Pope Francis' message for the 2024 World Day of Migrants and Refugees emphasised the theme "God walks with his people," as he addressed more than 40,000 people in Belgium. He drew parallels between the biblical Exodus and modern migration, highlighting the shared experiences of suffering, hope, and divine accompaniment. The Pope urged us to recognise Christ in migrants, inviting everyone to journey with migrants in prayer and action.

Why this day matters more than ever.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees this year is particularly relevant. Today, the world is experiencing one of the largest displacement crises in history. Over 117 million people in the world have been forcibly displaced. Of this statistic, 40 per cent are children (UNHCR, 2024). Many seek refuge in neighbouring countries or face dire conditions in camps.

Caritas Australia is dedicated to responding to these needs. Through our comprehensive programs, we work tirelessly to assist, advocate, and provide education to support refugees and displaced communities.

Millions worldwide are fleeing conflict, persecution, and climate-related disasters. Caritas Australia and our network of partners have been at the forefront, providing life-saving aid to refugees and displaced people.

5 quick facts about refugees and migrants around the world:

• The war in Ukraine continues to be one of the largest displacement events, with almost 6.5 million Ukrainian refugees recorded worldwide (UNHCR, 2024).
• In countries including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Eritrea, the Africa food crisis is displacing millions of people, who have had to leave their lands due to several consecutive failed rainy seasons. Almost 4 million refugees have had cuts to their food aid in the Horn of Africa (UNHCR, 2023).
• Climate refugees: Increasingly, people are fleeing due to environmental disasters such as flooding, droughts, and extreme weather, making climate refugees a growing demographic within the global refugee crisis.
• The Gaza Strip is home to around 2.1 million people, with around 1.9 million people being displaced.
• Over 113,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced in Lebanon, as a result of the recent hostilities.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Your support is helping offer hope to families around the world who are displaced. Our humanitarian mission is clear: to provide food, clean water, shelter, hygiene kits and other emergency supplies to those most vulnerable.

However, it is crucial we step up:

• Raise awareness by sharing this blog and other stories of displaced people.
• Support organisations and NGOs helping displaced people and refugees.
• Advocate for fairer migration policies and human rights protections.

Earlier this year, Caritas Australia team members visited Kuputalong Refugee Camp in Cox's Bazar,  Bangladesh. The world’s largest refugee camp, it is home to over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar.

In 2017, a major wave of violence forced more than 700,000 Rohingya to cross the border into Bangladesh, sparking one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Despite international efforts, the crisis persists, and the refugees continue to live in a state of limbo with no clear pathway to citizenship or resettlement.

Living conditions in the refugee camps are harsh, with overcrowding, limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.

During their visit, Caritas Australia’s staff members were horrified when hearing recounts of the violence that the Rohingya fled from. Sakhina, one refugee living in the camp, recalled: “I ran as a dog runs. The bullets that were fired at that time missed my daughter living with a disability.”

Your support helps our local partners to provide essential services to Rohingya refugees like Sakhina, such as healthcare, education, water, sanitation, and psychosocial counselling.

Caritas Australia is featuring Sakhina’s story as part of our 2024 Christmas Appeal. Stay informed with Caritas Australia to hear more about Sakhina and other pieces of latest news.