On Thursday morning, February 1, 2024, heads of the churches and religions gathered in Brussels for the “Interfaith Harmony Breakfast”, at the invitation of the Community of Sant’Egidio.
The theme of the meeting was Asylum and Migration. The participants discussed with Nicole de Moor, the Belgian Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, who outlined the challenges and in particular outlined the main features of the forthcoming European Pact on Migration. This was followed by an exchange of views between the participants and the Secretary of State, with a number of concerns expressed.
Particular attention was paid to the “Humanitarian Corridors”. With this project of the Community of Sant’Egidio, in collaboration with the churches and religions, vulnerable refugees can travel safely with a humanitarian visa and by plane to a number of European countries (Italy, France and Belgium). They are welcomed and supported by reception committees during their asylum procedure and their integration project.
252 Syrians and 4 Afghans could already build a new future in Belgium (a total of 6697 people in Europe). The Secretary of State assured the audience that the European Union will continue to focus on safe and legal routes for vulnerable refugees in the future, in collaboration with civil society (community sponsorship).
The first week of February has been considered “Interfaith Harmony Week” since 2010. Interfaith meetings are held all over the world on a proposal from the United Nations. Sant’Egidio traditionally organizes a breakfast meeting in that context.