Holy See diplomat: promote family unity in migration policy

October 14, 2014

Addressing an international meeting on migration, the Holy See’s leading representative at UN offices in Geneva spoke of the tragic effects of family separation because of migration and called for policies that keep families together.

“Migrants very often move out of concern for the needs of their families; at times, they even risk their lives on flimsy boats or in dangerous deserts in the hope of ensuring their families a decent life,” said Archbishop Silvano Tomasi. “While migrants are a positive presence in their host societies, they face the risk that their own children and relatives remain in the shadow and deprived of their affection at home.”

He added:

The remittances sent home focus the debate on the financial benefits generated by migrants. While this money is important to improve health and education for the family members left behind, it does not quite compensate for other needs: human affection, a necessary presence to educate in values and integrity, a reference model for responsible behavior, especially for young people. The human emptiness felt when a father or mother emigrates becomes a reminder of the ambivalence of emigration and of the fundamental right to be able to stay at home in dignity.

“An urgently needed immigration reform involves the formulation of a legal framework that helps keep families together,” he continued. “The life and dignity of every human person is lived within the family. All children need their parents. Parents have the responsibility to protect and nurture their children, and yet deported parents are prevented from living out this fundamental vocation. Too many families are now torn apart. By allowing children to emigrate unaccompanied further problems arise as they are exposed to lawlessness and despair.”

 

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Further information:

• Statement of the Holy See to the U.N. in Geneva at the 2014 International Dialogue on Migration of the International Organization for Migration "Migration and Families" (Holy See Press Office)