Catholic charity reaching end of its capacity to help
The reality of so many migrants arriving in Portugal is worrying Catholic charity Cáritas which has warned today that it is reaching the end of its “human and material capacity” to help.
Cáritas is urging the State to play its part, writes Lusa.
The charity’s concern was conveyed in a statement issued after the end of a meeting of the General Council of Cáritas Portuguesa, which took place between Friday and Sunday (March 15-17) in the Diocese of the Algarve.
“The current situation of support for migrants in Portugal and the way in which those arriving in our country are being accompanied raises concerns for the Cáritas network that were debated at this General Council,” explains the statement.
Underlining its mission, which is centred on “people and their needs,” Cáritas stated that “it has been carrying out a lot of work, for which it lacks human, financial and/or material resources.”
In a nutshell, “it is currently reaching the limit of its capacity“. It is time for “State entities” to be “reminded” of their “special responsibilities in responding effectively to the needs of migrants”.
“Since Cáritas has a supplementary role, it cannot replace the competencies of the State. It is urgent to know the strategy and resources to guarantee a response to these people and families while respecting their freedom to leave or stay,” the statement continues
The General Council of Caritas also considered that although information about the “good health of the Portuguese economy” reassures many people, this reality “does not correspond to the situation of many people“, which is why it is necessary for the “development of society include the entire population.
“Otherwise, we’re building a society that isn’t fair and which is dangerous for everyone,” the charity concludes.
Source material: LUSA
