Next Sunday, the 14th of January 2018, is the World Day of Prayer for the Migrants, which articulates around these 4 action verbs : to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate.
https://youtu.be/DSe56EqRCEI
“Migrations in their various forms are not a new phenomenon in human history. They have left their mark on every age, bringing about the encounter of different cultures and giving rise to new civilizations. Unfortunately, in many cases people are forced to move: by conflict, natural disasters, persecution, climate change, violence, extreme poverty and inhumane living conditions. Our shared response can be expressed by four action verbs: // to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate.
To welcome.
A responsible and dignified welcome of our brothers and sisters // begins by offering them decent and appropriate shelter.
To protect.
We are speaking about millions of migrant workers – especially men and women in irregular situations; millions of asylum seekers and displaced persons; and millions of victims of human trafficking. Defending their inalienable rights, ensuring their fundamental freedoms and respecting their dignity are duties which compel one and all.
To promote.
Protecting migrants, refugees and displaced persons is not enough. What is required is the promotion of their integral human development. Responsibility for the full human promotion of migrants and their families begins with their home communities. That is where such promotion should be guaranteed, along with the right to choose to emigrate and also the right not to be forced to emigrate.
To integrate.
Integration, unlike assimilation or incorporation, is a two-way process, rooted essentially in the mutual recognition of each other’s cultural richness.
I believe that taking action in these four ways, as individuals and in groups, is our duty today.
And so the Global Compacts must be inspired by compassion, foresight and courage!
Pope Francis
See also : https://migrants-refugees.va/