AMERICA/BRAZIL - Local Catholic Church demands guaranteed rights for migrants

Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) – Matters related to the situation of migrants and refugees were discussed during a meeting held 14 August at the head offices of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Brazil (CNBB).
Bishop Leonardo Steiner auxiliary of Brasilia and Secretary General of the CNBB, met with the National Secretary for Justice and President of the national committee for refugees (CONARE) Beto Vasconcelos, together with the directress of the Institution of Migration and Human Rights (IMDH), sr Rosita Milesi, and executive secretary for the Human Mobility Sector of the CNBB, sr Claudine Scapini.
Themes discussed at the meeting included the necessity for progress in public policies, activities and initiatives of reception and programmes to promote the inclusion of immigrants in society. Emphasis was also laid on the need for greater protection on the part of the federal government for the rights of migrants arriving in the country. Lastly the participants discussed the approval of a new Immigration Law which should guarantee more protection for immigrants, present in Brazil in ever growing numbers.
One of the largest groups of migrants is formed of Haitians, especially following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. According to recent surveys of the period from 2010 to August 2014 an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 Haitians came to Brazil where most of them live in situations of poverty. (see Fides 13/08/2015).
(CE) (Agenzia Fides, 18/08/2015)


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