Caritas reaches the limit of its ability to help migrants

The current situation of migrants arriving in Portugal worries Caritas, which is beginning to face a lack of human and material capacity to help this population, calling on the state to do its part.

The concerns were expressed this Sunday by this civil society organization in a statement issued after the end of the meeting of the General Council of Caritas Portuguesa, which took place from 15 to 17 March in the Diocese of the Algarve.

“The current situation of support for migrants in Portugal and the way those who arrive in our country are controlled is a matter of concern for the Caritas network, which was discussed at this General Council,” the organization states.

Emphasizing the fact that “the person and his needs” are at the center of its mission, Caritas states that “it has done a lot of work for which it lacks human, financial and/or material resources.”

While expressing a willingness to continue cooperation, he cautions that “it is now reaching the limits of its capabilities,” reminding “state actors of their special responsibility to respond effectively to the needs of migrants.”

“Because Caritas plays a complementary role, it cannot continue to replace the power of the state. It is critical to know the strategy and resources to ensure a response to these individuals and families while respecting their freedom to leave or remain,” the organization said.

The General Council of Caritas also considered that, despite information about the “good state of the economy” in which many people are holidaying, this reality “does not correspond to the situation of many people”, therefore it is necessary that “the development of society must be inclusive for the entire population.”

“Otherwise, an unjust and dangerous society will be created for everyone,” he warns.