Migration and Mobility2

CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CHURCHES
CONFERENCE DES EGLISES EUROPEENNES
KONFERENZ EUROPAEISCHER KIRCHEN

Report Working Group 2 "Migration and Mobility in the 'New Europe' "

1. Experience

Experiences in recent years and voluntary as well as forced migration have changed the face of many European countries considerably. The common commitment to humanity and respect of human rights and cultural openness also strongly affects life and activities of Christian churches and Diaconia.
Multicultural society: In many European countries migratory movements have caused cultural diversity and a new ethic, which partly led to tensions with the settled population. As migration was considered a temporary phenomenon, there were not sufficient strategies to promote integration and co-operation of the local population with newcomers and to avoid social conflict and exclusion. For a long time, churches and their Diaconia as well as other organisations have worked with needy migrants and advocated for humane and just political strategies.

Reception of refugees: In the last decades, the European countries have increasingly closed the borders against refugees. The concept of 'safe third countries' moved Central and Eastern European countries into the role of buffer states for refugees. A joint and solid strategy of the European states towards war- and civil- refugees in cases of mass influx is not yet established. The advocacy of churches and diaconal organisations has had little effect in European politics.

Ecumenical co-operation and inter-religious dialogue: Emigration of Christians from other countries and different denominational and cultural character is a new challenge for settled churches, because patterns of co-operation are still partly missing. There is also little experience of co-operation with people of other faiths, in particular with Muslims. The terrorist attacks in the US resulted in a general suspicion towards Muslims.

Racism and xenophobia: Increasing levels of racism and xenophobia are alarming in many European countries. This can also be found within the churches. There are violent attacks and murders in public as well as subtle discrimination and exclusion in every day life.

Undocumented migrants: In many European countries the number of undocumented people has grown considerably. These people, in particular women and unaccompanied minors, are threatened by discrimination and exploitation. As the economy makes good profit of undocumented people as cheap workers, there is (aside from border control) little readiness to tackle this problem. Churches and Diaconia are increasingly aware of this issue

Trafficking in Women: Europe has turned into an international centre of trafficking in women connected with forced prostitution. The directions of trafficking are from east to west and south to north. The problem exists in all European countries. Some of them are at the same time sending, receiving and transit countries of trafficking.

2. Analysis

Open borders: The borders between European states have been opened, but new barriers at the outer borders of the community came into being. Many people enjoy the possibilities of mobility. The awareness of the problem and the willingness for border crossing co-operation have not grown in the same degree. This may be the reason for social tensions.

Social and economic inequalities: Social and economical inequalities are main causes for migratory movements not - only from outside Europe but also between the European regions. A balance is necessary.

Violation of human rights: People flee because of violation of basic rights. On this account the prevention of conflicts and social tensions, and the promotion of justice and democracy are priorities.

Racism and xenophobia:Not only racism and xenophobia but also ethnic nationalism find its roots in diverse areas - social problems, disadvantages in life, violent style of education, negative effects of mass media, exclusive legislation, uncertainty in times of historical changes and ideological manipulation.

3. Theological and Social Ethical Reflexions

Dignity of human life:The regard for human life and the dignity of every person is rooted in biblical tradition. The perception of woman and man as the „images of God" are taken from the first account of creation in the Bible (Gen 1, 26f). From this tradition it found ist place in the main documents of human rights and state constitutions. Christians are sensitive and vigilant towards violations of human dignity. In particular the dignity of people without documents is under threat.
The right of the stranger: In the Old Testament (for example Ex 23, 9) strangers are especially protected by God. In his teaching about the day of judgement Jesus Christ underlined this principle: Whoever welcomes a stranger, welcomes me. (Mt 25, 35.40) Hospitality, the right of the stranger and the integration of migrants are integral to a Christian way of life.
Reconciled diversity: As a world-wide community Christianity exists in diversity. The growing number of Christian migrants in our countries challenges us towards ecumenical „unity in reconciled diversity", which has also to acknowledge the painful history of intolerance. The acknowledgement of the diversity of Christian denominations and cultural traditions today is based on the diversity of experiences of faith in the New Testament. The gospel teaches us that national and cultural boarders are of less importance.

Commitment to community and participation: One of the basic tasks of churches and their diaconical agencies is to make a stand for a culture of community and participation. As migrants and refugees have no voices politically they depend on assistance and advocacy to be heard.

4. Visions and Strategies

Combating causes of flight: Churches and their Diaconal agencies can make a contribution to people not being forced to leave their country. The promotion of social justice, the rights of minorities and the fight against the violation of human rights are the most pressing issues. Churches have to continue to promote projects and partnership and to advocate for a more just system of world economy, peace and management of conflict.
Solidarity with migrants and uprooted people: All over Europe a basic attitude of openness and hospitality is needed. Christians can contribute to this attitude. Professional services for migrants should be enhanced not reduced. Churches and diaconal agencies and Christians with and without political mandate should stand for migrants in political and public discussion and decision making. Trafficking in people must be combated and assistance must be offered to victims (see Ecumenical Assembly Graz 1997). Undocumented migrants are in particular need of protection and help.
Promoting integration and combating racism: Living and working together with migrants should become a main task and a matter of course, because integration prevents xenophobia. Activities like Migrants Days or Weeks, initiatives against racism and xenophobia must be continued and enhanced. The ecumenical „Decade to Overcome Violence" can also contribute to this objective. Churches and diaconal agencies should plead for a national implementation of the EU legislation on anti-discrimination and the ratification of the UN convention on migrants workers and their families. The Ecumenical co-operation with Christians and churches of other origin should be strengthened.
Inter-religious Co-operation and Dialogue: After the terrorist attacks in the US it is particulary important to dialogue with people of other religions, mainly muslims, and to stand together for peace, against violence and fanaticism and for the peaceful co-existence of different religions in our societies.
Combating trafficking in women: The churches in Europe should increasingly use their ecumenical contacts to organise preventative awareness building and counselling in the countries of origin of these women. The demand on the part of men must be looked at critically.
European policy and legislation: Together with other NGOs the churches and diaconical organisations should monitor the implementation of the legislation on emigration and asylum by the European Union. This policy will have implications for all European countries. Talks with politicians should be continued and awareness building in the churches and beyond should be prioritised. Co-operation with Central and Eastern European countries should be enhanced and deepened in particular. Our joint position for a European legislation is a common asylum law in line with the Geneva Refugee Convention, the right to family unification, common responsibility of European states to provide temporary protection for war and civil war refugees and legal protection and measures for legalising undocumented migrants.The Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) to put these demands forward. It should be supported and used by churches and their diaconical organisations.