KENYA: On World Refugee Day, Prelate Encourages Creating Safe Space for Everyone

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

As the worldwide community marks World Refugee Day (WRD) in remembrance of those forced to flee from their countries or homes because of various challenges, Catholic Bishop has encouraged creating a safe space for these people to feel welcome and not rejected.

Speaking at Jesuit Refugee service (JRS) in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday, June 20, Bishop Virgilio Pante the chairman of Commission for Refugees, Migrants & Seafarers at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) acknowledges that the “world belongs to everyone and we are to be compassionate to all.”

In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration on the annual event, the Prelate focused on the beatitudes recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount reminding the congregants that the judgement on the last day will be on “how we treated our brothers and sisters since the image of God himself is in the people.”

“There are challenges everywhere, bombs, killings, grabbing people’s property, selfishness, several tragedies and other destructions leading to displacement and people fleeing their homes,” the Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Maralal Diocese disclosed and continued, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, when they are not involved in such acts, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

He highlighted that all the destructions of humanity and environment does not bring and development or progress but instead a sign of “pride.”

Stressing on the virtue of peace, the Bishop who has worked with refugees for over two decades underscored that it is a mission that should be continuous and not be ended, stressing that happy the peacemakers, they will be called children of God.”

“Peace and reconciliation must be the priority work of the Church for it is a ministry God entrusted us to reconcile with God and ourselves,” he said.

The annual WRD, that was designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe and build empathy and understanding for their plight as the world recognizes their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Speaking on the same day on the theme for the 2022 WRD; “Whoever. Wherever. Whenever. Everyone has the right to seek safety,” JRS Country Director Mr. Angelo Pittaluga said “We celebrate the great capacities, skills and resilience of refugees as they bring additional value to the host communities.”

According to the Country Director, even though refugees have same rights, freedom and dignity, some countries have neglected them.”

He encouraged that refugees be given the same treatment, attention and support they deserve.