The Global Compact on Refugees and Its Impact: The Case of the U.S.

• In Event: Perspectives on Political Science Challenges Lightning Round

Abstract

The new protection needs for refugees make international cooperation more urgent today than in the post-war periods. Based on the UNHCR, there are 35 million refugees worldwide, of which 8 out of 10 are in low and/or middle-income countries. These countries themselves are experiencing economic and development challenges. The above shows the need for more countries to join the protection efforts, since currently of the 193 UN member States, only 25% host refugees within their territories.
In 2018, the members of the UN expressed their political will for the protection of refugees through the "Global Compact on Refugees" (GCR). The pact seeks to ease pressures on host countries, improve refugee self-reliance, expand solutions in third countries and support conditions in the country of origin. One of the parties of the GCR is the United States, a country with a long tradition in terms of admission and resettlement of refugees.
How committed is the United States to join the efforts of an instrument resulting from a declaration from which it withdrew and from a resolution that it did not support? The US must continue to lead by example and contribute to the spirit of openness and protection of the most vulnerable. In the words of Human Rights First, when the United States falters on its commitment, refugees worldwide suffer and, when it fails to meet the standards, it has set for itself, it also fails to meet the standard it has set for the rest of the world.

Author

• Mary Carmen Peloche Barrera, Tecnológico de Monterrey