A woman displaced by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Paul Jeffrey, ACT
Young refugees collect water in Chad. Photo: Paul Jeffrey, ACT
Refugee girls from Afghanistan access an education to build futures of hope and peace. Photo: Chris Herlinger, ACT
A young Iraqi refugee girl carries her belongings in the street. Photo: UNHCR.
No one is a refugee by choice. Refugees and internally displaced people are forced to flee their homes out of fear for their lives and liberty. Many live in crowded camps, waiting for peace and an opportunity to return home. Some can return after a few weeks while others spend their entire lives hoping for the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Who is a Refugee?
International law defines refugees as people who are unable or unwilling to return to their countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or belonging to a particular social group. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports there are 43 million refugees and displaced people around the world. What international law does not describe is the sheer courage and hope characterizing most refugees, wherever they are.
Providing Support for Refugees
The refugee ministry of PWS&D is a response to Christ’s call to serve and defend those who are vulnerable and persecuted. Arriving at a makeshift camp can be a very daunting experience. PWS&D is helping displaced people living in refugee camps through the provision of food, clean water, shelter, education, income-generating opportunities and emotional support. PWS&D helps to provide emergency supply kits containing critical items such as clothing, cooking pots, blankets, shelter materials and mosquito nets. Emergency food packages contain items such as wheat flour, cooking oil, baby food and fortified biscuits. When a situation stabilizes and refugees are able to return home, PWS&D partners help to rebuild lives by providing housing, education, seeds and tools, and clean water wells.
Refugee Sponsorship
The Presbyterian Church in Canada is an official Sponsorship Agreement Holder with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This enables Presbyterian congregations to sponsor refugees to resettle in Canada. PWS&D advocates for refugees through a number of Canadian refugee advocacy groups, including the Canadian Council for Refugees. Download the refugee handbook. Download the refugee sponsorship application form.
Call for Iraqi Refugee Sponsors
Since the Iraq conflict began in 2003, more than 4.5 million Iraqis have been uprooted from their homes, and over 2 million Iraqi refugees have sought asylum in neighbouring countries. Outside of their homeland, they lack legal status, have limited access to employment and education, and face uncertainty and threats of violence.
The Canadian government is offering resettlement to Canada for some of these refugees, and is asking private sponsors to participate. Some refugees already have family members living in Canada and wish to join them—your congregation can help! To learn more, contact Carolyn Vanderlip, PWS&D’s Refugee Program Coordinator (1-800-619-7301 ext. 249 or cvanderlip[@]presbyterian.ca)
Refugee Resources
The Presbyterian Church in Canada produced new mission study guides educating both adults and children about refugee issues. View them here.
Your Gifts Make a Difference!
Through your generous support, refugees are finding hope and the help they need to rebuild their lives with dignity. Make a donation today!
