(ANS – New York) – The Salesians of Don Bosco participated in the 54th Session of the Commission for Social Development, held at UN Headquarters in NY, Feb.3-12, 2016. The theme of this year’s Commission is “Rethinking and strengthening social development in the contemporary world.”

A written intervention was prepared by the representative of the Salesians to the UN, Fr. Tom Brennan, SDB, and was published as E/CN.5/2016/NGO/45 .

The statement addressed the importance of social inclusion if we want to ensure that no one is left behind. In particular, the inclusion and participation of vulnerable populations must be promoted and assured. “For the creation of just, equitable and healthy societies we need the participation of all members regardless of, inter alia, economic status, gender, disability or migration status” (from the statement).

Additionally effective practices conducted by the Salesians to ensure social inclusion were presented:

a) Salesian work among young unaccompanied migrants in Germany was noted. Assisting them to fit into German society in a responsible way, rather than criminalizing them, benefits everyone;

b) In India, Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees are taught professional skills in a variety of areas preparing them for the world of work;

c) Refugee assistance has been provided in the refugee camp at Kakuma, Kenya, where the Salesians have provided an education to more than 66,000 young internees. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, Salesians in Lebanon have helped Syrian refugees, providing educational, recreational and spiritual opportunities and preparing them for participation in society.

Continuing its advocacy on behalf of the rights of migrants, trafficked persons and refugees and expanding this advocacy to include persons with disabilities, the Salesians held a side event on Friday, February 5, 2016, on the Social Integration of Vulnerable Populations, moderated by Fr. Thomas Brennan, SDB.

The side event examined the concept of social integration and its vital role in promoting and strengthening social development. The interactive panel presented social integration as it relates to migrants, trafficked persons and young people with disabilities. Donald Kerwin, Esq., Executive Director, Center for Migration Studies and Leonir Chiarelllo, C.S., Executive Director Scalabrini International Migration Network addressed the legal and social impacts of people on the move, both on the individuals and on societies.

Jaime Reyes, SDB, Director of Don Bosco Sobre Ruedas, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, together with Aldo Chavarria, Instructor for Autonomy at Don Bosco Sobre Ruedas, spoke of the work being done by the Salesians in Mexico to help young people with physical disabilities to develop all of their talents and to live autonomously. They stressed the need to not let a physical incapacity define a person. With creativity, compassion and a belief in the capabilities of those with physical disabilities, Don Bosco Sobre Ruedas has transformed the lives of nearly 2,000 young people who would have been excluded from full participation in life.

Published 09/02/2016