Category Archives: Migration & Asylum
Migration and asylum are human rights issues. Frequently, individuals and families leave their places of origin or residence seeking an improvement in their living conditions or simply fleeing violence or war.
The current scale of the phenomenon at the EU borders is worrying, as are the tragedies and deaths that result from the desperation of migrants, many of them victims of criminal activities of smugglers and traffickers. Integration of migrants and asylum seekers is also a challenge.
The COMECE Secretariat works for the rights of migrants, refugees and hosting societies to be harmonised and respected in the EU for the sake of the common good in the Christian spirit of welcoming the stranger.
COMECE is assisted in this mission by a Working Group on Migration and Asylum.
News
110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
“God walks with His people” is the theme chosen by the Holy Father for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which is held today, Sunday, September 29, 2024. The Message addresses the itinerant dimension of the Church with a particular focus on our migrant brothers and sisters, a contemporary icon of the journeying Church. It is a path to be undertaken in a … Continue reading
News
Delegation of the Mediterranean Youth Council visits COMECE, meets with EP President Metsola
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) welcomed a delegation from the Mediterranean Youth Council on Wednesday, 3 April 2024. This visit was part of the Council’s official two-day tour of the EU institutions in Brussels, which included a meeting with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. Interview with Mgr. Crociata | Video interview with Mgr. Crociata |Video interview with … Continue reading
News
“Winning the battle against human trafficking is possible!”
COMECE and the Santa Marta Group held a conference at the European Parliament on Wednesday, 14 February 2024, highlighting the positive contribution that Churches and faith-based organisation give to the fight against human trafficking, protecting victims and making perpetrators accountable. COMECE: “Human trafficking is not an inevitable crime. The long-term commitment of all social, economic, religious, cultural and political actors can lead to winning this … Continue reading
Event
EVENT | Join us in the Fight Against Human Trafficking!
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) invites you to the conference, “The role of Churches and faith-based organisations in fighting trafficking in Human Beings: Catholic initiatives”, to be held at the European Parliament, Brussels, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:00-12:00 (CET). This event aims to foster dialogue and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking, as well as discover … Continue reading
18/01/2024
Mgr. Crociata and Mgr. Hoogenboom’s speeches during Article 17 High-Level EU-religious leaders meeting at the European Commission [EN]
Press Release
COMECE raises the alarm about the potential risks of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum
In response to the recently reached agreement on the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, COMECE issues a statement, on Friday 22 December 2023, raising the alarm about the potential risk that “the European Union will fail to protect the right to asylum and other human rights”. Read the Statement The recent agreement between the Parliament and the Council on the new EU … Continue reading
22/12/2023
COMECE statement on the agreed new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum [EN]
Press Release
STATEMENT | International Migrants Day, “let’s advance the cause of humanity through a fair and just EU Pact on Migration and Asylum”
On the occasion of the International Migrants Day celebrated on 18 December 2023, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) wishes to express some underlying principles that should guide the ongoing trilogue negotiations on the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. These principles should orient the policy makers to put in place legislations and mechanisms that ensure a fair, just … Continue reading