The Regional Director for Solidarity and Social Security reiterated yesterday the importance of social support to families, communities and institutions, considering these support measures as "investments in the promotion of human dignity of the Azorean people" and not as "additional costs."

Natércia Gaspar spoke at the opening session of the symposium "Dar a Quem Precisa - Olhares sobre a Caridade ao long da História" (Give to those who need - Perspectives on Charity throughout History) in Velas, São Jorge, where she attended on behalf of the President of the Government. The government official called for the need of avoiding "a setback in social assistance as some defend that the response to social needs should the responsibility of private entities, the free will of individuals, families and communities."

As she stressed, "we are all called to this mission. The participation of people and civil society is increasingly important, but the assurance of social welfare and the universalization of social rights is a responsibility that must be shared with the State, otherwise we will be leaving behind some of our countrymen and women."

"As a result of the good management of our finances, the Azorean Government has undertaken an effort to tackle this situation of crisis market by the dictatorship of the markets, the regression of rights and the destruction of the historical achievements of workers. Social inequalities are increasing as well as the number of people deprived of their civil and social rights.

The Regional Director highlighted the fundamental role played by "the Catholic Church in supporting the most disadvantaged citizens", particularly through social and parish centres, institutions supported by religious congregations and the "misericórdias." Natércia Gaspar also mentioned the existence of 236 institutions in the Azores that have established partnerships with the Regional Government, providing responses to the needs of the population in several areas, from childhood and youth to old age and disabilities.

The Regional Director also took the opportunity to praise the "Misericórdias" for their ability to meet "new social needs." These institutions, in partnership with the Government, have been fighting against social inequalities and promoting several actions for the social protection and support to families and individuals.