By Lucky Isibor
A clergy and Catholic priest and Coordinator, Migrants and Refugee Unit, Uromi Catholic Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo has called on governments at the various levels to design and implement social protection and safety nets to ameliorate the plight of migrants and members of their host communities.
Arhedo stated this in his address in commemoration of the World Day of Migration and Refugees in the Catholic Diocese of Uromi which was delivered at all Masses in all the Churches and Mass Centres in the Diocese on Sunday, 29 September.
While listing rising unemployment, inflation, currency devaluation, declining social services, flight from persecution and a strain on public resources as part of the reasons people migrate, Fr. Arhedo who is also the Executive Director of Uromi Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiative (JDPCI) of Uromi Catholic Diocese, lamented that the migrants who are vulnerable are “Exploited, abandoned and neglected both in transit and destination countries as a result of either violation of migration policies or irregularity in migration patterns” and enumerated strategies to be adopted in the management of internal migrants, international migrants and refugees.
“We in this part of the globe have faced our fair share of challenges in managing both internal Migrants and International refugees. This complexity is heightened by our economic situation, but despite these challenges, we must remain committed to supporting those who face adversity in search of peace, safety and hope.
“The Present Reality, we must re-emphasize, is occasioned by economic hardship in Edo state in particular and Nigeria in general. The economic challenges we face are severe. Rising unemployment, inflation, currency devaluation, declining social services and a strain on public resources have made it increasingly difficult for citizens and migrants alike. In such a context, the influx of migrants and refugees seeking asylum, shelter, and opportunities places an additional burden on already limited resources. However. we must never lose sight of our moral and legal obligation to protect human dignity.
“Despite this overwhelming hardship, there are no effective or working government Policy Frameworks for Migrant and Refugee Management at the moment. Managing migrants and refugees in an economically strained environment requires a combination of good governance, policy interventions, and community involvement. Nigeria, as a signatory to International treaties such as the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, must live up to its commitments. In Edo State, these commitments should be localized through Comprehensive Data Collection.To manage Migrants and refugees effectively, we need accurate data on their numbers, locations, and needs. This will enable us to allocate resources more efficiently and avoid duplication of efforts by various agencies.
“Integration and Support Systems.Migrants and refugees often possess skills that can benefit the local economy. Providing them with opportunities for education, vocational training, and employment not only helps them integrate but also enhances the productivity of our state.
“Partnership with NGOs and International] Agencies. The economic burden should not rest solely on the shoulders of the government. Edo State must strengthen its partnerships with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and local NGOs. These partnerships can help mobilize resources, provide legal aid, and offer humanitarian assistance to refugees.
“Social Protection and Safety Nets. In times of economic difficulty, both the local population and migrants suffer. Social protection measures must be designed to cover both groups fairly. This could include food security programmes, health services, and emergency housing provisions for those most in need.
“Capacity Building for relevant stakeholders: Stakeholders within the space of Migration must understand protection services as they relate to Migrants and refugees. This could also include exchange opportunities from developed countries on the protection services available and how such good practices can be leveraged”.
While calling on the church, governments at various levels and other stakeholders like civil society organisations to collaborate to alleviate the plight of migrants and potential migrants, Arhedo reminded Christians that Christ himself was a migrant in Egypt in his infancy.
“As a church, what can we do in the face of this present reality? There must be a call to action.
“The Catholic Church, inspired by the Gospel and guided by the teachings of Pope Francis, stands firmly with migrants and refugees. We are reminded that Christ himself was a refugee in Egypt, fleeing persecution in his infancy. Therefore, the calls to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate migrants and refugees are not only a humanitarian duty but also a profound Christian obligation.
“Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, emphasizes that we are all brothers and sisters, regardless of nationality or status. He calls on the Church and the world to develop a culture of encounter and solidarity, ensuring that none is left behind, especially the most vulnerable. This aligns with the theme for this year’s celebration, “Free to Choose Whether to Migrate or to Stay”, which highlights the need for safer pathways for migrants and the responsibility of host communities to offer genuine opportunities for growth and integration.
“Edo State has been at the forefront of migration discourse in Nigeria due to the high number of young people emigrating, often through irregular and dangerous routes. Our people’s hope for a better future has led many into the hands of traffickers, with tragic consequences. The efforts of the Church, government, and civil society organizations to combat human trafficking, raise awareness, and support returnees have been commendable, yet, there is still much work to be done.
“It is our shared responsibility to address the root causes of forced migration: poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and corruption. Through programmes like those under the Uromi Justice, Development, and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), we have been working to create environments where people feel empowered to remain in their communities, secure in the knowledge that they can thrive where they are.
“As people of faith, we must continue to be the voice for the voiceless. We must advocate for policies that protect migrants and refugees, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. It is common in Edo State to see foreigners and stateless persons being tortured because they do not belong to a social class or they belong to another tribe or merely because they are not “sons of the soil” and hence lack any form of protection. These practices negate the Nigerian government’s adoption of the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 which are steps in the right direction in protecting foreigners, but these laws must be fully implemented and strengthened to truly make a difference”.