As individual states and the European Union struggle to come up with an effective and compassionate solution to the refugee crisis, communities and individuals are taking the situation into their own hands to welcome migrants.
Here are six ways in which you can join this wave of solidarity:
LEARN MORE
The more you learn about this crisis, the more you’ll understand its underlying causes and can spread the word. Continued warfare in Syria, and violence in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, have contributed to the surge of refugees from those countries, while deteriorating economic conditions in places like sub-Saharan Africa have led people to Europe in search of a better life. Find out more from Caritas.
Caritas Serbia distributes hygiene kits and food in the refugee centre in Preshevo, in the south of the country, where the refugees are coming after crossing the border to Macedonia. Credit: Caritas Serbia
DONATE
One of the best ways to help is through donating money. This helps organisations react quickly and effectively in key crisis areas. Caritas is helping people from the heart of Syria and Iraq to all the countries affected by the refugee and migrant crisis (Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Morocco and Spain). Please support your national Caritas as they best way to provide solidarity. You can also donate through Caritas Internationalis
ADVOCATE
Help Caritas advocate for change by holding your politicians accountable. We’re working for legal and safe migration paths, better and more dignified conditions in refugee camps, diplomatic and political solutions to end wars and build peace and resettlement programmes for refugees which promote integration. Read more.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow and retweet @iamCARITAS, @CaritasEuropa @Caritas_Serbia @caritas_hellas, @caritasfrance, @Caritas_web, @CaritasItaliana @CatholicRelief, on Twitter for the latest updates on the #refugeeswelcome that’s reached Europe. Go to IAmCaritas on Facebook for frequent updates.
PRAY
Pray for protection for refugees—particularly those fleeing Northern Africa for Europe—as well as for personal transformation as we face the needs of refugees everywhere, by using this Prayer for Refugees
TAKE A REFUGEE FAMILY INTO YOUR PARISH OR COMMUNITY
Pope Francis called for European parishes, communities and any place perceived as a sanctuary to take in one refugee family in Europe.
Contact your diocesan or national Caritas organisation if you would like to do this