World Refugee Day is celebrated around the world on June 20. This year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has chosen “Hope Away From Home” as its theme.
The aim of this day is to highlight the courage and perseverance of people forced to flee their countries for a variety of reasons, including persecution and safety during conflicts and extreme weather events. It invites people to get involved and take concrete action to express their solidarity with refugees.
The High Commissioner’s website also features a series of thematic features designed to give a better understanding of the reality of refugees. In the series entitled “With love from Central America,” we are presented with a series of letters written by eight refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons who bear witness to their situation. They are trying to rebuild their lives, while still having to live in the shadows to stay alive.
SNJM Corporate Stand
This day is also an opportunity for the Congregation to recall its Corporate Stand on Migrants and Refugees:
“We, members of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, guided by our faith and our charism, collaborate with migrant and refugee people to promote respect for their rights. We call on all nations, especially those with a SNJM presence, to strengthen the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for all migrant and refugee people around the world.”
Actions to show solidarity with refugees
The Congregation Leadership Team invite every sister and affiliate to consider a way that you might live more fully into this SNJM Corporate Stand through prayer and action. Wherever possible “partner with immigrants, refugees, and indigenous people to resist racism, advocate for human rights and create welcoming communities.” (33rd GC Acts)
Thank you to all who are housing immigrants and refugees, serving immigrants as they cross the borders of our respective countries, providing para legal support, advocating for, educating and accompanying our sisters and brothers.