Message from the General Administration: Pope Francis, shepherd of mercy: a legacy that illuminates the path of the Church
The news of the passing of our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis leaves us deeply saddened, but our faith in the Resurrection comforts us. "Life does not end with death, and Christian hope is a gift that urges us to move forward," he wrote in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti. With him, the Church experienced a season of profound renewal, founded on mercy, closeness to the least among us, attention to God's creation and universal brotherhood, on an unceasing dialogue...
SIHMA Pays Tribute to Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion and Justice
SIHMA, the Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa, is deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Catholics around the world. In a world often divided by borders and ideologies, there are figures who transcend barriers, weaving a narrative of hope, compassion, and humanity. Pope Francis was such a figure. His papacy lit the darkest corners of society, embracing the sidelined and uniting millions under the banner...
Fleeing War, Finding Uncertainty: The Challenges Faced by Sudanese Refugees in Egypt
Background During the early twentieth century, Sudan was a protectorate of Egypt (in the north) and the United Kingdom (in the south), known as the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium. But, in 1956, the Republic of Sudan declared independence after Egypt and the United Kingdom relinquished their sovereignty. However, at this time, there was a stark divide between the northern region (wealthier, Muslim majority) and the southern region (less developed and Christian majority. This...
Trafficking in Persons Crackdowns: Ethiopia, Kenya and Malawi
Human trafficking remains a critical issue in many nations. Security agencies in Ethiopia and Malawi have increased efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and address irregular immigration. Investigations reveal the involvement of travel agencies, officials, and brokers in these activities. Successful operations in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Malawi highlight the crisis's severity and the need for ongoing measures, including stronger border security, improved intelligence-sharing, and better legal frameworks, to combat exploitation.
Migrants Exploited: Libya's Human Rights Crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Libya has taken a disturbing turn, with countless foreign nationals, including refugees and asylum-seekers, facing horrific abuses at the hands of traffickers, smugglers, and criminal groups. These individuals are subjected to abductions for ransom, torture, and sexual violence, while religious minorities, particularly Christian migrants and refugees, are vulnerable to persecution by armed groups (Ferrari, 2025). The ongoing crisis has persisted for nearly a decade, and recent reports indicate a resurgence of these inhumane...
Good news for children of undocumented foreign parents and guardians for their admission into South African schools
CHILDREN of undocumented foreign nationals will not be required to produce any form of identification before registering for admission at any school in South Africa. For decades, undocumented children have been largely excluded from the education system, left on the margins by restrictive policies and legislative gaps. Recent developments signal a monumental shift towards a more inclusive approach, harmonizing South Africa’s laws with international standards and reinforcing undocumented immigrant children's right to basic education.
