when the UN General Assembly ratified the New YorkDeclaration forRefugees and Migrants on September 19, 2016.

"Catholicsocial teaching on migration recognizes and respects the sovereignty of eachnation, indeed each nation's right and responsibility, to ultimately decide howit will regulate migration into its territory," explained Bishop Vásquez. "TheChurch has long articulated that it is the obligation of nations to assurehuman rights for all migrants and special protections for vulnerable migrants,such as refugees, forced migrants, victims of human trafficking, and women andchildren at risk. Pope Francis has described such obligations as part ofbuilding 'global solidarity' on behalf of migrants and refugees. In fact, theBishops continue to promote the international campaign initiated by PopeFrancis, Share the Journey, as a sign of solidarity with our immigrant brothersand sisters."

"Witha growing global concern about protracted forced migration situations, the UNprocess provides an opportunity for the United States to help buildinternational cooperation that respects such rights and protections on behalfof those seeking safety and security for their families. Participation in that process allows the USto draw on our experience and influence the compact," said ArchbishopBroglio. "Therefore, the USCCB encourages the Administration to reconsiderits decision to withdraw from this process."  

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,USCCB, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Committee on International Justice and Peace,Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Committee on Migration, United Nations, New YorkDeclaration for Refugees and Migrants, human rights, human trafficking, women,children, Pope Francis, migrants, refugees, safety, security.

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