CSN calls for inclusive human dignity in support of migrants

Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has called for an inclusive human dignity in support of migrants and refugees across Nigeria.

This call was made through the Migrants and Refugees Unit (MRU) of the CSN in commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026, during a virtual interactive session with the theme ‘Until Everyone Is Safe.’

The session was anchored by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Nigeria, which guided participants in reflection on forced displacement and the need to strengthen responses rooted in human dignity, protection, and inclusion.

The session demonstrated the importance of strategic collaboration between the Church and non-Church actors in the shared mission of exploring practical responses to displacement and the quest for protection, inclusion and promoting human dignity of refugees.

Augustine Akhogba, the Episcopal Secretary of the MRU, stressed the need for sustained commitment to the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons, noting that the session was aimed at deepening collaborative pastoral engagement on migration challenges.

According to him, the occasion presented an opportunity to express the Church’s commitment towards the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons through her pastoral interventions.

A range of socio-cultural, sporting, enlightenment, creative and religious activities reflecting this year’s theme “Until Everyone Is Safe” were carried out to mark the commemoration in dioceses across Nigeria in collaboration with professionals and stakeholders in the migration space.

Temple Anuforo, Country Director, JRS Nigeria, highlighted current migration realities of the country, noting that internal displacement remains a major concern in Nigeria, driven largely by insecurity, governance gaps, and socio-economic pressures.

He emphasised JRS’s ‘Accompaniment’ model, carried out most through education, protection, and support services, while stressing that true safety is only possible when all communities are secure.

Ayokunle Oluseyi Ayodele, Country Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist, JRS, outlined the organisation’s key intervention areas, including education, protection, and health services.

Chinelo Ezinwa Nwakwesili, National Communication and Advocacy Officer, JRS Nigeria, shared a refugee case study illustrating the impact of accompaniment in restoring dignity and hope.

Ezinwa also commended the MRU for creating the platform for more collaboration and advocacy by agents of pastoral care of migration in Nigeria.

Participants also engaged speakers on issues of insecurity, governance, and inter-agency collaboration, as Rev. Fr. Akhogba, in his closing remark, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to continued advocacy and partnership in addressing displacement challenges.

The session concluded with a prayer for refugees, offering an opportunity for dialogue, learning, inspiration and solidarity with refugees in Nigeria and all over the world.