Alberto Ares, Regional Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe, recently delivered a lecture addressing the complex challenges facing migrants across Europe. The presentation, titled “Migration & Dignity,” was part of the “Dignity Amidst Despair: Migration Challenging European Solidarity” event organized by the University Centre Saint-Ignatius Antwerp (UCSIA).

Drawing from JRS Europe’s extensive experience working through 23 national offices, Ares provided a comprehensive analysis of the current migration landscape in Europe. The lecture centred on four key priorities for addressing contemporary migration challenges, offering insights gained from JRS’s direct engagement with refugee communities.

After the presentation, Alberto Ares highlighted: “It is important for us to engage with all sectors of society impacting migration policy. By bringing all of us together, this event offered a space not only to raise awareness and advocate for keeping human dignity in a central spot in migration discussions, but also to highlight how practical alternative measures can help us achieve it. We are thankful to UCSIA for the invitation to such an enriching discussion”.

A significant portion of the presentation focused on a critical evaluation of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum. During his presentation, he examined how the approved framework reduces solidarity among Member States while increasing arbitrary detention and human suffering. Based on this analysis he advocated for a more humane and sustainable approach to migration and asylum policies in Europe.

The lecture highlighted several successful community-based initiatives that have effectively supported migrants and refugees while preserving their dignity, such as community-based reception and hospitality initiatives run by SJM Spain and JRS France. These case studies demonstrated practical ways to implement more compassionate migration policies and practices at both local and regional levels.

Participants engaged in productive discussions about collaborative strategies to address pressing migration issues while ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights. The emphasis on dignity throughout the migration process resonated strongly with attendees, who represented various sectors of society including academia, civil society organizations, and policy makers.

The event successfully brought together different perspectives on migration, fostering dialogue about concrete solutions that align with European values of justice and humanity. The presentation’s focus on actionable solutions and best practices provided valuable insights for professionals working in migration-related fields, while also raising awareness about the importance of maintaining human dignity in migration policies and practices.