CLAMOR: new faith-based network cares for migrants in Latin America

(Vatican Radio)  In a clear sign of support and in response to Pope Francis’ call to care for and welcome forced migrants, displaced persons, victims of trafficking and refugees, the Latin American bishops are promoting a newa faith-based network for migrants in need.  

Known as CLAMOR (Latin American and Caribbean Migration Network, Shelter and Human Trafficking), the network brings together a large number of organizations that deal with human mobility and that shelter and give assistance to trafficked persons.

A meeting organized by the Latin American Episcopal Conference (CELAM) at the end of March provided the occasion to consolidate and bring together various proposals.

It resulted in the establishment of the CLAMOR Network that is described as a “field hospital” where “migrants, displaced persons, refugee and victims of human trafficking find welcome, protection and healing of their wounds, recognition of their dignity and promotion, integration and insertion in the communities and countries to which they arrive”.

The meeting included a working day on the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic where participants visited a missionary center for migrants and displaced persons living in shelters or bateyes in the area of Guayubin.

Amongst the organizations participating in the network the International Scalabrini Migration Network, the Jesuit Refugee Service, Caritas, the General Secretariat of the Latin American Council of Religious, Solidarity Network for Migrants and Refugees of Brazil, the Department of Human Mobility of the Episcopal Conferences of the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala and Haiti.