The Conference of European Churches on religious freedom in Albania and Migration Policies in Europe
Press Release No. 05-53/e 19 December 2005
STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDIUM OF CEC ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN ALBANIA
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) monitors very closely the implementation of human rights throughout Europe, including the right to religious freedom. In several European countries (Albania, Serbia-Montenegro, Turkey, etc), the issue of the restitution of formerly confiscated church property and the re-opening of places of worship and religious education remains a special concern.
In this regard CEC follows, with great interest and joy, reports about the revival of the religious life in Albania since the 1990s, and appreciates the efforts of the Albanian authorities to correct historical injustice and restore religious freedom and fundamental rights to all religious communities.
It is therefore with serious concern that the CEC Presidium, meeting in Geneva 14-17 December 2005, has learnt of specific local incidents in Albania; for example, in Permet, Lukovo, Libochovo and Kodra etc, where the return of places of worship has been prevented or revoked by local authorities.
CEC requests that the relevant governments, including the Albanian authorities, rigorously uphold human and religious rights and make every effort to enable the return of places of worship held as sacred by the faithful of the community and which were confiscated during the communist period.
Respect for religious freedom and human rights are a benchmark of European democracy, international law and regional stability. CEC, with the international church community, will continue to closely monitor developments in this area.
STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDIUM OF CEC ON MIGRATION POLICIES
Hundreds of refugees and migrants died when they sought access to Europe this year. In October, for the first time since the borders within Europe were opened in 1989, more than 10 unarmed persons were shot dead at European borders at Ceuta and Melilla.
In November two youths died when they ran away from a police control in France, an incident which sparked off violent riots throughout France and in some other European countries.
In light of these tragic events, the Presidium of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), meeting in Geneva 14-17 December 2005, reiterates the position of Churches in Europe: Every person is created in the image of God. Based on this conviction, churches in Europe advocate the protection of refugees and a humane approach to migration policies.
Migration is a normal phenomenon, since the very beginning it has been a part of human history. We call on governments and authorities to ensure that migrants’ lives and dignity are protected.
The shooting of unarmed persons needs to be fully investigated and the border control measures will have to be evaluated. While we recognise the right and obligation of countries to control their borders, European states also have an obligation to protect refugees and thus not close their borders indiscriminately. Migration policies need to include regularisation of migrants in irregular situations as well as the fight against trafficking in human beings, one of the most severe international crimes of our day.
A human approach to migration requires more effort for the integration of migrants and societies. In many European countries, churches are involved in manifold efforts to ensure human policies and to uphold the dignity of persons.
Living in diversity is not easy to achieve; there are problems in the every day lives of citizens and migrants which need to be addressed. Churches offer their experiences and their commitment to participate in searching for adequate responses to the challenges ahead.
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, 18 December, the Presidium of CEC wishes to underline that the rights and status of migrants in European societies would benefit if European countries would ratify the International
Convention on the Rights of all migrant workers and the members of their families.
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P.S.
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is an ecumenical fellowship of churches in Europe which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures and therefore seek to fulfil together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
For more information you can read on the offical site of the Conference of European Churches: http://www.cec-kek.org