Report on the SACBC Meeting on Migration, Refugees, and Human Trafficking
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) recently convened a multi-day meeting addressing migration, pastoral care, and the Church’s response to human trafficking. The gathering brought together clergy, religious, lay leaders, and representatives from civil society organizations, with discussions structured around pastoral, theological, and legal dimensions of migration in Southern Africa.
Opening Reflections
Sr. Neide Lamperti (SACBC) welcomed participants and noted that materials were available for use across dioceses. In his opening remarks, Bishop Joseph Kizito reflected on the symbolism of the cross as a sign of humility and closeness, linking this imagery to the realities of migration. He characterised migrants as “missionaries of hope,” emphasising their resilience and determination in seeking better lives. Bishop Kizito encouraged participants to examine the conditions within their own communities and to consider practical ways of supporting migrants’ dignity and integration.
Keynote Presentation: Pastoral and Prophetic Dimensions
Fr. Jean Marie Dido delivered the keynote address, Migrants, Missionaries of Hope: Pastoral and Prophetic Dimensions. His presentation framed human mobility as a global phenomenon shaped by both forced (war, climate crises) and voluntary (socioeconomic aspiration) factors. From a pastoral perspective, he argued that the Church is called to provide accompaniment, recognising migrants’ resilience and faith as contributions to the broader Christian community. The pastoral challenge, he noted, lies in confronting prejudice, xenophobia, and fear, while fostering unity and transformative encounters.
On the prophetic level, Fr. Dido emphasised the need for the Church to advocate against exclusionary policies and hostile rhetoric, while promoting hospitality and social cohesion. He highlighted the shift from pastoral care for migrants toward pastoral care with migrants, underscoring migrants’ active role in community life.
Human Trafficking: National Perspectives
The National Freedom Network (NFN), represented by Amy Arnold, outlined its work in countering human trafficking. NFN functions as a coordinating body that links prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration initiatives across South Africa. The presentation stressed the vulnerability of undocumented migrants, who often face heightened risks of exploitation. Particular attention was drawn to the role of digital platforms in grooming and sextortion, with presenters identifying six stages of grooming: targeting, friendship, fulfilling a need, isolation, sexualization, and maintaining control.
Partner organisations, including Unchain Our Children, were noted for their specialised training efforts. The analysis reinforced the necessity of multi-stakeholder cooperation, as trafficking manifests in forms ranging from domestic servitude to online exploitation.
Legal and Policy Frameworks
Dr. James provided an update on South Africa’s migration law, focusing on the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. He emphasised that asylum seekers are entitled to remain in the country until their applications are finalised and retain rights to work, study, and access basic services. Refugees, under Section 27 of the Refugees Act, are entitled to legal protection, the right to apply for permanent residence after five years, and access to healthcare, education, and employment.
At the same time, the presentation highlighted systemic challenges within South Africa’s asylum system, including delays, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the precarious situation of undocumented migrants who remain at risk of deportation. Civil society organisations such as the Scalabrini Centre continue to assist in navigating these complex processes.
Strategic Planning and Pastoral Responses
The subsequent sessions turned toward strategy and pastoral planning. Bishop Kizito presented the “Cycle of Mission” framework, rooted in praxis and pastoral reflection. This model emphasised personal experience, contextual analysis, theological reflection, and faith-based action. Participants were encouraged to draw on Church teaching, biblical resources, and social sciences to formulate effective responses to gender-based violence, xenophobia, and trafficking.
A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) was introduced to evaluate the Church’s engagement with migrants and refugees. Strengths were identified in pastoral commitment and community networks, while weaknesses included structural limitations and resource constraints. Opportunities such as the forthcoming 2024 White Paper were highlighted, alongside external threats ranging from policy restrictions to societal hostility.
Diocesan Reports
Representatives from more than 20 dioceses presented reports detailing pastoral initiatives for migrants and refugees. The reports demonstrated ongoing efforts to integrate migrants into parish life, with particular attention to linguistic and cultural diversity. Several dioceses emphasised the importance of forming leadership spaces for migrants, fostering intercultural dialogue, and ensuring that pastoral accompaniment was inclusive.
Despite progress, the reports also noted challenges: limited data collection on migrant populations, difficulties in establishing permanent pastoral structures, and the risk of parallel communities forming within parishes. Many dioceses expressed the need for stronger collaboration with civil society organisations, as well as increased investment in training for local leaders.
The conference concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Kizito. Across its sessions, the meeting highlighted the intersection of theology, pastoral care, and socio-political realities shaping migration in Southern Africa. The discussions revealed three key insights. First, migration must be approached not only as a challenge but also as a source of renewal for communities of faith, with migrants contributing resilience and hope. Second, effective pastoral responses require structural investment, inter-institutional collaboration, and active participation by migrants themselves. Third, the persistence of human trafficking and systemic failures in asylum processes underscores the urgency of coordinated responses that integrate pastoral, legal, and social support. Taken together, the proceedings underscored the SACBC’s ongoing commitment to addressing migration and human trafficking through a combined lens of pastoral care, advocacy, and strategic action.
Categories:
- Children On The Move
- Event
- Human Rights
- Human Trafficking
- Migration And Immigration
- Migration In Africa
Tags:
- Church And Civil Society Collaboration
- Education Rights For Migrants
- Refugee Access To Healthcare
- Migration And Human Dignity
- SACBC Prophetic Advocacy
- Strategic Pastoral Planning
- Hospitality And Social Cohesion
- Advocacy Against Exclusionary Policies
- Migrant-led Community Spaces
- Inclusive Parish Leadership
- Theological Reflection On Migration
- Unchain Our Children Training
- NFN Anti-trafficking Efforts
- Scalabrini Centre Support
- Legal Protection For Asylum Seekers
- Interfaith Migration Dialogue
- Diocesan Pastoral Initiatives
- Refugee Integration Strategies
- Undocumented Migrant Rights
- Sextortion Prevention South Africa
- Digital Grooming Awareness
- Xenophobia And Faith Communities
- SWOT Analysis Migration Church
- Cycle Of Mission SACBC
- Pastoral Cycle Framework
- Southern Africa Asylum Law
- Migrants Missionaries Of Hope
- Prophetic Voice For Refugees
- Church Response To Human Trafficking
- Pastoral Care For Migrants
- SACBC Migration Conference 2025