Youth Have Same Rights as Adults, Says Prelate

(November 28, 2009) The president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travellers is decrying the plight of young immigrants who often carry the burden of supporting their families, without aid for themselves. Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglió stated this Friday, at a press conference to present Pope Benedict XVI's message for the 2010 World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The world day, which will be observed January 17, focuses on the theme, "Minor Migrants and Refugees." In the press conference, the prelate lamented the plight of young migrants, especially those who are alone and end up being repatriated to their countries. "It is known, in fact, that an unaccompanied minor cannot be repatriated, but unfortunately that right, as with many others, is not always respected," he said. "If immigrants in general are vulnerable because they find themselves in a country that is not their own and in which protection might not be guaranteed, much more so are minor immigrants, above all if they are not accompanied and, therefore, deprived of legal representatives or tutors," the archbishop added. He underlined the fact that children have the same rights as adults, and pointed out that the reasons why they leave their land are similar to those of adults: armed ethnic or religious conflicts, economic or social crises, and a lack of prospects for the future in their countries of origin. He noted that in many cases, "the parents, sometimes the entire family, put all their hope in the success of the minor who emigrates, which becomes a heavy psychological burden for the child, who does not want to disappoint them."