ETIKA MIGRASI GLOBAL: TINJAUAN KRITIS MARTABAT MANUSIA DALAM PERSPEKTIF AJARAN SOSIAL GEREJA DAN HUKUM INTERNASIONAL

Abstract

The current phenomenon of global migration has become a complex social reality with a significant increase in the number of international migrants, reaching 281 million people in 2022. Beyond these figures, migrants often face various humanitarian issues, ranging from human rights violations and discriminatory treatment to state-sponsored anti-immigrant policies. This paper aims to examine the ethics of global migration through a critical review of human dignity from the perspectives of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and International Law. The method used is descriptive-qualitative with an interdisciplinary approach that combines theological-biblical analysis, a juridical review of international law, and economic sociology. The theological foundation of migration rests on the unity of the human family, as all are created in the image and likeness of God. Consequently, every individual possesses a unique dignity that transcends racial and cultural boundaries. This universal brotherhood mandates that everyone accept and love others without exception, including migrants. Discussion results indicate the importance of integrating legal and moral orders in handling migration. Morally, migrants must be accepted because acceptance is a rightful value, while legally, the aspect of legality remains necessary to ensure protection and legal certainty. The diplomacy of the Holy See and the roles of international organizations such as the IOM are emphasized as means to defend human dignity and encourage international cooperation. Furthermore, migration is viewed as an instrument of economic development that can aid in poverty alleviation and the fulfillment of foreign debt obligations through remittances. As a practical solution, bureaucratic reform is required through a one-roof service system and the involvement of local informal institutions to ensure the migration process operates fairly, safely, and with dignity for all parties.