Pope Francis published a powerful message in preparation for the upcoming World Day of Migrants, scheduled for Sept. 27.
The pope dedicates it to the dramatic situation of the internally displaced, one of the modern world's less-known issues.
There are at least 51 million men, women and children who, because of war, violence or natural disasters, have been forced to abandon their homes and land, without actually leaving their countries.
AMAYA VALCÁRCEL
Jesuit Refugee Service
“No one realizes they exist because there aren't any means of communication to reach them. Due to security risks, even humanitarian agencies have a difficult time accessing them, which is why they become invisible and are many times forgotten.”
Amaya Valcárcel works with the Jesuit Refugee Service. This Catholic organization aids and accompanies internal refugees in 14 countries, like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Myanmar, Colombia and Venezuela. They help in areas like healthcare and education
AMAYA VALCÁRCEL
Jesuit Refugee Service
“We work in the area of education. We strive to make education accessible to internally displaced children, and we've had positive experiences.”
The message was presented in a virtual press conference with Card. Michael Czerny, who thinks the pandemic can help take charge of the dramatic situations these people are experiencing.
CARD. MICHAEL CZERNY
Under-secretary, Migrants and Refugees
“To recognize, to open our eyes to people in our society who have been forced out of their homes, and like many of us forced out of what we used to think of as normal life, daily life, they are now living without support, without services, without a future.”
In his message, the pope laments that the coronavirus pandemic has blurred many other humanitarian emergencies afflicting millions of people. His fear is that 'international, essential and urgent initiatives and aid to save lives' will be pushed to one side.
That's why having an awareness of the drama of the internally displaced is a first step toward helping them.
