SIMN participates in the 12th National Migration Days in Chile

The 12th National Migration Days of the Chilean Catholic Institute of Migration (INCAMI), were held between May 25th and 27th , 2010 in Santiago, Chile, with the participation of diocesan delegates of pastoral care from Iquique, Antofagasta, Copiapó, Valparaíso, Santiago, Rancagua, Osorno, Conception, Temuco  and Aysén.

The purpose of the Migration Days was to reflect on the main challenges brought forth by emigration and immigration in Chile and define concrete collaboration initiatives between the churches of origin of the migrants who came to Chile and the churches of destination of the Chilean emigrants. 

On this occasion, the Executive Director of the International Scalabrini Migration Network (SIMN), Fr. Leonir Chiarello, was invited to speak on the theme "Migration and the Process of Reconciliation and Peace Building.” In his presentation, Fr. Chiarello underlined, on one side, the impact of violence as a cause of the current migratory movements, and, on the other side, the negative perception of the migrants in the host countries that provokes conflicts and hostilities. This reveals the need for all social and political actors, including the religious and ecclesial entities, to become involved in the promotion of a culture of peaceful coexistence. The International Forum on Migration and Peace was presented by the SIMN’s executive director as a specific instrument and commitment for this purpose.

For more information regarding the 12th National Migration Days of the Chilean Catholic Institute of Migration (INCAMI), check www.incami.cl