Dear friends, 

As the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum approaches, discussions are taking place across Europe about the changes it may bring for people seeking safety and a new beginning. Many organisations working with refugees warn that, alongside the legitimate need for an orderly migration system, we must not lose sight of a fundamental question: how can we safeguard the dignity and rights of those arriving at Europe’s borders? 

These questions are neither distant nor abstract. They concern the lives of people who, in search of safety and the chance for a more dignified future, often find themselves on long, dangerous and uncertain journeys. They also concern us, because in democratic societies, policies do not emerge separately from citizens, but reflect the choices and values we collectively choose to uphold. The way Europe approaches migration is therefore not only a matter for institutions, but also a matter of our shared responsibility. Recent tragedies in the area around Karlovac, where eleven dead bodies of migrants were found within just a few days, painfully reminded us how deadly these routes can be. 

Their deaths are not merely numbers in a statistic or a news story soon to be forgotten. They were someone’s sons, brothers and friends. They were people who were loved and prayed for. As Christians, we believe that every human life is of immeasurable value. 

In our encounters with refugees and asylum seekers, we are often moved by the strength with which people carry on despite all they have endured. Their stories remind us that no one leaves their home lightly and that behind every journey lies the hope of a safer and more peaceful life. 

Important decisions lie ahead for Europe. It is essential that we remain present in these conversations and contribute to the search for just solutions through the values we uphold. Our task is to remind others that behind every discussion on migration there are human lives, and to be a voice for those whose voices are too often unheard. 

Grateful for the trust placed in us and for every encounter that enriches us, we continue our work with the belief that it is possible to build a society in which no one is forgotten. Thank you for walking this path with us.