Pope Benedict XVI on Friday urged governments around the world to ensure better protection and opportunities for migrant children. Delivering his official message ahead of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which takes place in January, the pope said too many underage migrants and refugees were ''abandoned'' by governments and fell victim to ''exploitation or discrimination''.

''It is my heartfelt wish that the proper attention is given to underage migrants, who need a social environment that encourages their physical, cultural, spiritual and moral development,'' the pontiff said. ''Living in a foreign country without effective points of reference creates numerous and often grave problems and difficulties, particularly for those without family support''.

The pontiff expressed particular concern about the problems facing young refugees but also spoke on the importance of protecting second-generation immigrants. ''These adolescents are part of two cultures, with all the advantages and problems this entails,'' he said. ''It gives them the chance to experience the richness of two different cultural traditions but it is important they are also given the opportunity to attend school, enter the workplace and have their integration into society facilitated by the right social and training opportunities''.

EVERY MIGRANT HAS INALIENABLE RIGHTS. More generally, Benedict spoke of the ''sheer scale'' of migration and the number of ''social, economic, political, cultural or religious issues'' it creates. But above all, he said, it should be borne in mind that ''every migrant is an individual human being with inalienable rights that should be respected by everyone''. Commenting on the pope's message, the Vatican's 'migrant minister' Antonio Maria Veglio' underscored the need for greater support for underage migrants. He recalled that international law strictly prohibits the repatriation of unaccompanied minors, ''even though that rule, like many others, is often not respected'', he said. Veglio', who heads the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, also said governments must make greater efforts towards integration. He singled out an initiative in some German schools, which sees foreign and native-born children taught separately to prevent language problems slowing down the pace of the whole class.

Warning that such schemes could result in segregation or discrimination, Veglio' suggested the use of teaching assistants, recalling that similar complaints in Italy a few years ago following the introduction of special needs kids into mainstream schools had been resolved this way. Vatican figures have repeatedly spoken out in support of migrants in recent months and Veglio' in particular has expressed concern over the Italian government's immigration policies.

His criticism has centered on a new law criminalizing illegal immigration and a controversial push-back policy launched in May, under which migrant boats intercepted in the Mediterranean are sent back to Libya, which does not recognize international refugee law. Earlier this month, the Vatican hosted its 6th World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees, which was attended attended by Catholics and experts from around the world.