"Caring for refugees" campaign

 

Last October 22, 2024 the Catholic Bishops Conference of Mozambique ended a statement saying:  

Mozambique must not return to violence! Our country deserves truth, peace, tranquillity, and tolerance! Let us pray for peace, be artificers of justice, and witnesses to the truth

It was a prophetic voice.

Unfortunately it was not heard and Mozambique returned to violence. As reported also by UNCHR, post-election unrest in Mozambique has forced thousands of people to flee their homes. Many crossed the border into Eswatini.

On December 30, 2024 the Prime Minister of Eswatini reported before December 15 asylum seekers would not be over 23 a day. It changed in the second half of the month and in just one day (29 December) 399 arrived at Malindza Refugee Reception Centre.

Caritas Eswatini got in touch with the Reception Centre and, on 31 December, thanks to different donors we were able to provide 150 mattresses and 150 blankets.

We are grateful to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) for reaching out to us and sending their contribution.

Having heard of the inmediate needs, the bishop launched an appeal to the diocese of Manzini asking to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord in a different way: each child would donate a toy from home and each family would bring canned fish.

Members of religious communities who speak Swahili and Portuguese were also asked to offer psychosocial and counselling services.