Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogotà (Agenzia Fides) – The phenomena of emigration and immigration, the “feminization” of migration, massive deportations, migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons, are rising considerably in the geographical area of Latin America, due to globalization, the crisis of the free market and the world economy. It is also worth considering the recent phenomenon of the arrival of refugees seeking asylum or immigrants from Africa and Asia, as well as forced migration due to ecological disasters, and in the meantime “return” migration rises. This, in a nutshell, is the picture of migration in Latin America and in the Caribbean which can be drawn from the conclusions of the Latin-American Continental Meeting for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees, which took place in Bogotá (Colombia) from 17 to 20 November, organized by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People in collaboration with the CELAM (Latin American Episcopal Council) Section for Human Mobility (see Fides 20/11/2010).
In the final document, sent to Fides, it is noted that the meeting's theme was “Towards better pastoral care for economic and forced migration in Latin America and the Caribbean”, and was attended by 68 delegates (Bishops, priests, religious and laity), representing 19 countries and within the U.S. and CELAM.
In the final recommendations, the Christian community is invited to support the establishment of migrant organizations, so that they can make their contribution to society. It is especially important in border areas to strengthen organizations so as to form solid bridges in support of migrants and those who are forced to leave their homes, particularly those who are deported or expelled.
It is also recommended to those who work in this area, to learn to listen to the voices of migrants and displaced people, giving them the opportunity to express themselves and restoring their human dignity and helping them to complete their formation in the life of faith and professionally, and in learning the language of their new country. Respect for the rights of migrant workers is very important, as is to strengthen their integration within the organizational structures of existing workers.”
The Episcopal Conferences urged effective cooperation and exchange, while the Latin American Bishops invited people to make pastoral care visits to the communities of their countrymen who are abroad, and to make their closeness felt through pastoral letters to be sent out at Christmas, Easter and the more meaningful holidays.
In countries of origin it is necessary to establish formation programs to raise awareness among potential migrants about the risks and dangers of people trafficking, especially women and children, as well as information through the regular channels about migration and family reunification, working to ensure the most just laws are proposed that encourage the free movement of people. The awareness of reality of human migration, however, must be fostered and promoted in all sectors of society.
Finally, the document urges States to adopt international instruments for the protection of the rights of all migrants and their families, refugees and displaced persons, while CELAM is invited to write a pastoral letter on the phenomenon addressed to the Bishops and faithful of the continent, indicating some possible pastoral responses, and to develop a strategic plan for regional-continental action, with the aim of promoting better coordination between the Bishops' Conferences of the northern and southern hemispheres to confront the challenges posed by migration. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 09/12/2010)
