This February, selected representatives from each of the Latin American and Caribbean forums met for an ACT Alliance event called “Towards Joint Action: Migration and Displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Participants identified emerging challenges related to human mobility in the region and determined next steps to strengthen joint action.
Eight commitments emerged from this important event: four in humanitarian aid and four in advocacy. “We are happy to announce that we have been working hard to make those commitments a reality,” says LAC Regional Representative Claudia Espinosa. “We are moving forward.”
ACT Palestine Forum statement: Calling that Christians Have Unimpeded Access to Jerusalem During Easter Celebrations
The ACT Alliance is asking all people of good will to pray and act in solidarity with people in the Holy Land who will be seeking access to holy sites in Jerusalem during Easter and Ramadan time to ensure that freedom of worship is protected.
During the Holy Fire Saturday celebrations, tradition has always been that Christians- from all denominations- gather on the Orthodox Patriarchate’s rooftop. Once the light is out from the empty tomb, Christians share it from each other’s candles, and the light is taken to their homes and other towns. The light is also taken abroad to Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Greece- to name a few countries.
The 2022 Holy Fire Saturday celebrations witnessed the most unprecedented restrictions since the occupation began in 1967. Israeli police sealed off the Christian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City and prevented access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Orthodox Patriarchate. Hundreds of police officers manned no less than 15 checkpoints inside a radius of 500 meters. Clergy were not respected and had difficulty accessing the Old City, Coptic Christians from Egypt and other pilgrims were the subject of targeted harassment at the Jaffa Gate area, and local community members were beaten up at the checkpoints.
Ahead of the 2022 celebrations, Israeli police announced that the numbers will be limited to 1000 worshipers inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and 500 on the Orthodox Patriarchate’s rooftop. The Patriarchate refused these measures, since the usual number of participants is ten to eleven thousand people. The Patriarchate issued a statement calling on the faithful to come to Jerusalem’s Old City, and not to succumb to fear and intimidation by the police.
The 2022 violence and restrictions by Israeli police drew strong reactions worldwide. The World Council of Churches, as well as the local Heads of Churches, issued solidarity statements and called for respect of the status quo and religious freedom in Jerusalem. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres issued a statement emphasizing the need to “protect and respect the status quo in the holy sites.” Eight Members of Congress sent a letter to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, asking the Biden Administration to protect religious freedom and Christian presence in Jerusalem.
The police had announced a weak excuse ahead of the Holy Fire Saturday celebrations, that the aim was to control the numbers for safety purposes. Throughout history, the only incident due to crowds inside the Church of the Holy Sepulture happened in 1834. Before the 1967 occupation, Christians would arrive by private cars from Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Moreover, the Jordanians used to deploy a small number of security officers, and the celebrations went on peacefully and joyfully.
During the week before, the 2022 Latin Palm Sunday procession was stopped suddenly by Israeli police, as the celebrants were on their way to the Christian Quarter, and in what amounted to yet another violation of Jerusalem’s historical and religious status quo. The road was closed as the scout groups and the faithful were carrying their palms, chanting their hymns, and praying while they prepared to enter Jerusalem. The faithful tried to reason with the police, but they were kept waiting for nearly one hour until the police decided to reopen the road.
We call for the protection of the rights of Christians – irrespective of denomination – to exercise religious rituals in Jerusalem freely, and that Christians from the West Bank and Gaza have unimpeded access to the city. Orthodox Holy Fire Saturday will be on 15 April 2023. We urge the Government of Israel not to impose checkpoints, and that the police refrain from using violence against Christian worshipers and clergy. Moreover, Muslim rights must be respected in terms of unimpeded access to Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan.
During solidarity visit to Türkiye, ACT and WCC witness great needs yet great collaboration: “the churches are all working together”
Visiting communities in southern Türkiye from 4-6 April 2023, the delegation met with churches in Mersin, Iskenderun, and Antioch, including communities in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Latin Catholics and others.
After returning from a solidarity visit to Türkiye, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay and ACT Alliance general secretary Rudelmar Bueno de Faria appear in a video interview speaking about what they saw, how churches are working together, and their unique reflections on their visit—held 4-6 April—took place during western Holy Week.
Accompanied by Laki Vingas, archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and former elected representative of minority foundations in Türkiye, they visited Mersin, Iskenderun, and Antioch.
