Late in August, a family of eight migrant persons from Honduras arrived at a refugee shelter, where Giorgio Algeri, a former Rotary Peace Fellow, was serving as a short-term volunteer in Tabasco, Mexico, near the Guatemala border. The family of three adults and five children, most below the age of 10, had fled their country for security reasons and was waiting asylum. There, the son of their landlord came home drunk and threatened the family with a machete, forcing them to leave all their belongs behind. The refugee shelter welcomed them addressing their basic needs such as food, clothing and personal hygiene kits.
This emerging migration crisis is apparent in such countries as El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. It is also found in Spain, Malta and Italy. The decision of governments such as the United States to deny migrants and refugees denotes an alarming worsening of human rights and represents a violation of international humanitarian law for the repatriation of vulnerable migrants. Anti -migrant alliances are creating a climate of hate and violence against migrants and refugees.
“The one thing most vulnerable migrants and refugees have in common,” says Algeri, “is a desire to live safely with dignity. Existing initiatives and programs such as the one in Tabasco, play a crucial role and provide a safe pathway for such vulnerable groups.”
He states, “ Everyone has a responsibility to promote acceptance of the right of others!
You don’t need to be a humanitarian worker to make a difference. Anyone can contribute by holding an event to commemorate the rights of refugees, or taking part in social media campaigns. You can also volunteer in service projects that promote a culture of positive peace and create a more constructive dialogue between migrants, refugees and host communities. It’s time to stand up for the human rights of migrants and take action now. “
Contributions to the Rotary Foundation will enable this to happen. Thank you.