World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is celebrated around the world on June 20. This year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) has chosen as its slogan “For a world that welcomes refugees.”

It’s an opportunity for the organization to reiterate how vital it is to show solidarity, express our solidarity and focus on openness to recognize the talents, achievements and contributions of these refugees. Focusing on the challenges they face also helps to humanize situations that are sometimes untenable.

At the same time, this day highlights 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.”

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.