“The WCC and ACT Alliance’s presence in these particular places indicate that we care, we are concerned about what has taken place, and we want to find out how we can actually be of assistance,” said Pillay. “I might also stress that it was important for us to do this together.”
Both Pillay and Bueno de Faria said that they were very sad to see the devastation and damage left by the quake, which killed over 45,000 people in Türkiye alone. There is grave need related to the lack of food, water, and healthcare, and many first responders continue to work under extremely aggravated circumstances.
“What stood out to me first was the powerful impact of the earthquake on the infrastructure and the life of the people,” said Bueno de Faria, who is a survivor of earthquakes in Central America in 2001. “Comparing what I saw in Türkiye, it was shocking to see what people faced and the stories about how people were affected directly or indirectly and also communities as a whole.”
Watch the full interview
Bueno de Faria said that ACT Alliance is responding to the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable both in Türkiye and Syria through ACT’s appeal, which has raised almost $8.5M to date. Churches play a vital role in humanitarian response as they are integrated in the communities, able to provide key needs assessment data to responders, and food, shelter, cash assistance, psychosocial support, and much more direct aid to affected families.
Pillay and Bueno de Faria met many people with uncertain futures and are concerned—particularly in Antioch—that people will not return, and the historic city will lose its lively Christian presence.
“Much time and effort is going to be put into the reconstruction of people’s homes and churches and buildings, and so forth,” assured Pillay. “One of the great things happening at the moment, from what we have seen, is the great ecumenical collaboration. The churches are all working together.”
Being in Türkiye during Holy Week was an important time for reflection, Pillay concluded.
“I could reflect on the suffering of Jesus and then reflect on the suffering of people who have been displaced from their homes and their livelihoods, and where the earthquake has robbed them of their continuity of life,” he said.
ACT Alliance, WCC delegation on solidarity visit to Türkiye
Visiting communities in southern Türkiye from 4-6 April 2023, the delegation met with churches in Mersin, Iskenderun, and Antioch, including communities in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Latin Catholics and others. Photo: WCC/ACT
A delegation from the World Council of Churches and ACT Alliance is visiting Türkiye this week, expressing solidarity and support for churches on the ground responding to grave needs in the wake of the 6 February earthquake.
Visiting communities in southern Türkiye from 4-6 April, the delegation met with churches in Mersin, Iskenderun, and Antioch, including communities in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, Latin Catholics and others.
“The visit is tremendously symbolic during western Holy Week, and during the last week of Great Lent in the eastern calendar,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. “It is really sad to see the devastation and damage brought about by the earthquake in Türkiye. Apart from the destruction of buildings, homes, properties and churches are the emotional and psychological scars endured by many people who have lost loved ones and almost everything.”
Pillay said: “We visited Mersin, Iskenderun, and Antioch. I was deeply broken to see most of Antioch totally destroyed and now very empty. Church leaders are very concerned about the diminishing numbers of Christians in Türkiye and now whether Christians will return to this land that has so much of biblical history.” He added “We pray that they would be able to continue to sustain a lively Christian presence in this very historic city.”
“The greatest need right now is to provide housing for the displaced people and funding to rebuild the destroyed cities,” underlined Pillay. “The churches are trying to build temporary houses for people and seek assistance.”
In the wake of the earthquake, there is grave need related to the lack of food, water, and healthcare, and many first responders continue to work under extremely aggravated circumstances.
The quake in Türkiye and Syria caused enormous destruction in terms of both lives and property: in Türkiye alone, 45 thousand people died under the over 230,000 collapsed buildings, 1.7 million were forced into tents, nearly 3 million were made homeless, and the livelihoods of some 9 million people were severely affected.
ACT Alliance general secretary Rudelmar Bueno de Faria said: “In the aftermath of the earthquake, churches did what they have always done—opened their doors, their hearts, and their hands to help their neighbours who were affected by this tragic event.”
Bueno de Faria added, “During this visit, we have seen the commitment of the churches to this work, to continuing to serve those impacted by the earthquake in the spirit of ecumenical diakonia.” He concluded, “The need of international financial support is critical, as the reconstruction will take time and will be costly.”
