Pope: there is a right not to emigrate, but only solidarity among peoples can guarantee it
The pope’s message for the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees is centred on the theme "Free to choose whether to migrate or stay”. For the pontiff, today people are compelled to leave their country; to prevent it, the world must stop “the arms race, economic colonialism, the plundering of other people’s resources and the devastation of our common home.” During the presentation in the Vatican, a migrant from Bangladesh spoke about his experience.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis released his message for the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, centred on the theme "Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay", which will be celebrated in every church on every continent on Sunday, 24 September 2023.
In the message, the pontiff writes: “Joint efforts are needed by individual countries and the international community to ensure that all enjoy the right not to be forced to emigrate, in other words, the chance to live in peace and with dignity in one's own country.”
Reflecting on the shared responsibilities among countries, he notes that, “This right has yet to be codified, but it is one of fundamental importance, and its protection must be seen as a shared responsibility on the part of all States with respect to a common good that transcends national borders.
“Indeed, since the world’s resources are not unlimited, the development of the economically poorer countries depends on the capacity for sharing that we can manage to generate among all countries. Until this right is guaranteed – and here we are speaking of a long process – many people will still have to emigrate in order to seek a better life.”
Francis cites an important example. “The flight of the Holy Family into Egypt was not the result of a free decision, nor were many of the migrations that marked the history of the people of Israel. The decision to migrate should always be free, yet in many cases, even in our day, it is not. Conflicts, natural disasters, or more simply the impossibility of living a dignified and prosperous life in one’s native land is forcing millions of persons to leave.”
“Persecutions, wars, atmospheric phenomena and dire poverty are among the most visible causes of forced migrations today. Migrants flee because of poverty, fear or desperation. Eliminating these causes and thus putting an end to forced migration calls for shared commitment on the part of all, in accordance with the responsibilities of each. This commitment begins with asking what we can do, but also what we need to stop doing. We need to make every effort to halt the arms race, economic colonialism, the plundering of other people’s resources and the devastation of our common home.”
To achieve this goal, it is essential “to ensure to everyone an equal share in the common good, respect for his or her fundamental rights, and access to an integral human development.”
This task falls first and foremost on the migrants' countries of origin and their rulers, “who are called to practice a good politics – one that is transparent, honest, farsighted and at the service of all, especially those most vulnerable. At the same time, they must be empowered to do this, without finding themselves robbed of their natural and human resources and without outside interference aimed at serving the interests of a few.
“Where circumstances make possible a decision either to migrate or to stay, there is a need to ensure that the decision be well informed and carefully considered, in order to avoid great numbers of men, women and children falling victim to perilous illusions or unscrupulous traffickers.
Citing the biblical tradition, Francis explains that during the Jubilee Year, “everyone was allowed to return to their original situation, with the cancellation of all debts, restoration of the land, and an opportunity once more to enjoy the freedom proper to the members of the People of God”. Now, “As we approach the Holy Year of 2025, we do well to remember this aspect of the jubilee celebrations.”
Furthermore, the message calls on all Christians “to see in the migrant not simply a brother or sister in difficulty, but Christ himself, who knocks at our door.” Thus, “even as we work to ensure that in every case migration is the fruit of a free decision, we are called to show maximum respect for the dignity of each migrant; this entails accompanying and managing waves of migration as best we can, constructing bridges and not walls, expanding channels for a safe and regular migration.”
Finally, the pontiff writes that, “The synodal path that we have undertaken as a Church leads us to see in those who are most vulnerable – among whom are many migrants and refugees – special companions on our way, to be loved and cared for as brothers and sisters. Only by walking together will we be able to go far and reach the common goal of our journey.”
It was precisely in this spirit that Dullal Ghosh, a migrant from Bangladesh, was invited to speak at the press conference held at the Holy See Press Office, Saint Pius X Hall, in the Vatican.
In Italy for ten years, the Bangladeshi man is now a member of the Sophia cooperative, a social enterprise active in helping migrants integrate into Italian society.
"In Bangladesh,” he explained, “there are no private sector pensions, school costs money, medical costs money. As Pope Francis says, I was obliged to leave. I had no choice.”
To those who want to become migrants, Dullal’s advice is to prepare themselves. “The language is very important, so are papers, and knowing how to find work because when I came to Italy I had great difficulties.
“I used to sell handkerchiefs and lighters at traffic lights. Now I am a member of the Sophia Cooperative and in a book that has become an education project in schools. It is a bridge between Italians and migrants. I can learn from them and they too can learn from me.”
.png)
11/08/2017 20:05
12/05/2022 15:58
