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.