"Do not lose hope"

The exhortation of Mgr. Pante to 600,000 refugees welcomed in Kenya

            "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, which fell on June 20. The Mass was attended by refugees living in Kenya from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan.
            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.

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 regard to the total number of refugees, after Pakistan, Iran and Germany. (Source: Agenzia Fides June 23, 2015)