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\nDecember 3rd, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In the context of this global pandemic we are faced with the extremely difficult realities of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the forced expulsion of thousands of migrants, many who are now disabled. Every day countless people are detained on their way to the United States. The figures are never completely up to date, as they change and increase every moment. However, the high detention rates are significant. Indeed, in the caravans of undocumented migrants are led mainly by Hondurans, Guatemalans and Salvadorans, and in recent months by Haitians who have been transiting from South America, they migrants suffer all kinds of humiliations. A clear example of this is on the Nicaraguan border with Costa Rica, where they are charged 150 dollars to let them pass through Nicaraguan territory[1]<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n
The drama of migration is multiple and in these times of pandemic the future looks threatening and uncertain. This panarama has worsened especially in relation to disabled people. In some Central American countries, the political situation is complex and full of corruption, and does not allow any social action to support them psychologically and materially. For example, in El Salvador, the Foreign Agents Bill that has recently been approved, is a copy, so to speak, of the corrupt laws that Nicaragua implemented in 2020. In reality, these measures decreed by the governments imply dire consequences that affect in particular the efforts made to help and improve some of the situations of the most vulnerable families in society.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, ccording to human rights declarations, the State has the inescapable task of protecting migrants with disabilities. However, official statistics and good will are both needed to make these protection mechanisms a reality. The same decree 655 of \u201cThe special law for the protection and development of the Salvadoran migrant person and their family\u201d<\/strong> declares that: \u201cit is necessary to have specific regulations that protect the rights of the Salvadoran migrant who is in a situation of vulnerability, in such a way that it provides the necessary tools to improve the living conditions of said population.\u201d This law does not contemplate the migrant reality in its entirety, since it does not address the difficult reality of internal forced migration and, on the other hand, it is generally known that El Salvador is a place of transit.\u00a0 There are several questionable articles to this 2011 law. We could conclude with this quote from Pope Francis: When a society \u2013 whether local, national or global \u2013 is willing to leave a part of itself on the fringes, no political programmes or resources spent on law enforcement or surveillance systems can indefinitely guarantee tranquility.\u201d If we have to begin anew, it must always be from the least of our brothers and sisters.\u00a0 Cf. Fratelli Tutti, n. 235.<\/p>\n
A look at the reality, frankly, of the periphery, of the most recent scenario of returnees disabled as a result of migration, is undoubtedly a tragic reality that deserves a broader discussion of rights, with a inclusive approach to concretely transform these situations of pain and anguish into a deeper hope, an approach that makes their faces visible, which is at the same time the revelation of the face of God, who accompanies and walks with the people.<\/p>\n
We thank God that non-profit entities in El Salvador, such as ALSARE (Alianza de Salvadore\u00f1os Retornados), the Pastoral for People with Disabilities of the San Miguel Arc\u00e1ngel Episcopal Church, and the Migrant Ministry of the Lutheran Salvadoran Synod, have provided their support. to the constant cases of people injured and left disabled mainly due to migration. Likewise, in Honduras there is a ministry specifically in charge of returnees with disabilities called CONAMEREDIS. These actions are truly an opportunity and an example for the other countries in the area to do a collaborative work between the laity themselves and the religious life present in these countries so devastated by poverty, corruption and the lack of democracy.<\/p>\n
Certainly, this crisis is marking the history of humanity, but it is the reverse of a history in which a multitude of Christians, mostly, are forcibly migrants. But those who stop them along the way and act with a barbarism as if these people were not human may also consider themselves to be Christians. Indeed, in these migration paths, Christian principles, rights or human values \u200b\u200bsuch as hospitality, justice, peace, solidarity with one another, love of neighbor, are not recognized.\u00a0 However, shelters, outreach centers, and people of good will are a true oasis for the encounter with the other, compassion for the one who suffers, for the one who is in anguish because they have left everything behind. Finally, the risk and the burden of the migrants increases rapidly with each step, until tragedy occurs for the many who fall from the train, others who are run over, and some who have unjustly had their limbs cut off or have completely disappeared. This really exacerbates the situation of migrants.<\/p>\n
Hence the need for human rights, for collective strategies, those joint strategic plans with the aim of supporting disabled people and making their stories, their struggles and their dreams visible. Furthermore, as a Church we are called to promote and continue working on these projects, but also to challenge history so that from this daily path of discipleship our commitment becomes more and more urgent than ever.<\/p>\n
Br. Anselmo Malia\u00f1o T\u00e9llez OFM<\/strong><\/span>
RFM – Team El Salvador<\/h4>\n\n
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