Problem of refugees is still more actual

Problem of refugees is still more actual

In context of migration crisis in European Union was at The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic organized a meeting of the Ministry´s representatives with representatives of church, Christian organizations and leaders from the civil society (non-governmental organizations) on Friday, 10 July. During the meeting, they discussed the procedures and opportunities for state and non-state entities to cooperate in providing assistance to refugees.
On behalf of General Bishop ECAC in Slovakia and chairman of The Ecumenical Council of Churches (ECC) in Slovakia Miloš Klátik were attended at the meeting Dušan Vagaský, Director of Genral Bishop´s Office and Ladislav Krpala, General Secretary ECC in Slovakia. Ján Gasper represented our Evangelical Diaconia.

In discussion declared representatives of churches and church organizations, that they are prepared to help in solutions the implications of war conflicts and referring to humanitarian crisis in Middle East and in Africa. It leads into migration waves flooding mostly south part of European Union – Greece and Italy. Significant role can play churches in effort to consequently change negative attitude inhabitants to refugees.

Many organizations represented at the meeting have already provided assistance to the people seeking asylum in Slovakia in the form of counselling centers, in the search for accommodation and providing legal, social and psychological services plus language services. The participants agreed that it’s necessary to pay more attention to awareness activities, as well as to increasing the quality of the public discussion on receiving and integrating foreigners in Slovakia. They agreed that they will continue in the dialogue related to this issue, and will send concrete contributions to the discussion in written form to the Ministry soon.