Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - "Every 15 minutes a person becomes displaced in the world", recalled His Exc. Mgr. Virgilio Pante, Bishop of Maralal and Vice President of the Commission for Refugees and Migrants of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, during his homily for the World Day of Migrants. Day which fell on June 20, but for organizational reasons, the Mass at St. John the Baptist Riruta Parish in Nairobi was celebrated yesterday, 22 June. The Mass was attended by refugees living in Kenya from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan.
According to information sent to Fides, Mgr. Pante urged refugees not to lose hope despite the difficulties they face every day, and recalled: "Be strong in faith and believe in God. Remember that even Jesus Christ sought refuge in Africa". The Bishop also appealed to Kenyans to avoid tribalism and racism, and instead help refugees to have access to school and work.
Mgr. Pante finally asked the Kenyan government to allow the voluntary repatriation of Somalis who wish to return home, but not to expel by force the Somalis who do not want to do it. Kenya has decided to close Dadaab camp, home to 350,000 Somali refugees after the recent terrorist attacks attributed to the Shabaab in Somalia (see Fides 16/04/2015).
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kenya welcomes 600,000 refugees. Out of 50 million refugees in the world, Kenya is the fourth host country with regards to the total number of refugees, after Pakistan, Iran and Germany. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/06/2015)
