Historical meeting between Pope Francisco and representatives of different communities living in Argentina

Syrian, Venezuelan, Colombian and Senegalese refugees. All, as well as representatives of other groups living in Argentina, have joined the delegation which maintained today a historic meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

One of the promoters of the meeting and a member of the delegation was the Secretary for Human Rights, Claudio Avruj, in collaboration with the Federation of Communities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Secretariat for Human Rights.

"It's a immense honor have been able to integrate as a secretary of the human rights of the nation this delegation of leaders of communities, Syrian refugees, Colombians, Venezuelans and international organizations such as the IOM and UNHCR, and to hold this meeting with the pope, "said Avruj. Infobae.

The manager added that "This trip is historic and unique because there is no record of a similar experience.. This is a joint initiative of the Collective Observatory and the Argentine Federation of Communities. It aims to show the world this model of coexistence and dialogue exercised by our country"

Avruj recalled that "Pope Francis has constantly raised his concern for dialogue, the culture of encounter, coexistence, respect and solidarity with immigrants and refugees. Argentina and its culture of interreligious and intercultural dialogue are an example to emulate.at a time when different voices are rising – especially in Europe – fueling nationalism, intolerance, racial hatred, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. "

"We brought together 40 communities and gave Francisco the" Argentina, Mosaic of Identities "statement, which we signed a few days ago, to underscore our commitment to a country of open doors and respect In accordance with the laws in force, our government has defined a national plan for human rights that is proposed, among others: work for inclusion against discrimination, and this commitment that we honor day after day and also with this trip, "concluded the Secretary for Human Rights.

Document "Argentina Mosaic of Identities"It is a text that calls for intercultural dialogue and bears the signatures of Avruj and the leaders of the Argentine Federation of Collectives, the Collective Observatory and other Argentine institutions.

The delegation also included officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). And the director of migration, Horacio García.

It was today the third meeting between Avruj and Pope Francis. In fact, they maintain respectful relations since the current Secretary for Human Rights was Executive Director of DAIA and that Jorge Bergoglio was, in 2001, the first Archbishop of Buenos Aires to go to the headquarters of the political representation of the Argentine Jewish community.

During today 's meeting in the Vatican' s Paolo VI Hall, Pope Francis and Avruj recalled that they were both neighbors in Flores. They also shared several visits to the Jewish and Armenian community several years ago.

At that time, the historic meeting that finally materialized today began to take shape. the idea of ​​showing the world the coexistence between different communities.