News by email Donate

Suggestions

Migrant-crisis-Pope-speaks-out-May-2016-main_article_image.jpg
Raffaele Martino/Marina Militare via AP Photo
World News

Christian groups urge action for refugees ahead of EU summit

Caritas and World Vision are among the signatories of the document, published before European Union heads of states begin a two-day European Council summit on Thursday.

It said: "Your decisions have life and death consequences, and if you continue to lower standards, countries around the globe will follow suit."

Meeting in Brussels, leaders will review progress since the adoption of the Malta Declaration last month, an agreement which sought to stem the flow of migrants from Libya to Italy, particularly through greater co-operation with Libyan authorities.

More than 181,000 thousand people illegally entered Europe via the so-called Central Mediterranean route last year, while the number of people dead or missing after trying to make the journey has reached a new record each year since 2013.

The letter claimed too many leaders have been "pre-occupied" with stopping people from reaching Europe, at the risk of shutting out people who need assistance most.

The statement continues: "We expect statesmanship that stands up for humanity and dignity and that addresses people's fears, instead of fuelling them."

Many of those trying to make the perilous journey to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea have come from war-torn countries such as Syria and Iraq, or nations like Eritrea where the UN human rights abuses are being committed.

The letter goes on to say: "We expect sustainable, long-term migration policies that guarantee respect for people's rights rather than pushing them into danger."

"Further, if the EU and its member states want to remain credible international actors, they cannot expect countries like Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon to host millions of refugees, while simultaneously pushing migrants and refugees back at EU borders, stranding thousands in inhumane living conditions on the Greek islands, or pushing them back into an uncontrolled conflict zone like Libya."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate