In 2017 we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Encyclical Populorum Progressio by Pope Paul VI whose enriching reflection shifted development to the center of the question of social justice. From then on the concept of integral human development (“the good of every man and of the whole man”) entered for good into Catholic Social Teaching. War and violence, or lack of social, … Continue reading »

COMECE and other members of the Christian group on migration have published their comments on the Action Plan on the integration of third country nationals proposed by the European Commission. The Plan aims at supporting Member States in the integration of third-country nationals in the EU. COMECE and other Christian organisations welcome the intention to establish a common policy framework and supporting measures to help … Continue reading »

The EU is moving to a migration policy that reinforces its external dimension. After the EU-Turkey “deal” and Partnerships with some African countries, a new agreement between Italy and Libya, endorsed by EU leaders, has been signed last 2 February, to help the UN-backed Libyan government curb migration. In fact, the Central Mediterranean corridor is currently the main entry point for migrants and refugees, especially … Continue reading »

Migration : UNHCR welcomes moral stand of Bishop Zsifkovics UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency pays tribute to the moral stand of the Bishop of Eisenstadt and COMECE member who, in 2015, “refused to allow a border fence to keep out refugees to be built on church land, and helped to change Austrian government policy on border security.” The Eisenstadt diocese gave temporary shelter to 1,000 … Continue reading »

The reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) proposed by the EU Commission, despite some positive developments, does not implement the expected higher protection standards in what should be a fair asylum system. This is the assessment formulated by COMECE together with Christian Churches and organisations working in the area of migration & asylum in a response submitted to the EU Commission and the … Continue reading »