New Delhi, May 24, 2024: The Commission for Migrants of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) launched the project “Supporting Informal Migrant Workers: Access to Entitlements” to ensure all migrant workers have equal access to basic rights and services.

The CCBI Commission for Migrants, together with the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), envisioned this project as a way to address the challenges faced by informal migrant workers in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and social protection.

The project will also focus on raising awareness about the rights of informal migrant workers and advocating for policy changes to better protect this marginalized group.

While inaugurating the project, Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto the Secretary General of CCBI and CBCI said, “This project is a testament to our commitment to serving the community and providing essential services to those in need. I am confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the lives of many individuals in our city.” The prelate highlighted the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders to ensure the success of the project and emphasized the need for continued support from the community to make a lasting difference in the lives of informal migrant workers. Archbishop Couto expressed his hope that this project will serve as a model for other cities to follow in addressing the challenges faced by marginalised populations.

In his inaugural message, Archbishop Couto highlighted the Church’s enduring commitment to supporting migrants, drawing connections to the gospel and the Church’s broader mission. He reiterated the importance of treating all individuals as part of one family, transcending boundaries of language, culture, and origin. “The gospel teaches us to overcome and bring down the walls we have built up,” he stated, emphasising the core message of love and unity in Christ’s teachings.

The prelate further called on the participants to reflect on the timeless wisdom of Rarum Novarum and the profound teachings it imparts. In our pursuit of justice and equality, we are reminded of our duty to dismantle the walls that divide us and uphold the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of their origins or circumstances.

Father Jaison Vadassery, the Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants and ICMC, shared testimonies on the impactful outcomes of the previous project on ‘Livelihood Support to Migrant Wokers. This was benefited by 300 migrants from the three dioceses. His insights into the vision for the new project emphasised the importance of integrating beneficiaries with government schemes to enhance their access to entitlements.

He further announced that the project will be implemented in Agra, Meerut, and Delhi dioceses under the supervision of the diocesesan partners, with funding provided by the International Catholic Migration Commission. He also mentioned that the project will focus on providing training and campaigns on entitlements regarding social security and legal assistance to informal migrant workers in these areas. Father Vadassery highlighted the importance of collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to ensure the success of this initiative.

Fifteen participants in the project launch were from Agra, Meerut, and Delhi. The stakeholders expressed their commitment to working together to address the challenges faced by informal migrant workers in accessing their rights and entitlements.

The discussions expressed the need for ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that the training and campaigns are effective in reaching and empowering informal migrant workers in these areas. Father Vadassery emphasized the need for sustainable solutions that address the root causes of vulnerability among this marginalized population.

Adv. Sr. Rani Punnasseril highlighted the importance of legal advocacy and awareness campaigns to empower informal migrant workers to assert their rights. Additionally, Sister Anushia Fernandes stressed the significance of partnerships with local organizations and government agencies to create a comprehensive support system for these vulnerable individuals.

Father Sunil Crasta, the Social Forum Director of North India, underscored the importance of these meetings, which will provide a platform for ongoing collaboration and communication between stakeholders, fostering a more cohesive approach to addressing the challenges faced by informal migrant workers. By maintaining this commitment and momentum, positive changes can be made to enhance the well-being and rights of these individuals in the long term.

The launching ceremony ended with a commitment from all participants to work together towards improving the living and working conditions of informal migrant workers in the community. Sister Rani Punnasseril, Secretary of the Commission for Migrants of the North Region, announced plans for regular follow-up meetings to track progress and ensure that the needs of this marginalised population are being met effectively.

Press Note