Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Asmara (Agenzia Fides) - "There is no need to emigrate if one lives in a decent Country" say the Bishops of Eritrea in a 36 page pastoral letter, written on the occasion of the anniversary of the independence of the Country, with the title "Where is your brother?". According to information sent to Fides Agency, recalling the tragedy of Lampedusa on October 3, 2013, where about 400 mostly Eritreans migrants died in the overthrow of a boat (see Fides 04/10/2013), the Bishops denounce: "instead of finding solutions to prevent such tragedies from happening again, the situation has worsened".
"One should encourage those who live in the diaspora to return .... it is useless to ask why our youth flees abroad". The Bishops list the major problems Eritreans face, in first place the fragmentation of families, whose members are dispersed due to long military service, or because they are locked up in jail or rehabilitation centers. As a result older people are left on their own. "All of this creates a desolated and grief-stricken Country" denounces the pastoral letter.
The Bishops highlight that poor education system, lack of prospects, poor economy motivate young people to search for a better life. The Bishops finally launch an appeal for the respect of human rights of prisoners, "the people arrested must be treated humanely, and must be judged by a court". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/06/2014)
