Honduras: Bishops concerned at tragedy of 'human caravan'
Source: Fides/Bishops Conference of Honduras
The Bishops of Honduras have issued a statement expressing their grave concern about their country's migration crisis. The 'caravan' of more than 7,000 people is now moving through Mexico while the US government has announced retaliation and forbidden their entry. The Episcopal Conference of Honduras said the mobilization of so many people is a "human tragedy" and expresses pain and concern for the dangerous situation created.
"It is a shocking reality, caused by the current situation in our country, which forces a multitude to leave what little it has, venturing without any certainty for the migration route to the United States, with the desire to reach the promised land, the 'American dream', which allows them to solve their economic problems and improve their living conditions, for them and their families and, in many cases, to ensure the long-awaited physical security," reads the document.
The Bishops ask the Honduran government to intervene as soon as possible to stop the crisis. "It is the duty of the Honduran State to provide its citizens with the means to satisfy their basic needs, such as decent, stable and well-paid work, health, education and housing, and when these conditions do not exist, people are forced to live in tragedy and many of them hope to undertake a path that leads to development and improvement, finding themselves in the shameful and painful need to leave their families, their friends, their community, their culture, their environment and their land", emphasizes the declaration.
"We were deaf to the cries of their rights and blind to see that reality." they said.
The Bishops thank the neighbouring countries for the reception and the aid they are giving people in the caravan, reminding everyone of the Pope's request: "to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants."
While the caravan continues to move towards the USA, President Trump has been issuing threats and warnings telling them to go away, and his government is sending armed forces to the border.