Supporting Migrants & Refugees
Upholding dignity, rights, and hope for those forced to leave their homes
Our Commitment to Displaced Persons
Millions of people across Africa are displaced by conflict, persecution, natural disasters, and economic hardship. As Franciscans, we recognize the sacred dignity of every person and stand in solidarity with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons in their search for safety, dignity, and a better future.
Why This Matters
Migration and forced displacement are among the defining human rights challenges of our time. People leave their homes not by choice, but out of necessity—fleeing violence, persecution, poverty, and environmental disasters. They face dangerous journeys, exploitation, discrimination, and barriers to accessing basic services and protection. We believe that every person, regardless of their legal status, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Challenges Facing Migrants & Refugees
Dangerous Journeys
Migrants and refugees face perilous routes, exploitation by smugglers, human trafficking, and life-threatening conditions during transit.
Documentation Issues
Lack of legal documentation creates barriers to accessing services, employment, education, and protection from abuse and deportation.
Housing & Basic Needs
Many displaced persons live in overcrowded camps or informal settlements with inadequate shelter, water, sanitation, and healthcare.
Economic Exclusion
Restricted work permits and discrimination limit livelihood opportunities, forcing many into informal labor and vulnerability to exploitation.
Family Separation
Displacement often separates families, causing trauma and making it difficult to reunite across borders and legal systems.
Education Access
Refugee and migrant children face barriers to education, including language, documentation requirements, and discrimination.
Discrimination & Xenophobia
Many face stigma, hostility, and violence from host communities, limiting their integration and access to protection.
Legal Protection Gaps
Complex asylum processes, detention, and deportation threats create constant insecurity and fear.
Fundamental Rights of Migrants & Refugees
Under international law, all people have fundamental rights regardless of their migration status
Right to Safety
Protection from persecution, violence, and refoulement (forced return to danger)
Right to Fair Process
Access to asylum procedures and legal representation
Right to Healthcare
Access to essential medical services and emergency care
Right to Education
Children’s right to attend school and access learning
Right to Family Unity
Protection of family bonds and reunification
Right to Dignity
Humane treatment and freedom from discrimination
Our Support Services
Humanitarian Assistance
Providing emergency relief including food, shelter, clothing, and essential supplies to newly arrived migrants and refugees.
Legal Information & Referrals
Offering guidance on asylum procedures, documentation, and connecting people with legal service providers for representation.
Counseling & Trauma Support
Providing mental health support, trauma counseling, and psychosocial services for individuals and families affected by displacement.
Settlement Support
Helping with housing, language learning, cultural orientation, and connections to community resources for successful integration.
Skills Training & Employment
Providing vocational training, job placement assistance, and support for income-generating activities to build self-reliance.
Learning Opportunities
Supporting access to formal education for children and adult education programs including literacy and skills development.
Rights Protection
Advocating for stronger protection mechanisms, challenging discriminatory policies, and promoting refugee rights at all levels.
Social Cohesion Programs
Facilitating dialogue between refugees and host communities to build understanding, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful coexistence.
Our Approach: From Arrival to Integration
Emergency Response
Immediate assistance upon arrival including food, shelter, medical care, and safety planning for those in urgent need.
Legal Support & Documentation
Guidance through asylum procedures, help with documentation, and referrals to legal services for representation.
Basic Services Access
Connecting individuals to healthcare, education, housing support, and other essential services in their new location.
Skills & Empowerment
Vocational training, language classes, and skills development to build capacity for economic self-sufficiency.
Long-term Integration
Ongoing support for social integration, community participation, and building a new life with dignity and security.
