“Opening the doors to refugees”

“As Catholic bishops of the dioceses of Bohemia and Moravia, members of the World Council of Churches, we see the urgent need for solidarity with the victims of armed conflicts and hatred on religious grounds, along with the concern of our society regarding the inflow of migrants to Europe”, states the joint declaration of the Czech Bishops’ Conference and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in the Czech Republic. According to statistics, the legal presence of foreigners in this country of central Europe – which counts 10.2 million inhabitants – amounted to 400 thousand, about two-thirds arriving from countries outside the European Union, mostly for economic reasons, followed by refugees who fled from their homeland as a result of persecutions and unacceptable conditions for a dignified life. Facts and figures. While after the division of Czechoslovakia in 1993, immigration policies were rather rigid, the situation changed when, in 2004, the Czech Republic became an EU Member State. In the four following years – thanks to economic growth and the availability of jobs for unskilled workers – migration rates gradually increased, reaching a point of stability in 2008 and maintaining it thereafter. A survey on European society reveals that the Czechs belong to the most “conservative” nations of the European area, in fact they see cultural diversification as a negative element. For example, about 70% believe that “it is better for a country if almost all its inhabitants share the same customs and traditions.” According to official statistics, the Czech Republic is renowned for lengthy processing times for asylum seekers. In 2011, 750 applicants filed a request. Official figures show that asylum is granted to 150 people on average each year. Reason and emotions. Caritas Czech Republic is among the largest charitable organizations in the Country working for the integration of immigrants into society. Based on the long-standing work with migrants and refugees, its representatives have welcomed the “gesture of openness” of the Czech government, which expressed willingness to host several hundred refugees from countries plagued by armed conflicts. “Taking into consideration that in recent years our Country received over one hundred asylum seekers from culturally diverse backgrounds, the current situation is not new, nor a surprises for our State, and we have adopted integration programs that help newcomers become full members of our society”, reads the statement from Caritas. “We think that the concern of the majority of our population, highlighting the potential threat resulting from cultural and religious diversity, has no legitimate basis, since, as we know, the laws of the Czech Republic in the field of immigration and asylum are rigorous and detailed”, said the representatives of Caritas, adding that “the ongoing dialogue, conducted in an atmosphere of irrational emotions, is often based on false arguments, causing fear among people and leading to ignorance on the serious humanitarian crisis”. The national Caritas office coordinates eight counselling centers that help migrants and refugees in different areas of integration. Regional offices organize leisure activities for migrants and their children, as well as language courses and a wide range of activities that help newcomers better understand the local culture and religion. Joint effort of Christian Churches. The question of migration has been the main theme addressed in the recent plenary session of the Czech Bishops’ Conference. The bishops call upon the government to take a clear position on this issue. The Catholic Church and other Christian churches want to contribute to finding a solution not only via “active help to the all those whose life is in danger and who have become victims of xenophobia and hysteria”, but also by supporting dialogue all levels of society. “In the framework of cooperation between the State and the churches, we suggest to invite our parishes and communities to collaborate with the municipalities in the region and invite the local Caritas offices to welcome the families of Christian migrants. We are ready to actively support their integration and thereby create a space for the enrichment of our society”, reads the statement of the Christian Churches. However, according to Tomas Holub, Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference, “the first step must be made by the Government of the Czech Republic”.