Pope Francis called for an
end to racism against migrants in a message to a conference
being held in Mexico.
The Argentine pontiff also demanded greater protection for
unaccompanied children who are migrating north to the United
States from Central America and Mexico in increasing numbers.
"Many people forced to emigrate suffer, and often, die
tragically; many of their rights are violated, they are obliged
to separate from their families and, unfortunately, continue to
be the subject of racist and xenophobic attitudes," read the
message to the Mexico/Holy See Colloquium on Migration and
Development.
"Faced with this situation, I repeat what I have affirmed
in this year's Message for the World Day of Migrants and
Refugees: 'A change of attitude towards migrants and refugees is
needed on the part of everyone, moving away from attitudes of
defensiveness and fear, indifference and marginalization - all
typical of a throwaway culture - towards attitudes based on a
culture of encounter, the only culture capable of building a
better, more just and fraternal world'.
"I would also like to draw attention to the tens of
thousands of children who migrate alone, unaccompanied, to
escape poverty and violence. This is a category of migrants from
Central America and Mexico itself who cross the border with the
United States under extreme conditions and in pursuit of a hope
that in most cases turns out to be vain.
"They are increasing day by day.
"This humanitarian emergency requires, as a first urgent
measure, these children be welcomed and protected.
"These measures, however, will not be sufficient, unless
they are accompanied by policies that inform people about the
dangers of such a journey and, above all, that promote
development in their countries of origin.
"Finally, this challenge demands the attention of the
entire international community so that new forms of legal and
secure migration may be adopted".
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