Immigration in UK
STRANIERIINITALIA.IT| Pope: Protect underage migrants |
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Migrant is a human being with inalienable rights that must be respected by all
28th November 2009: Proper attention should be “given to underage migrants, who need a social environment that enables and fosters their physical, cultural, spiritual and moral development,” Pope Benedict XVI has said.  In his message for the 96th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which is due to be celebrated on 17th January 2010, the Pope said: “Living in a foreign land without effective points of reference generates countless and sometimes serious hardships and difficulties for them (underage migrants), especially those deprived of the support of their family.”Each migrant, the Pope said, “is a human being who possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance.” "Underage migrants and refugees" is theme the Pope has chosen for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. He said: "A typical aspect of the migration of minors is the situation of children born in the host country or of those who do not live with their parents, who emigrated after their birth, but join them later. These adolescents belong to two cultures with all the advantages and problems attached to their dual background, a condition that can nevertheless offer them the opportunity to experience the richness of an encounter between different cultural traditions. "It is important that these young people be given the possibility of attending school and subsequently of being integrated into the world of work, and that their social integration be facilitated by appropriate educational and social structures. It should never be forgotten that adolescence constitutes a fundamental phase for the formation of human beings.” The Pope’s thoughts went to the minor children seeking asylum, “those who for various reasons, are fleeing their own country, where they are not given adequate protection.” The number of minor asylum seekers is increasing, the Pope said. “This is therefore a phenomenon that calls for careful evaluation and co-ordinated action by implementing appropriate measures of prevention, protection and welcome, as set forth in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” The Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Pope said, “Clearly states that the best interests of minors must always be safeguarded, recognising their fundamental human rights as equal to the rights of adults.” He, however, observed that this unfortunately does not always happen in practice. Many minors “are left to themselves and, in various ways, face the risk of exploitation," he said.
By Stephen Ogongo
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