2025 Emmaus International Board statement

Following the declaration of Emmaus Asia in March 2025, the Board of Emmaus International, meeting in Haarzuilens (Netherlands), strongly condemns the inhumane policies of the US government, which primarily affect vulnerable people. In particular, we denounce the violations of the rights of exiled people, including refoulement without examination, arbitrary detention, illegal deportations and degrading treatment, all in violation of international law.

American foreign policy worsens this situation. Its support for Israel’s genocidal strategy in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is fuelling violence against innocent civilians, destroying vital infrastructure and causing starvation, deprivation of health care and forced displacement.

In addition, the cessation of funding for USAID and the withdrawal from the WHO are paralyzing humanitarian action in many countries. These choices threaten access to care, deepen poverty and weaken mechanisms for international cooperation, thus undermining global stability.

Beyond these highly visible acts, another muted threat is spreading: the rise of global authoritarianism. Present in 42 countries, Emmaus groups are witness to the rise of the far right, wars, repression of rights defenders, censorship, reduced NGO budgets, etc. These abuses weaken fundamental freedoms all over the world.

In the face of this, we strongly reaffirm our commitment to defend the rights of vulnerable people, to fight against the causes of poverty, to maintain a healthy social bond, to promote solidarity and to encourage social transformation.

We refuse to give up. Many of us have a different vision for society, one that is fairer and more sustainable. Our daily actions show that alternatives exist. We must speak out internationally to demand a peaceful and habitable world for all.

Finally, for our next World Assembly, we must reflect collectively on the future of our Movement. Together, we will build a more united future and amplify a shared political voice. Some want to silence us, but we reaffirm that we will continue to resist, to speak out and to act!