On the occasion of the World Day of Migration and Refugees, which is celebrated on September 26, Pope Francis, in his message, asks us to walk together to become greater and greater, through an increasingly Catholic Church. Looking for each of us to act in his community and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive world.

At Sisters Hospitallers we cannot remain indifferent to this reality. We seek to deepen awareness of emergency situations, add available resources and services, and ensure communication with religious and civil entities involved in the issue, as well as promote awareness at different levels. We support the accommodation and integration of refugee families, we also support the realization of their life projects and their full inclusion in society.

The Covid19 pandemic has wiped out the livelihoods of refugees

António Guterres, UN Secretary General, stresses that the Covid19 pandemic has wiped out the livelihoods of refugees, has led to stigmatization and defamation, and has disproportionately exposed them to the virus. But at the same time, he emphasizes that they have demonstrated their invaluable contribution to adoptive societies as essential and front-line workers.

Approximately 272 million men and women live outside their countries. Guterres explained that “migrants are full members of society, contributing to mutual understanding and sustainable development in the communities of origin and destination.” Therefore, “they are entitled to the same protection of all their human rights”. These principles are enshrined in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which was approved at the end of 2018. Despite this, the Secretary General also commented that “narratives about migrants that are harmful and false” are often heard.