LWF statement following Mediterranean Sea tragedy emphasizes mechanisms guided by humanitarian principles
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has called “for the protection of all migrants and safeguarding of their human rights” irrespective of where they are.
“Humanitarian principles must be at the core of migration policy,” said LWF in a statement released today, 18 March, referring to the Global Compact for Migration, whose stakeholders include United Nations member states, international and local organizations.
The LWF “is appalled and saddened” by the recent death of more than 60 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea and urged enhanced search and rescue mechanisms by state and non-governmental actors.
As a Christian faith-based organization, the LWF underlined its practice of expressing compassion and hospitality for everyone including migrants, and its strong conviction that no one should be subjected to violence and discrimination.
The LWF expressed its solidarity with people and families affected by the tragedy on 14 March, involving a boat that was ferrying migrants from Libya, and with humanitarian actors that are serving and protecting migrants.