Benin’s Catholic Bishops Call for More Humane Justice, Concrete Action on Abuse of Minors

The Episcopal Conference of Benin called on the government to create a more humane justice system and take concrete action to address the abuse of minors. In a communiqué issued October 28, the bishops also urged officials to tackle poverty and various forms of social instability.

The statement followed the 79th Ordinary Plenary Session, which began October 25 at the Monsignor Nicolas Okioh Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Natitingou. While the bishops acknowledged government reforms intended for the well-being of citizens, they requested that the government work to ease political tensions.

The bishops expressed concern regarding the persistence of poverty, theft, armed robbery, and new forms of begging. They noted that these economic difficulties contribute to further social issues, including drug use, rape, the abuse of minors, and the threat of terrorism.