The Ecumenical Agenda on Migration presented in Milan

In the presence of Laura Boldrini, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and representatives of many political groups. «An achievable and sustainable proposal resulting from years of joint effort.» Paolo Naso (FCEI).

Rome (NEV), February 21, 2018 – On February 20 at the ACLI association main offices, the Agenda on Migrations was presented to Laura Boldrini, the President of the Chamber of Deputies and to several candidates standing for the next elections. It is a seven-point proposal signed by many Catholic associations and the FCEI that is active on migration issues with the MH project.

The agenda consists of seven proposals that involve the following topics: a law on citizenship (ius soli), the definition of precise standards to legally entering Italy for both migrants and asylum seekers, the regularisation on an individual basis of rooted foreigners, the repeal of the crime of clandestinity – provided for in the Bossi-Fini Law, the extension of the Asylum and Refugee Protection Service (SPRAR), the enhancement and dissemination of good reception and integration practices as well as the promotion of the participation of immigrants who are now stabilised in this democratic life through providing active and passive electorate.

«Discussing every single point in our Agenda with candidates has been a very positive fact that fosters and pushes an election campaign focused much more on fear and controversy than on the political contents.»  said Paolo Naso who was in Milan on behalf of the FCEI. «Another positive aspect is the fact that this Agenda has been written ecumenically. This condition enhances the experience and the commitment of Italian evangelical churches in the field of reception, protection of the migrant rights and now of the fulfillment of the Humanitarian Corridors thanks to which over a thousand asylum seekers have safely entered Italy from Syria» Mr. Naso, coordinator of the MH’s project said. In short, the proposal submitted in Milan is a realistic and sustainable programme resulting from years of joint effort.

However, the disappointment comes from the fact that some political groups, opposed to immigration and reception policies, refuse a priori to participate in events of this kind. Further confirming their unwillingness to participate in political debates with those who have a different opinion. It is a missed opportunity since whoever wins the election will have to face the challenge of migration that will not end with simple formulas that are worth a few votes in the polls but do not work in practice.»

This evening at 6.30 pm the Agenda on Migration will be submitted in the city of Varese at the Istituto educativo assistenziale Addolorata. Stefano Bertuzzi will speak on behalf of the FCEI.

On February 26, it will be presented in Catania with Francesco Sciotto from FCEI.

Hashtag: #agendamigrazioni

Documents are downloadable here.