ACT Alliance partners and many other churches across the world have raised funds and sent humanitarian experts to conduct assessments and prepare relief, many closely cooperating with local partner organizations in the region.
According to an ACT Alliance situation report, the priority needs of earthquake-affected people are rehabilitation and repair of damaged homes, mental health and psychosocial support, food assistance, hygiene and dignity kits, shelter, water, sanitation, food, and cash assistance.
Many children continue to exhibit signs of distress, and there remains a significant need for psychosocial support services, recreational activities, child-friendly spaces, medical aid, and services for people with disabilities and the elderly.
Pillay concluded, “We encourage the WCC members and others to offer continued prayers and support for the people in Türkiye and other parts of the world affected by earthquakes and disasters. During this time of Easter, we are reminded that the suffering servant is with the suffering people of God on earth. May the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, give us hope and peace in these troubled and difficult times. In Christ is our hope!”
The WCC-ACT delegation is comprised of Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary, World Council of Churches; Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, general secretary, ACT Alliance; and Laki Vingas, archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and former elected representative of minority foundations in Türkiye.
ACT’s revised Syria 2023 appeal, which includes the earthquake response, can be found here.
The WCC’s article on the appeal can be found here.
MENA mainstreams Quality, Accountability and Safeguarding
Workshop participants share their experiences applying Quality, Accountability and Safeguarding to their organisations. PHOTO: ACT
By Rizwan Iqbal and Uma Narayanan
A recent three-day Quality, Accountability and Safeguarding (QAS) mainstreaming workshop brought together senior managers from ACT Middle East and North Africa (MENA) members. Their focus: how to increase the effectiveness of their organisations’ humanitarian assistance and development work. Hosted by the ACT Palestine Forum in Antalya, Turkey, invitations were extended to a range of ACT members, including the Iraq Forum.
ACT provides ongoing support to help members achieve compliance with the full suite of QAS programmes: Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS), the Sphere Standards, Safeguarding and the commitments of the Humanitarian Standards Partnership (HSP). The international CHS and Sphere Standards are mandatory for all ACT members under ACT’s Quality and Accountability Framework. The Humanitarian Standards Partnership (HSP) contains a set of nine standards, one which is Sphere. ACT members are encouraged to use and refer to the HSP tools. Safeguarding is a key aspect of QAS.
The workshop was an opportunity for participants to review accountability from a strategic perspective and examine the standards’ commitments. They explored how to position CHS in their organisation, as support from leadership and the entire organisation is key to the success of QAS mainstreaming. They also had a chance to review and revise their QAS mainstreaming efforts using CHS as the main reference tool. Those who were further along in their QAS mainstreaming journey shared their experiences with others. “In the ACT MENA Forum, we work with each other and not for each other, says Father Meletius Shattahi of ACT Syrian member GOPA-DERD. “We avoid the ‘big brother’ syndrome.”
Participants returned to their organisations with a draft action plan and a holistic view of how to initiate and advance QAS mainstreaming. “The workshop was a platform for staff from the same organisation to have a meaningful conversation on those areas where they were doing well and those areas where they need to work differently,” says Samy Khoury of MECC’S DSPR.
Participants also noted the following challenges in applying QAS commitments:
Commitment One: This stresses the importance of understanding the context and real needs of the affected population, but there is pressure to focus instead on funders’ priorities.
Commitment 2: Access is a major issue in the MENA region. There is room for improvement in advocacy.
Commitment 5: It is mandatory for ACT members to have a Complaints Response Mechanism (CRM) in place. ACT MENA members are at different stages of implementing such a mechanism. The prevailing culture of the organisations and the community is to not raise complaints. Mainstreaming CRM also requires technical and financial resources.
Commitment 8: Most organisations do not have competency-based Human Resources (HR) practices. Not all organisations have a dedicated HR expert to support accountability mainstreaming here.
“Compliance is critical,” says Hakam Awad of HEKS. “But an over-focus on compliance should not compromise the actual delivery and impact of the humanitarian response.”
