Let us Welcome, Protect, Promote and Integrate Migrants and Refugees

On the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the 14th of January, Caritas appeals in our actions in support of people fleeing from war, persecution, natural disasters and poverty to “unite around the principals of the Church Doctrine: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate”[1].

To offer more safe and legal entry channels to destination countries for migrants and refugees (to welcome); to guarantee the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees among which are the right of education, health care and work (to protect); to ensure that there are opportunities for migrants and refugees, as well as for the communities which welcome them, to develop their potential and freely express their abilities (to promote); to stimulate the development of the culture of meeting by increasing the intercultural exchange opportunities (to integrate).

Caritas will continue on one hand to support the development of the culture of welcoming through its direct work with refugees and migrants and on the other hand through advocacy actions with the responsible institutions. We believe that we should support children, women, and men, elderly and ill people who have been forced to leave their home due to war or poverty so that they can feel the peace and safety they need to continue their life with dignity.

The lessons of humanity, which we could learn from each other, would set the foundations of a better world where love, peace and prosperity would replace the cruelty, violence and poverty.

[1] Pope Francis’s Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees – 2018.