Plea for more civil dialogue and social responsibility: Ukraine's first lady Kateryna Yushchenko in talks with Caritas Europa over current challenges to solidarity in Europe
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Brussels, 19 October 2009 - Caritas Europa was pleased to receive the visit of Kateryna Yushchenko, wife of Mrs. Yushchenko, who is very active in charitable, historical and cultural activities, is especially committed to addressing the difficult social issues currently troubling Ukraine, particularly health care for children, education, homeless and orphaned children. “For a young democracy like Ukraine it is important to reflect on effective ways to involve the Church and civil society in the further development of the country”, said Mrs. Yushchenko, who has been following with interest the Caritas work. She also emphasised the need to promote sense of social responsibility and social dialogue in Ukraine and overall in Europe. With 48 member organisations working in 44 European countries, Caritas Europa can benefit from the broad experience of its members in both engaging supporters at national and sub-national level, and advocating towards decision-makers in charge of issues affecting the poor and the excluded. The capillarity of its network is an added value in a time of crisis where continuous and constructive dialogue is needed to avoid closing completely the existing solidarity channels, both in terms of individual engagement and decision-making processes. Caritas Europa is currently preparing for a successful participation in the European Year 2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion within all European countries. It also sees the European Year 2011 on Volunteering as a great opportunity for strengthening the sense of social responsibility in Ukraine and everywhere in Europe. Some examples of relevant areas of work for Caritas in Europe and in Ukraine are fighting trafficking in human being and addressing the social consequences of HIV/AIDS. COATNET, the network of Christian Organisations against Trafficking in Human Beings (under the Caritas legal authority), is coordinated from the offices of Caritas Ukraine. Regarding HIV/AIDS, the Caritas Europa publication “In Solidarity with People Living with or Affected by HIV/AIDS” will be soon launched in Ukraine. Following the much appreciated visit of Mrs. Yushchenko, Caritas in Ukraine will be delighted to contribute to new and innovative projects – for example addressing the needs of elderly people - building on the experience gathered through continuous exchanges among Caritas organisations in Europe and open to fruitful collaborations with other committed actors.
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Mrs. Yushchenko was briefed about the Caritas work in the field of HIV/AIDS 
Mrs. Yushchenko and Marius Wanders, Secretary General of Caritas Europa |
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