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.
Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

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 »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Position paper on EU legislation on Labour Migration released by the Christian Group on Migration and Asylum

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) shares on Wednesday 29 November 2023 the Position Paper elaborated by the Christian Group on Migration and Asylum in view of the negotiations between EU institutions regarding the legislation on Labour Migration. Download the Position Paper The document includes comments on the recast of the Single Permit Directive and of the Long-term Residence Directive … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

News

Santa Marta Group presents its strategic plan to enhance the fight against human trafficking

On Wednesday, 10 May 2023, COMECE facilitated a series of dialogue meetings between a delegation of the Santa Marta Group and members of the European Parliament. The discussions addressed ways to enhance the fight against trafficking in human beings. The delegation of the Group was led by H.E. Mgr. William Kenney CP, who presented the strategic plan of the Santa Marta Group to a number … Continue reading »