La Laguna (Tenerife), 11 (Europa Press)
A number of students from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, hailing from Italy, Nepal, and Brazil, read out the ‘Declaration of Guajara’ this Friday. This document concludes the sixth edition of the International Congress of Human Rights and Globalisation, which took place this week at the University of La Laguna in collaboration with the University of Seville.
The text robustly denounces xenophobia and the targeting of migrants, affirming their right to free movement.
Furthermore, the University Centre “rebels” against the reality that the Sea of the Islands has become a “common grave” for numerous families.
Cultural diversity is a valuable asset for societal progress, it asserts, and highlights the significance of research in this field.
The conclusion of this Congress coincided with the approval in the Congress of Deputies of the Decree Law that facilitates the redistribution of migrant children in cases of saturation within the destination Autonomous Community, thus enabling the entire country to contribute to the welfare of these individuals.
This topic was extensively discussed during the closing ceremony, presided over by the rector, Francisco García, who remarked that “we must implement regulations when common sense fails,” advocating for the “human rights perspective.”
In times of significant international crises, the current retreat of borders, which carries dire economic consequences, also poses challenges for migrants, he added.
“This is why I take great pride in the fact that these two public universities, La Laguna and Sevilla, have illuminated various aspects of this global phenomenon during the congress,” he continued.
He expressed that “it is a misstep to reject diversity; we must embrace migration as a vital resource for facing the future.”
José Segura, Director General of Casa Africa, also participated in the Congress, stating that it is indeed uplifting to be at a gathering of the University of La Laguna “to discuss individuals who, in the inalienable exercise of their freedom, opt to seek new horizons.”
The Canary Islands Experience
Reflecting on the past two centuries, he noted that the Canary Islands’ experience with emigration is quite exceptional.
“In the last 30 years, we have experienced the opposite phenomenon, which I have documented in 18 monographs. Public universities in the Canary Islands, along with non-governmental organisations and other entities, have established an intellectual framework surrounding this phenomenon,” he stated, also acknowledging the immense contribution of volunteers at reception points during this process.
Alfonso Cabello, Deputy Counsellor of the Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands, also highlighted the congruence of the Congress celebrations with the ratification of the Decree Law.
“This Congress has contributed its insights towards changing Europe’s consciousness, which now turns its gaze southward.” There are no tall barriers to halt a survival necessity, and thus we must distinguish what transcends politics, “he asserted.
Anselmo Pestana, Government Delegate in the Canary Islands, referred to the glorification of cruelty in political discourse and the media, particularly regarding migration, and described the gradual enhancement of reception centres across the islands in recent times.
Following the parliamentary approval, he confidently claimed that “today, this is a better nation,” adding that congresses like this and the universities’ efforts in favour of human rights are exceedingly timely.
Mamadou Agne, UN Migration representative in the Canary Islands, was also in attendance at the closing ceremony.
The Congress of the University of La Laguna featured a closing lecture by Antonio Campillo, a professor at the University of Murcia, who examined, among other matters, the distinction between migrant and refugee – a differentiation he believes has become obsolete.
Refugee Legislation is “Outdated”
“The legislation related to this issue is completely antiquated,” he stated, arguing that most migrations are forced, as no one willingly leaves their homeland.
“The reality is that this distinction serves the interests of states to justify discrimination,” he pointed out.
From his perspective, the rise of neoliberalism and fascism is driven by border closures, “to protect the northern whites from the southern blacks,” which is the prevailing narrative.
He suggested that “the essential question is to ascertain who has the right to reside in secure spaces and who does not.”
In 2023, approximately 24 million individuals relocated due to natural disasters, although many returned later, noted the expert in a message shared by the ULL.
During every climate summit, nations call for shared but differentiated responsibilities, stating that “there exists a climatic injustice that must be addressed,” allowing Southern nations to initiate their energy transition and strive for a more sustainable future through alternative productive models, he explained.
He also remarked that “none of this has come to fruition,” and that Latin America, Africa, and South Asia are the regions most vulnerable to climate change – precisely the countries that contribute the least to pollution.
“Thus, we have on one side the greenhouse gas emitting nations and on the other the recipients. Conversely, through migration, the youth of the South will be responsible for caring for the ageing population in the North,” he concluded.
