Brussels, 18 December 2009 - In 2009, 3% of the world’s population, 200 million people live outside the country in which they were born. On the 18^th of December 2009, International Migrants Day, Caritas Europa reminds of the importance to  recognise the participation of migrants in our societies.

Migrants frequently find themselves socially, politically and culturally marginalised on the fringes of society. This said, they form an integral part of our communities and indeed their contributions are substantial and should be acknowledged.

Caritas Europa encourages greater appreciation for diversity to bring about sustainable social cohesion. Integration is a two-way process which entails acceptance by both the receiving community and the new arrivals. Policy measures should be created and implemented to facilitate integration through education, access to the labour market, access to health services and so on.

Human Rights are universal and inherent to all human beings, regardless of their legal status. They equally apply to migrants and should be upheld and respected irrespective of political considerations. Exploitation and discrimination of migrants is common and greater measures must be taken to conserve their human dignity.

On this day, International Migrants Day, Caritas Europa advocates for greater protection of the rights of migrants and more proactive measures to support and promote their integration.