World Day of Migrants will focus on children

Migration is a world phenomenon, not only in Europe or the Mediterranean.  All the continents have experienced this reality that does not exclusively concern people in search of work or of better living conditions, but even adults and children who are fleeing from real tragedies.

We need to ensure that in every country, migrants who arrive, along with their families, will enjoy the full recognition of their proper rights.  What is most worrying is the plight of minors in the context of international migration.  In fact, children and women represent the most vulnerable categories within this great phenomenon and minors are the most fragile, often being invisible because they are undocumented or unaccompanied.

With the theme: Underage migrants, vulnerable and voiceless, the Holy Father wishes to focus our attention on the smallest among the small.  Often, children arrive alone in the countries to which they are destined, unable to make their voices heard and therefore they easily become victims of serious violence against human rights.

On the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Holy Father will publish his usual Message.

This annual observance traces its origin to the circular letter Suffering and preoccupations which the Sacred Consistorial Congregation sent to the Diocesan Ordinaries of Italy on 6 December 1914.  In it, the question was asked for the first time about establishing an annual day dedicated to sensitization of the human family concerning the phenomenon of migration and also the promotion of a collection to fund the pastoral work in service to Italian emigrants and for the formation of missionaries on the margins.  As a result of this circular letter, on 21 February 1915, the celebration of the first World Day of Migrants and Refugees was observed.