Migration - the main topic of Ecumenical Social Week in Lviv

For nine successive years Ecumenical Social Weeks have been held in Lviv. Each year, with the support of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Lviv City Council, Lviv Regional Council and Administration, National University "Lviv Polytechnic", the Institute of Ecumenical Studies at UCU initiates the all-Ukrainian public Forum. Traditionally during the autumn season the representatives of various faiths, religious organizations, education, authorities, business, public sector, media and all people of good will gather and share their experience and work out solutions towards social problems.

In 2016 the ESW’s main topic is “Migration issue: challenges for Ukraine”. This issue is relevant not only for Ukraine, but for the whole world. Military operations in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the occupation and annexation of the Crimea forced many Ukrainian to flee from their homes. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) – one of the categories that need help and attention from society. The war in Syria, terrorist attacks in Europe also cause the migration wave. This is the crisis, which has reached the modern world. Millions of refugees became victims of war. Forced to leave their homes, they seek refuge in Europe, which imposes a certain responsibility on the modern European, Christians. However, citizens of countries also face certain challenges when accepting refugees.

Modern states have to demonstrate public support and solidarity to people through the introduction and adaption to the existing needs of IDPs including various assistance programs (accommodation, medical care, education, employment).

An important role in providing such kind of support and protection of rights of the migrants involve NGOs, volunteers, charities and churches.

During the 9th Ecumenical Social Week September 28 – October 1, 2016 a number of  events, dedicated to full coverage of migration and practical ways to overcome them, will be held. Leading experts from Ukraine and abroad, representatives of voluntary movements, church initiatives, NGOs, charitable foundations, authorities and media and migrants are invited to participate.