Red Cross needs to step up its efforts in migration

The Red Cross is being called upon to focus more of its efforts on the issues associated with migration. Speaking about the “Latin American and Caribbean Context towards 2010,” Dr Francisco Carrión Mena said the Red Cross has a very important role in this area as part of its response to helping the most vulnerable.

He explained that migration has become more predominant now because of inequality which has come about because of globalization.

“There has been an increase in wealth, but it has not been distributed evenly. This wealth has not been used for human and social purposes. This new found wealth has created problems such as social exclusion for many people and has lead to some serious humanitarian crises.”

He noted in this region, the phenomenon of migration is now more visible because of the inequalities in society.

He explained that in Latin America and the Caribbean migration has resulted because of economic factors more than political issues with a few exceptions.

Dr Mena added that because “liberalism had failed” it was up to the Red Cross to protect immigrants from discrimination and violence among other issues.

“I hope the Red Cross, like some other organizations become more visible with migration issues in countries like Colombia where there are many immigrants.”

He also called upon the Red Cross to increase its efforts when it comes to Climate Change since this was also another reason why there were so many illegal immigrants in many countries.

“People leave there countries because of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters. Climate change and global warming is a threat to all countries around the world and I think that the Red Cross’ climate change efforts should be increased to sensitize some of the most vulnerable populations in this region.