UN chief seeks to promote global migration pact amid objections

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres sought to promote a global pact on migrant flows at a UN conference in Morocco on Monday, saying developed countries needed more migration due to their declining birth rates and aging populations. 

He was speaking at the start of the conference in Marrakesh where UN states are due on Monday adopt the so-called Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

In July, all 193 UN members except the United States finalized the non-binding pact. But since then, the text has come under fire from right-wing European politicians who say it could lead to an increase in migration.

At least six European Union members - mostly in Eastern Europe - have shunned the accord. On Sunday Chile was the latest country to pull out, while Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel saw the biggest party in his coalition quit in a...