Representatives of some 60 churches, ecumenical groups and migrant organisations have released a declaration calling for an end to the treatment of migrants as “mere commodities” to be traded and exchanged and the global market.
The declaration was issued earlier this month after more than 100 representatives gathered in New York for the 4th international consultation of Churches Witnessing with Migrants. Member organisations include the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, Latin American Council of Churches and Baptist World Alliance.
Participants in the consultation urged all UN member states to ratify the UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and the International Labour Organization Convention 189 which concerns decent work for domestic workers. They also appealed for states to stop classifying migrants as national security threats.
Dr Deenabandhu Manchala, of the WCC’s Just and Inclusive Communities Programme, encouraged churches to expose the abuse of migrants by giving visibility to the reality of forced migration.
“‘Neighbour’ in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan is not our next door friend, family member or work colleague, but the nameless and faceless victim, beaten and bruised, and left abandoned by the roadside,” he said. “Christian love for neighbour, if only demonstrated within circles of familiarity, ignoring those considered ‘others’ and ‘inferior’, betrays the essense of Christian calling.”
The advocacy paper can be found at this link.
