GC30 Central America (1984C215.02)

WHEREAS the more than 200,000 Guatemalan refugees living in camps in southern Mexico suffer from a severe lack of material assistance; and

WHEREAS there has been very little publicity on this situation and very little international relief for the Guatemalan refugee camps:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

1. THAT the 30th General Council of The United Church of Canada expresses its profound concern to the government of Mexico about the following matters:

   1. the protection, safety and health of Guatemalan refugees living in camps in South Mexico and that they not be moved against their will;

   2. that the government of Mexico maintain an open door to refugees from Central America;

   3. that access to refugees and freedom of movement be assured to humanitarian workers;

2. THAT the 30th General Council expresses to the Diocese of Chiapas, the Christian Committees working with refugees, and to the refugee personnel, its concern and support for their continuing work;

3. THAT the 30th General Council calls for significant church aid for the refugees of Guatemala, channelling assistance through the World Council of Churches and the refugee service organizations and the Christian committees working with the refugees in the Chiapas region;

4. THAT the 30th General Council urge the Canadian government to make available funds for humanitarian assistance to Guatemalan refugees through the United Nations High Commission for refugees;

5. THAT the 30th General Council urge the Canadian government to remove visa requirements for Guatemalan refugees seeking asylum in Canada.

GC30 1984 ROP, pp. 56, 460