We are the ones who leave our homes with a broken soul

"One of the conditions for achieving peace, rarely respected, is the free movement of people. In the face of this right, what selfishness is our closing of borders, the fences we erect in Ceuta and Melilla, the deaths in Lampedusa, and throughout the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes.

What a shame, what cowardice, when we fail to recognize and proclaim that migration is a historical reality, one that all peoples have experienced, and that it creates demographic, cultural, and spiritual wealth; and when we remain silent and fail to reject the absurd and inhumane immigration laws and policies of our state or the regulations of the European Union'' [1].

From April 25th to 27th, the Annual Meeting of Justice and Peace [2] was held at the Diocesan Seminary of La Laguna, in the diocese of Nivaria. Under the theme "Human Rights and Migration," the event delved into the serious situation faced by people forced to emigrate, fleeing poverty and war. About 40 people gathered at a meeting coordinated and participated in jointly by Caritas, the Tenerife Migration Delegation, the Buen Samaritano Foundation, and the Canary Islands Institute for Social Animation.

The event opened with a welcome from representatives of the organizing Justice and Peace Commissions, as well as from the Apostolic Administrator of Tenerife, Antonio Manuel Pérez, and the incoming bishop, Bishop Eloy Santiago. The Bishop of Gran Canaria, Bishop José Mazuelos, also spoke. Bishop Fernando García, president of the Episcopal Subcommission on Migration and Human Mobility of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, focused the topic on the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church. He addressed human dignity, the common good, and the universal destiny of goods, highlighting the urgent need for a global authority to better manage migration. He also proposed several ways to promote more welcoming communities [3], including networking, the active participation of migrants, and attention to the spiritual and social dimensions of faith.

Next, Alberto Ares, Director of JRS Europe, spoke about the "European Pact on Migration and Asylum." The implementation of accelerated border procedures and the outsourcing of responsibilities to third countries is a source of concern. He urged us to forge new ties to create a stronger community and to demonstrate hope. Diego Fernández of Caritas Spain then spoke about the "New Regulation on Foreigners," which comes into force on May 20. He addressed the difficulties faced by people in an irregular situation, as well as the need for safe and accessible migration routes, especially in the context of family reunification. He also mentioned changes in immigration status and the incompatibility with international protection, which generates uncertainty and concern among migrants. The afternoon's conclusion was a call to action to ensure that immigration policies respect human rights and promote a more just and supportive society.

On Saturday, a first event called "In First Person" took place, with the participation of migrants and representatives from the Red Cross, Cáritas Tenerife, Proyecto Sansofé, and Manos Unidas, organizations that work on the daily migration front in the Canary Islands. They highlighted the importance of welcoming, protecting, and integrating migrants. They discussed the challenges they face, such as bureaucratic barriers and the need for awareness-raising and community mobilization to improve their situation. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of working in countries of origin to address the causes of migration and promote a more just and sustainable economy.

Later, during the roundtable "Political Responses to Migratory Flows," there was a lack of political representation, highlighting the absence of political spokespersons and the importance of addressing the causes of inequalities. Yolanda Baumgartner, Island Director of Social Action, explained the efforts of the Tenerife Island Council in managing limited resources to support migrants and unaccompanied foreign minors, emphasizing the need for collaboration and awareness-raising. Agustin Marie Ndour presented the popular legislative initiative of the Por un Mundo Más Justo (For a Fairer World) party, focused on the extraordinary regularization of immigrants and the importance of addressing the migration issue from a global perspective that includes origin, transit, and reception.

The group work at the end of the morning highlighted the importance of networking, interreligious dialogue, recognizing that local actions have global repercussions, and confronting anti-immigration rhetoric with information and hope, promoting an attitude of active listening and respect. We see the need for education and the promotion of inclusive communities of encounter—including migrants—within a framework of human rights and solidarity.

Saturday afternoon began with a presentation of the Fundación Buen Samaritano program, given by three young people hosted by the organization: Usman, Abibou, and Mor. They spoke about the Foundation's many projects and activities in Tenerife and in their countries of origin, specifically Senegal. They also shared their personal experiences, connecting with and moving everyone who participated in the event.