Holy See urges promotion of
sustainable agriculture, rural families
 |
| The Holy See is alarmed at growing hunger in the world |
Monsignor Fernando Chica Arellano, head of the Holy See
delegation to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, on
June 26 addressed a conference on "Migration, Agriculture and Rural
Development".
By Robin Gomes
The Holy See is urging more investment in sustainable
agriculture to solve the grave problems of migration, hunger and poverty in the
world, saying sustainable agriculture creates adequate
infrastructures and encourages the use of innovative technologies that enhance
local resources.
The call was made on Wednesday Monsignor Fernando
Chica Arellano, the Holy See Permanent Observer to the United Nations
Organizations in Rome.
Addressing a conference on migration, agriculture and rural
development during the 41stsession of the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO), he recalled the pain and bitterness of
migrants forced to abandon their lands and homes to escape poverty, conflict,
persecution, the harmful effects of climate change and natural disasters.
The Holy See representative lamented that after a few years
of encouraging data initially, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of
cutting down hunger appears far from being achieved, with the number of hungry
people increasing around the world.
Migration
Pointing to the December 2018 Global Compact for Safe,
Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), Msgr. Arellano called for working together
to help communities and individuals live in safety and dignity in their own
countries.
At the same time, he voiced the appeal of Pope Francis
calling on all to welcome, protect, promote and integrate those who come daily
from developing countries in search of a more dignified and peaceful
existence. In this regard, the Vatican diplomat drew attention to the
worrying phenomenon of immigrants who end up as victims of illegal employment,
forced to accept inhumane working conditions that offend their dignity.
Msgr. Arellano drew attention to the movement of migrants
within countries, often from rural to urban areas. Lacking adequate
skills, they are caught up in the vicious circle of poverty. Hence the
importance of rural development, which in turn can increase the food security
of cities.
Youth and women
In this regard, Msgr. Arellano underscored the importance of
promoting policies aimed at developing youth entrepreneurship in the
agricultural sector, such as by facilitating their access to land, security and
protection of ownership of their land and access to credit and local markets.
The Vatican representative appealed to FAO to formulate
policies that support and sustain rural families so that they can maintain
their identities as transmitters of values such as the custody of traditional
knowledge, inter-generational respect and strengthen the irreplaceable role of
women in the agricultural and livestock sectors.
The head of the Holy See delegation concluded by recalling
the importance of promoting an ethical vision of the economy and society,
saying it will lead to a just and peaceful coexistence among nations and
encourage a sustainable and integral development that puts the human person at
the centre.
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