Rizwan Iqbal is the ACT Alliance Global Accountability and Safeguarding Coordinator. Uma Narayanan is an independent consultant
Philippines: Accountability needed to achieve climate justice
By Nerisse Klaire Kassey Pamaran, National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)
There is assistance for those affected by typhoons, but organisations cannot meet all the needs created by the climate crisis. Climate justice includes reducing emissions and just climate financing for the most vulnerable countries. PHOTO: NCCP
Anamarie Rivera, a mother of four, had just given birth to her youngest daughter when last September’s Super Typhoon Noru hit her hometown of Jaen, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines. “We went to my sister-in-law’s house when the winds got stronger”, she says. “I was only able to get my kids out … I wasn’t able to save any of my belongings.” Anamarie’s house was made from light materials with a makeshift roof of galvanized iron, a type of housing that is common in Filipino communities living in poverty.
The typhoon struck several provinces in the northern part of the Philippines, causing widespread damage not only to housing, but to farms and the livelihoods of farming communities. “It completely destroyed our crops,” says Ashley Arante, whose mother worked in the rice fields. “We had a hard time meeting our daily expenses afterwards.”
The stories of Anamarie and Ashley illustrate just two of the struggles endured by millions of Filipinos affected by the climate crisis. Climate change impacts are measured not only by the strength of typhoons, but also by the lasting impact they have on already-vulnerable communities.
In the case of Super Typhoon Noru, aid came from the most rural of local churches through to international agencies. ACT Alliance responded to the immediate needs of typhoon victims through the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP). But given the typhoon’s extensive and lasting damage, organizations can only do so much.
On average, at least twenty typhoons make landfall in the Philippines every year. Five of these will be destructive. This destruction has become such a normal occurrence in marginalized Filipino communities that they are being praised worldwide for their resilience and optimism in otherwise hopeless scenarios.
According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, the Philippines is one of the countries that is most vulnerable to the long-term impacts of climate change. The country must address the loss and damage induced by the climate crisis and implement adaptation and mitigation measures to achieve a people-centered, low-carbon future.
The Philippines’ contribution to world greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is minuscule compared to the G20, yet studies show that the country’s emissions increased by 114 percent from 1990 to 2017, largely due to the energy and industry sectors. The Philippines needs to take genuine steps towards climate crisis mitigation. This includes banning practices such as deforestation, illegal mining and logging, and plastic waste pollution, which are known to harm the environment. The country must also address the vulnerabilities of most Filipino people, who live in poverty, and strengthen their adaptation capacities at the local level.
At the global level, the NCCP believes that the climate crisis must be addressed by holding major GHG contributors accountable for the impacts of climate change. The climate crisis is “a consequence of the historical impact of the patterns of consumption and industrialization by what are now the wealthiest and so-called ‘developed’ nations in the world,” they say.
To be accountable, the wealthiest nations must use climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building to support the most vulnerable countries, such as the Philippines. They must also keep their own carbon footprint in check.
Nerisse Klaire Kassey Pamaran is a youth volunteer with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), an ACT member.
Haiti: Increasing production on parched farmland
PHOTO: World Renew Haiti
Meritant Jacques, 49 years old, his wife Sarile Noel, 39, and their children, Farah Joseph,15 and Dayan Joseph, 13 live in Gorgette, a community in Grand Anse, Haiti. Meritant is a farmer and a member of KPG, a World Renew-supported cooperative.
In March 2022, Meritant planted 10 grams of cabbage (the K-K Cross variety) that he received from World Renew. He harvested seven dozen cabbage. One dozen fed his family while the rest were sold in the public market. In total, Meritant earned enough income from cabbage sales to pay for months of schooling for his children.
“Gorgette is often confronted with drought, so I opted to produce more yams than vegetables in the past,” says Meritant. “However, this cabbage variety is drought resistant. I had a rewarding experience growing it on my farm plot.”
Elated by the outcome of the drought-resistant cabbage variety, Meritant will grow them in future on his farm plots. This will complement his yams which normally take almost a year to be ready for harvest.
Meritant thanked World Renew and its donors for the seeds, training and mentoring he received during the growing period. “May God bless World Renew and its donors,” Meritant says.
Read more about the activities in Latin America and the Caribbean in this Bulletin:
CSW67: We need transformative courage on the road to equality
The 67th UN Commission on the Status of Women, focusing on gender equality, technology and innovation, has concluded. After over 85 hours of negotiations, member states reached the so-called Agreed Conclusions, and decided on new normative language on gender equality.
