An unprecedented 66 million people worldwide have been forced from their homes by conflict and violence, according to a report released Wednesday the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The May 30 report, “Confronting the Global Migration Crisis”, found that developing countries host the majority of forced migrants, meaning that poor communities which lack resources are supporting a disproportionate amount of refugees and migrants. Catholic Relief Services staff have seen this occur on the ground in Africa, where the CSIS report documented that “almost 94 percent of all forced migrants in Africa stay in Africa.”
When confronting this global crisis, the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference Migration and Refugee services representative said that it is important to look toward long-term solutions and address the root causes of displacement. As reported by CNA, Ashley Feasley, the director of policy for the U.S. Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services said, “In this era of unprecedented forced migration, we need to think about durable solutions to ensure people are able to live safely and decently and with their families. This includes looking for peace-building solutions to ensure people who do not want to migrate can also have that chance.” Further, she added, “The global Catholic community has long been involved in helping advance this goal – whether it be from resettlement to humanitarian aid and community integration.”
The U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services have put together a toolkit to help parishes celebrate World Refugee Day on June 20. It includes prayers for refugees and a list of specific ways Catholics can engage their local communities to aid refugees.
Source: CNA
