Pope calls for lasting solutions for migrant children

(ANSA) - Vatican City, October 13 - Pope Francis has called on the international community to find lasting solutions to the plight of migrant children and resolve the root of the issue.
    "To all I address a heartfelt appeal that long-term solutions be sought and adopted," read the pope's message for the 2017 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which the Vatican released on Thursday. "Since this is a complex phenomenon, the question of child migrants must be tackled at its source. "Wars, human rights violations, corruption, poverty, environmental imbalance and disasters, are all causes of this problem. "Children are the first to suffer, at times suffering torture and other physical violence, in addition to moral and psychological aggression, which almost always leave indelible scars. It is absolutely necessary, therefore, to deal with the causes which trigger migrations in the countries of origin.
    "This requires, as a first step, the commitment of the whole international community to eliminate the conflicts and violence that force people to flee. "Furthermore, far-sighted perspectives are called for, capable of offering adequate programmes for areas struck by the worst injustice and instability, in order that access to authentic development can be guaranteed for all. "This development should promote the good of boys and girls, who are humanity's hope". Francis focused especially on the plight of unaccompanied migrant children.
    "I feel compelled to draw attention to the reality of child migrants, especially the ones who are alone," the message read. "In doing so I ask everyone to take care of the young, who in a threefold way are defenceless: they are children, they are foreigners, and they have no means to protect themselves. "I ask everyone to help those who, for various reasons, are forced to live far from their homeland and are separated from their families".