Madrid (Spain), 11/10/2024, Sr. Marta Elena Vélez.- These men, women, and children leave behind everything they cherish, never looking back. Clenching their fists and teeth to stifle cries of pain, they embark on this journey, driven by a single reason: the absence of opportunity. Survival is their only goal in a world where abuse and human rights violations abound.
CONFER Spain and CORREF of France, composed of various entities of consecrated life, have a long-standing commitment to meeting the needs of migrants and refugees in both countries through a comprehensive care model. Guided by the principle of subsidiarity, they work in partnership with public administrations to uphold human dignity and the common good. In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, both the Catholic Church and the consecrated persons, whether within the state reception system or outside of it, have mobilized people and resources to respond to the humanitarian crisis. This level of engagement will continue until a more comprehensive and humane reception model is implemented.
Concerns Regarding the Current Reception Model: As the number of migrants and refugees arriving in the Canary Islands grows, efforts are being made to save and protect lives through holistic reception and support systems. However, there is significant concern that the current model, promoted by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, may not adequately focus on the comprehensive care of individuals or the common good. As a result, there is a pressing need to rethink and improve this model.
- Listening to the voices of the silenced.
- Ensuring dignified reception that goes beyond basic needs.
- Overcoming institutional fragmentation.
- Promoting inter-territorial solidarity.
- Respecting protection protocols.
- Providing comprehensive protection for minors.
- Preventing re-victimization.
- Prioritizing justice and humanity.
- Proposals for Change.
More than four hundred NGOs have rejected the current governmental pact and are urging parliament to adopt fair measures that provide solutions, prevent violence at borders, facilitate asylum processes, and ensure that the regularization of immigrants.
Circles of Silence: With the Circles of Silence—a group of Dominicans, Dominican sisters, and lay Dominicans—perhaps our numbers are small, but we are here because we believe in the need for a welcoming and hospitable society, and we are making our beliefs visible. We are actively supporting the construction of a reception center for 180 people, welcoming all, regardless of where they come from.
A Call to Action for the Congregation: As a Congregation, we are united in this effort, drawing inspiration from the contributions made during the JPIC meeting on April 17, 2024. Every province’s work represents a collective cry for all migrants and refugees, urging us to strengthen reception systems that promote human dignity and shared values. In the Province of Europe, it is not only possible, but also, essential to find the best solutions to defend life. This means building a more just, welcoming society, and implementing concrete, measurable actions to make these ideals a reality.
We propose that political discourse must shift from one of fear and xenophobia to one rooted in fraternity, justice, dignity, and community. Only through a unified commitment to justice, solidarity, and humanity can we ensure a dignified reception and a hopeful future for refugees and migrants in Europe.
The number of dead and missing in the Mediterranean rises—8,690 and counting—overwhelming evidence of the tragedy unfolding. The rhythm of suffering beats steadily among them.