Second Global Forum on Migration and Development

(November 3, 2008) Development is a key word in our meetings, but in its shadow we often see poverty. Discrimination, violence, restrictions of personal and collective freedoms, is realities that are common both to migration and poverty, said Archbishop Agostino Marchetto Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. He was speaking at the second Global Forum on Migration and development at Manila, Philippines on October 29^th. He said that both are related, among other aspects, in forming closed groups, which impede encounter and dialogue, and deprive people of mutual enrichment and exchange, integration and reciprocity, understanding and common benefit. He expressed Holy See’s appreciation for having placed on the Agenda a discussion on the relationship between international migration, development and human rights. This step is a clear recognition that respect for the human rights of migrants is essential if mankind is to benefit fully from international migration, he said. It also means that all migrants, regardless of their status, are entitled to enjoy human rights and that special attention must be given to avoid discrimination and to protect vulnerable migrants such as women, unaccompanied minors, elderly and disabled persons, he added. The prelate reminded them of the words of Pope Benedict XVI in the address he delivered to the United Nations on 18 April of this year that “ the future will be built on Human Rights". He called on the Governments to continue to create conditions where migration will never be the only option left to persons in order to find a job and a safe and dignified life. Further he said that Migrants are not only a problem, but also a gift for our societies. They help us in our work, oblige us to open our minds, economies and policies and stimulate us in the search for new models.