Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government which countries have so far approved the UNHCR's Global Compact on Refugees; and what steps they are taking to encourage countries to do so.

The Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) was agreed ("affirmed") on 17 Dec 2018 by UN General Assembly vote. Of the 193-member assembly, the compact was carried 181-2, with only a small number of abstentions. Whilst it is legally non-binding on Member States, the Compact represents an opportunity to strengthen international coordination and cooperation with refugees and the countries that host them.

The UK remains committed to supporting refugees and enabling a longer term, more holistic approach to refugee assistance and protection that restores dignity and offers refugees a viable future. This includes regularly engaging with other States on a wide range of issues, including on engagement in the GCR. The next Global Refugee Forum will take place in December 2023.