The ACT Alliance Gender Justice Programme, our members, advocates and partners, joined forces, mobilised and coordinated to strategically advocate for gender justice and speak up for those voices who could not be represented in New York.
The diversity of our delegation, the National Forums, the Regional Communities of Practices, and the global membership, provided us with a constellation of perspectives and lived contexts that enriched our collective calls for action.
We made sure that our faith and rights-based voice and the experiences we have collected in decades of working in and with communities were brought to the discussion table. For these reasons, we co-hosted three Side Events with governments (Sweden, Mexico, Finland, Liberia, Denmark, and Chile) and UNFPA, two Parallel Events with faith-based actors, a Networking Event with feminist allies (including Fos Feminista, Equality Now), and a Strategy Workshop with 30 faith actors (including LWF, WCC).
Throughout CSW67, we strategized with our members (both in-person and virtually), to analyse draft texts, deliver oral statements, advocate to country missions, participate in bi-lateral meetings and amplify our collective call for gender justice. Policy frameworks and UN agreements can feel far removed from our daily lives, but these platforms contribute to shaping our rights and realities. It is crucial that we actively participate and speak up. During the discussions at CSW about who has been hurt online, the power that AI has on restricting rights or targeting women and girls in all their diversity, and the importance of access to technology to ensure participation, we are reminded that this year’s theme raises concerns that must be addressed urgently and cannot be side-lined.
The results of the CSW negotiations are crucial to ensure that national and international advocacy efforts can continue and push for transformative change at country and community levels, to address the root causes of gender inequalities.
The following are reflections on the importance of the Agreed Conclusions from our delegates:
“To address the gender digital divide requires Member States to embark on national policy enactments, which mainstream gender and ethics, to counter the risks of having digital inequalities being the new frontier of gender inequality. As we look forward, the intentionality on inclusive language will ensure that digital innovations, including AI, are cognizant of the unique online safety and security needs of women and girls, and their participation in politics, economics and social life.”
Gladys Nairuba, DanChurchAid & ACT Africa Gender Community of Practice, Uganda
“At CSW67, we heard how religion is being used as an argument against gender justice and reproductive health and rights. Some religious actors are claiming traditional values and are allowing themselves to be instrumentalised in a global push back against equality for women and girls in all their diversity. That’s why it’s critical for faith actors, who affirm human rights, to engage in UN processes. We welcome that the Agreed Conclusions, in the context of technology and innovation, recognise that faith-based organisations are critical stakeholders for gender equality. We must continue to mobilise our communities to reclaim religious narratives and counter backlashes on gender justice.”
Rev. Dr. Antje Jackelén, Archbishop Emerita, Church of Sweden
“Women human rights defenders are frequently victims of digital violence in Latin America. Moving forward, we must continue to promote coordinated strategies with various actors to guarantee safe spaces. We will continue to denounce such violence, and work together to ensure women and girls receive necessary support online.”
Laura Chacón González, LWF & ACT LAC Gender Community of Practice, Colombia
The Agreed Conclusions provide a vision and new policy framework when it comes to gendered technology and innovation. For instance, we are particularly encouraged by the inclusion of references to adolescent girls, women’s and girls’ right to privacy and the need to protect personal information as well as the strong emphasis on policy actions for the elimination and prevention of gender-based violence that occurs through or is amplified by the use of technologies. The reference to freedom of opinion and expression is another important element.
However, the push back on rights is something we need to carefully monitor and fight against. We lament the erasure of text that references ‘gender-transformative action/innovation’, ‘women and girls in all their diversity’, ‘intersectional lens’, and ‘Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights’, including ‘comprehensive sexuality education’. References to ‘Multiple and Intersecting Forms of Discrimination’ were also minimised in the Agreed Conclusions, and there was some resistance to recognising girls as rightsholders. This means that young people who are on the frontlines of the digital revolution, and those on the margins of our societies, are further neglected.
Policy frameworks must address the lived realities of women and girls in all their diversity. The change we seek must be transformative and intersectional and we, faith actors must play a vital role in building gender-just societies and provide a fearless voice that calls for transformative courage.
We continue, together, on the road to equality.
Digital divide: who is to fill the gap?
