Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Catholics have the obligation, especially during Lent, to reveal the merciful love of God, promoting works of charity among citizens, offering openness and support of immigrants and those who are suffering from difficulties. With this intention, the Committee for Justice & Peace of the Korean Bishops’ Conference has asked for increased protection, care, and human advancement for non-regular workers.
Bishop Boniface Choi, President of the Committee, said, ““Following the example of Jesus Christ who took sides with the poor, the Committee for Justice & Peace of the CBCK urges all members of our society to listen to the cry of non-regular workers and to make a common effort to solve their problems.”
The Committee especially calls for the promotion of human dignity and asks that these people be considered with a spirit of solidarity, indicating the role of government in finding legislative means to protect them in the workplace and seeing to their security. Employers should also offer just salaries and not cheat the workers out of their wage, while trade unions should not discriminate against them either. The Committee also asks that Christian employers and all Catholic institutions take the necessary measures in order to promote non-regular workers to regular workers. The Bishop reminded them that society is called to promote the common good and respect the human dignity of all, not only for pursuing efficiency and economic growth.
The non-regular workers of Korea are often immigrants, which can complicate the situation with permissions for residence and the quality of life. The Catholic Church has often expressed her worry for the living conditions of the immigrants in Korea, who often live on the edge of survival and human dignity. In the country, there are about 130 irregular immigrants, forced to hide themselves from the police and thus, live out of reach from any organised aid programs. The irregular immigrants also live in a perpetual “limbo,” which makes it impossible for their permission of residence to progress, making them liable to being sent back to their countries, depending on the needs of the job market, etc. Thus, they live in a situation of extreme instability. (PA) (Agenzia Fides; righe 28, parole 358)
