Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Geneva (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy See has joined the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as a Member State. The Vatican's request was accepted by the States which are part of the international body, during the 100th plenary session held from 5 to 7 December in Geneva. Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, in his speech, sent to Agenzia Fides, expressed gratitude for the decision and stressed that "around the globe, the movement of people who are looking for work or survival from famine, conflicts and the violation of their basic human rights continues to increase. Thus, the responsibility of the international community to respond in an effective and human way becomes more evident and more urgent". Through its membership in the Organization the Holy See intends to support the great service rendered by the IOM in its 60 years of life to the displaced, in collaboration with States and civil society organizations, "in accord with its specific nature, principles and norms".
Mgr. Tomasi also highlighted three points which the Holy See intends to give its contribution. Firstly the importance of the ethical dimension of population movement: "When the dignity of the human person and the right to life is at stake, these values should take priority. In this difficult area of reflection and of balancing of rights, this Delegation will try to contribute its part". The Archbishop therefore said that Catholic organizations and Caritas, present in many countries worldwide, have gained invaluable experience in providing concrete assistance to the displaced people, that has enabled thousands of families and individuals to start a new life, "for this reason, operational collaboration appears an important and even necessary way to facilitate the convergence of all available energies to order to help the uprooted people of all kinds through joint or delegated programs and through regular sharing of information". Finally, a third observation, Archbishop Tomasi highlighted that the help Catholic organizations give to all uprooted people "is based in the belief of the unique dignity and common belonging to the same family of every human person, that is antecedent older to any cultural, religious, social, political or other consideration ... Thus it seems only right that public authorities acknowledge this contribution and, in a genuine sense of democracy, make room for conscience-based service that, in turn, becomes a guarantee of freedom for everyone". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 06/12/2011)