A blog by Palwashay Arbab, Community World Service Asia
Technology is a double-edged sword. This is especially true if we look at gender equality for which, technology is promoted as an enabler. But as much as technology bridges the digital divide, increases access to communication and makes the world a global village, it also contributes to creating gaps and inequalities. As it amplifies the voices of some, it limits the participation of others. As much as it brings people together, it also drives them further apart. As much it gives liberty and freedom, it also creates loneliness and isolation.
Is it the new bitter-sweet symphony, I ask myself? Maybe.
As leading advocates of digital equality, I wonder if the organisers of the UN CSW67 considered the use of technology to ensure the effective inclusion and participation of delegates who face access constraints? It is safe to assume that some of the key players in the fight for gender justice and closer to those suffering from abuse and lack of human rights cannot participate in the commission in New York.
But what is it proposed to ensure that their voices are heard in this pivotal platform where important decisions about them, their life, their rights and their future are made?
Undoubtedly there are various virtual spaces and side events that those interested can participate in. These are great learning spaces. But there needs to be a plan for ensuring the equal access as virtual delegates for those communities that would otherwise go unheard. Yes, most governments are there to represent their people and their issues, but one cannot deny the difference in perspectives that a government representative and a civil society activist or a community member has and like to echo at an important platform like this one.
The digital divide can be conquered and ensuring access and meaningful participation is a way to dominate it. We have a tremendous opportunity to ensure equal and full participation for everyone, in every corner of the world with the use of technology.
Many potential delegates like myself who require a visa to just reach New York, were denied access only because we could not reach the country physically. However, we could participate and contribute if given the chance to participate virtually – as equally as those present at the headquarters. I can still participate in the conversation by writing this blog post.
But then I wonder – what about countries like Afghanistan? My women colleagues have been barred from working. They still do, from home, trying their best to complete all the tasks hidden from view.
Their roles and responsibilities have been changed to ensure working from home is possible and project activities continue. But some things can only be done by women. For instance, only a woman communicator could get a story from an Afghan woman or girl. Only she could ask them about their needs or if the support is meeting their requirement?
Who is to fill that gap?
These are the challenges we need to overcome. And it is their voices we need to hear the most if we truly want to achieve gender justice. It is their story that needs to be told, and they need to be able to tell it.
We cannot let technology and the digital divide leave them behind. We must do more, and we must do better. We must allow it to be an enabler and we must create resources and opportunities for those voices that risk to be otherwise silenced.
Declaración de la ACT Alianza: Hacia una Acción Conjunta: Migración y Desplazamiento en América Latina y el Caribe
Los días 19, 20, 21, 22 y 23 de febrero, en la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia, tuvo lugar el encuentro: “Hacia una Acción Conjunta: Migración y Desplazamiento en América Latina y el Caribe”, en el cual participaron representantes de los foros provenientes de los 15 países donde la Alianza ACT tiene presencia en la región, junto con miembros de los Estados Unidos, aliados estratégicos, la Secretaría Regional y la coordinadora del Programa de Justicia de Género de la Alianza ACT. Además, el gerente del Programa de Migración y Movilidad Humana acompañó el evento de manera virtual.
Durante el encuentro se lograron unos importantes primeros compromisos para robustecer el accionar conjunto a nivel regional. En este sentido, “como actores religiosos y organizaciones basadas en la fe, reafirmamos nuestra voluntad de actuar como alianza en un marco de cooperación regional con estrategias comunes para el acompañamiento, protección y promoción de derechos de las personas desplazadas, migrantes, refugiadas, solicitantes de asilo y apátridas en América Latina y el Caribe”.
Además, los miembros y aliados coinciden en la preocupación sobre una crisis de carácter regional y continental que pone en riesgo los derechos humanos de las personas en situación de movilidad humana: “Expresamos nuestra preocupación por las crecientes situaciones de violencia y crisis en la región y por las medidas restrictivas en materia de derechos…” llamando a los estados de la región a abstenerse de medidas que pongan en riesgo o vulneren derechos.
“Conscientes de que este es un primer paso, apostamos al robustecimiento de la Alianza ACT para Latinoamérica y el Caribe amplificando las voces de las personas en movilidad y la de nuestros miembros, desarrollando nuestras fortalezas y avanzando hacia el cambio que queremos ver en el mundo”.
“Towards Joint Action: Migration and Displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean.” 
