World conference on xenophobia, racism, and populist nationalism in the context of global migration
Convinced of the pivotal role that the churches can play in the task of promoting a just and peaceful human society, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the World Council of Churches in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, undertake to host a world conference that brings together governmental, intergovernmental, civil society, academic, religious, and ecumenical leaders and actors from around the globe to reflect and together seek cohesive and realistic responses to the phenomenon of increasing xenophobia [xénos/stranger+phóbos/fear], racism, and populist nationalism in political and social responses to migrants and refugees. The conference is committed to inclusive participation and to hearing the voices of migrants and refugees themselves.
In the context of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and the 25th anniversary of the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) this conference aims to explore how churches can give moral leadership in working together with state and civil society actors, and inter-religious partners to proactively address xenophobia, racism and populist nationalism in the context of global migration, and to promote compassionate and constructive responses informed by Christian faith and traditions of respect for human dignity and rights and support for international law.
