AMECEA: Catholic Church a Bacon of Hope to Refugees and Migrants, says PHID Coordinator

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Days after World Refugee Day marked annually on June 20, to honor the contributions and resilience of people who have been forced out of their homes, a cleric has applauded the Catholic Church for her efforts to be a silver lining to refugees and migrants in society.

In his message to members of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) whose mission is to protect and serve uprooted people… and give priority to assisting the most vulnerable in need of protection regardless of faith, race, ethnicity, or nationality Fr. Paul Mung’athia Igweta the coordinator for Promoting Integral Human Development (PIHD) at the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), highlighted that, “The Catholic Church plays a crucial role in responding to the refugee and migration challenges in Africa, offering hope and support to those in dire need.”

The Kenyan cleric who attended the two-day held in Vatican Sancalisto from 25 to 26^th June to discuss the crisis faced by Refugees all over the world acknowledged that “Africa faces significant refugee and migration challenges due to a variety of factors, including conflicts, political instability, economic hardships, environmental issues, and social factors.”

In this case, Fr. Igweta said, the Inter-communal violence has led to the displacement of thousands into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps hence the need for coordinated efforts from national governments, regional bodies, International organizations, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to “help address the root causes of these challenges and provide adequate support to refugees and migrants.”

According to Fr. Igweta, the Catholic Church comes in handy at such times through the provision of humanitarian assistance by international organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) which provide emergency relief, food, shelter, and medical care to refugees and IDPs in numerous African countries as well as focusing on long-term recovery and development projects. The Caritas Internationalis also offer extensive support through its national and local branches across Africa. It provides food, water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

Besides, the priest who is on the ICMC board representing the Bishops Conference in Kenya underscored that the Church advocates for the protection of the rights of refugees and migrants at national and international levels, to ensure that governments uphold their obligations under international law. At the same time, she operates schools and vocational training centers to help refugees and migrants gain education and skills needed for self-reliance.

Speaking on this year’s theme for World Refugee Day “Solidarity with Refugees,” Fr. Igweta recommended the need to “Mobilize local communities from grassroots to support migrants and refugees through volunteer programs, local advocacy, and awareness-raising events.” And also the need to “develop programs that promote the cultural integration of migrants while respecting and preserving their heritage.”