Migration and Poverty

Abstract

While encouraging the development of a better world, we cannot remain
silent about the scandal of poverty in its various forms. Violence,
exploitation, discrimination, marginalization, restrictive approaches to
fundamental freedoms, whether of individuals or of groups: these are
some of the chief elements of poverty which need to be overcome. Often
these are precisely the elements which mark migratory movements, thus
linking migration to poverty. Fleeing from situations of extreme poverty
or persecution in the hope of a better future, or simply to save their own
lives, millions of persons choose to migrate. Despite their hopes and
expectations, they often encounter mistrust, rejection and exclusion, to say
nothing of tragedies and disasters which offend their human dignity.