KENYA: 103rd Refugee Day marked with a call to be Merciful to Refugees
Governments and political leaders in countries where refugees are fleeing conflict have been called upon to maintain peace in their countries and make the conditions favourable for their people so as to end the suffering of the young people.
In reference to Pope Francis’ message on the 103rd Migrants and Refugees Day marked on 15th, January, 2017, The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman for Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Sea Farers Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro said many refugee children are suffering in the hands of malicious and unscrupulous people.
“In the present world in many places, people are trafficking children and introducing them to prostitution, pornography, drugs, child labour and soldiers. These children are disadvantaged of being foreigners and have no means to protect themselves hence should be looked after.”
Bishop Alessandro called on the faithful and Kenyans at large to put into practice the works of mercy by welcoming and integrating the refugees and migrants in their midst and to respond to their situation by acknowledging their needs.
“Help the young refugees and migrants since they have no voice. They have the right to belong, to good healthy and stable family and to adequate education both at home and at school, they need models to emulate and time for recreation and to mingle with others.” He said.
The Holy Father Pope Francis in his message made a heartfelt appeal that long-term solutions be sought and adopted. “Since this is a complex phenomenon, the question of child migrants must be tackled at its source. Wars, human rights violations, corruption, poverty, environmental imbalance, and disasters, are all causes of displacement of persons. Children are the first to suffer at times due to physical violence, moral and psychological aggression, which leaves indelible scars.”
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By Rose Achiego
