Austria: Protests possible amid withdrawal from UN global migration pact

Event

The Austrian government announced on Wednesday, October 31, that it would withdraw from the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, in order to preserve Austria's sovereignty regarding immigration policy. The Austrian government, led by the conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, has progressively hardened its policies regarding immigration over the past year. Protests denouncing the government's decision are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, approved in July, is an intergovernmental agreement striving to improve international collaboration and governance on migration. 

Advice

Individuals in Austria are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.