2015-07-16 12:37:00

Governments need to find solution for migrants


Last Sunday, the Church in Kenya’s Mombasa archdiocese celebrated, “Sea Sunday.” Kenya is home to one of the major harbours in East and Central Africa - the Kilindini harbour.

Bishop Virgilio Pante, the Bishop of Maralal in Kenya who is also the Vice Chairman for the Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Sea farers at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops told the congregation in Mombasa that governments in Europe and the countries of origin of migration need to cooperate in searching for a lasting and definitive political solution to the problem of migration.

Delivering a solidarity day’s message from the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Bishop Virgilio Pante called for more resources to be committed not only for search and rescue missions of migrants but also to prevent the trafficking and exploitation of persons escaping conflict and poverty in their countries.

Bishop Pante said with the situation of war, violence and political instability in several countries, a new phenomenon of migration had emerged. Since 2014, alongside coast guards and the naval forces of Italy, Malta and the European Union, the merchant vessels transiting the Mediterranean Sea have been involved in rescuing thousands of migrants trying to reach the coasts of Italy regardless of the dangers involved. Many of these migrants have died in the Mediterranean Sea as they attempted the crossing.

The Bishop added that since time immemorial seafarers have fulfilled the obligation to rescue people in distress at sea under many conditions. “However the rescue missions of migrants at sea remain a health, safety and security risk for seafarers themselves,’’ He added.

Bishop Pante expressed the Catholic Church’s appreciation to the seafarers for their fundamental contribution to international trade. He paid tribute to the great humanitarian efforts of the crews of merchant vessels who sometimes risk their own lives during rescue operations.

Chaplains and volunteers of the Apostleship of the Sea were also singled out for their conscientious commitment in assisting those who work on various shipping vessels. The presence of chaplains on the docks was a demonstration of the compassionate and merciful face of Christ to the migrants, Bishop Pante said.

Seafarers are prone to loneliness, fatigue and sea sickness while at Sea. Last Sunday many churches all over the world came together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them.

(By Rose Achiego)

engafrica@vatiradio.va

 








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