KENYA: Migrants and Refugees Deserve Respect of Their Human Dignity, Says Kenyan Bishop
Bishop Henry Juma
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As the Catholic Church marked the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday, September 29, a Kenyan Bishop on behalf of members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), reminded the people of God that migrants and refugees merit human respect and dignity as any other person.
In the solidarity statement by the KCCB’s chairman for the Department of Refugees, Migrants, and Seafarers, Bishop Henry Juma Odonya highlighted that treating this vulnerable group with dignity is not only a moral obligation but also reflects fundamental human rights and Christian values.
“We are all called upon to be compassionate and offer just responses to the plight of migrants and refugees, recognizing their human dignity, protecting and integrating them into society,” Bishop Odonya of the Catholic Diocese of Kitale said pointing out that the most vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and people living with disabilities should always be considered and protected within the law,” as every human person needs to make the world a more inclusive and welcoming home for all despite their place of origin.
He called upon Government and the international community that as Kenya hosts over 600,000 refugees – most of whom are from the neighboring countries (Somali and South Sudan), they should not tire but “continue supporting initiatives addressing the root causes of displacement and also initiatives towards ensuring migrants and refugees are protected by domestic law guided by international best practices.”
According to Bishop Odonya, migrants and refugees face various challenges including protracted conflicts, harsh environmental impacts, security concerns, and overpopulation in camps.
Despite the hard situation, Kenya continues with her tradition of providing refuge and offering a home to the thousands of refugees and migrants from neighbouring countries.
Speaking to this year’s theme for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “God Walks with His People,” Bishop Odonya promises that Kenya will continue to extend love, compassion, and understanding to those displaced by conflicts and hardships.
Inspired by the scripture Leviticus 19:33-34, he said, “We see and treat the migrants as part of us, loving them as we love ourselves.”
The Bishop prayed that the Lord may always accompany and lead migrants and refugees to safe places as they face the challenges brought about by migration and displacement.
