The Holy See has become a member State of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM-OIM).

The OIM was established in 1951 and bases its activities on the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits both migrants and society. It has 130 member States and around 100 observers, including States and non-governmental organisations.

Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi C.S., Holy See Permanent Observer to the United Nations at Geneva, told the Vatican Radio that “as we are witnessing a continuous increase in the number of migrants and refugees in the world, it is important for us to be present and to participate in the efforts of the international community with the specific contribution of the Holy See.”

He said that the Holy See’s ethical voice would give a fresh interpretation to issues affecting migrants. Archbishop Tomasi recalled how the Church has always been in the frontline in helping migrants, through a broad network of Catholic organisations. For this reason, he said, “collaboration with the structures of the international community is a logical operative step helping us to make our service even more effective.”

Archbishop Tomasi said Ecclesiastical structures “serve all people generously, irrespective of their religious faith, colour or legal status. What counts is human beings and their dignity, and this is often at risk in the situations of marginality which arise as people move from one country to another seeking work or new forms of survival”.

The Church’s ethical contribution will, then, focus on “the defence of human beings and their dignity,” he said.