AMERICA/ARGENTINA - Immigration Pastoral Ministry against human trafficking: “We cannot remain silent before the suffering of so many who are subject to this inhumane slave-like treatment, which is an extreme violation of human rights.”

Thursday, 10 July 2008

Mendoza (Agenzia Fides) - “We cannot remain silent before the suffering of so many of these, our brothers and sisters – especially women and children- who are subject to this inhumane slave-like treatment, which is an extreme violation of human rights...” These are words taken from the final statement “I have seen my people’s pain,” which was issued at the close of the National Meeting for Delegates of Diocesan Pastoral Ministry for Immigrants, held in Mendoza (Argentina) on July 4-6. The initiative, which was promoted by the Argentina Catholic Commission Foundation for Migration (FCCAM), whose main objective was to facilitate an exchange of analysis and experiences among the various dioceses on pastoral and social care of migrants and refugees, placed “the treatment and trafficking of human beings” as the theme of the meeting. The event was attended by some 50 delegates from all over the country, as well as pastoral leaders from Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru. Also in attendance were Bishop Rubén Oscar Frassia of Avellaneda-Lanús, President of the Bishops’ Committee for Migration and Tourism, and Bishop Juan Carlos Romanin of Rio Gallegos, member of the same committee, and Father Sante Cervellin, Secretary General.
In the statement, it is clear that although the issue of trafficking is difficult and complex, and therefore not an easy one to tackle, “for the Church it is a challenge that we should continue to face up to.” They also mention that each person should be committed to this task of “supporting all the initiatives and decisions that contribute to the prevention of this plight.” Thus, they ask that all persons of good will may “denounce these events, assist the victims in their recuperation from the pain they have suffered and in protecting and defending their dignity and integrity.”
As well, as ministers in Pastoral Ministry for Immigrants, they cannot help but mention “the recent events happening in various European countries against immigrants, among which a large number of Latin American citizens have been implied.” They also stress the importance of “respect for persons and their rights, which do not depend on nationality nor on exclusive work-related quotas, but rather on their human dignity as children of God.”
They conclude their Message by assuring the faithful of their “closeness and prayers for the victims who suffer from the crime of human trafficking as well as marginalized and rejected immigrants.” They also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to help all people to see themselves as citizens of a world without borders. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/07/2008)


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