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ICMC Coordinates Civil Society Participation in the 2024-25 Global Forum on
Migration and Development
Maintaining ICMC Support to Refugees in Lebanon
International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day
Stephanie Jepsen
U.S. Bishops Lament Racism, Xenophobia Towards Migrants
2025 World Day of Peace
2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30)
113th Session of the International Labour Conference
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 2025


ACTIONS OF FAITH-INSPIRED ORGANIZATIONS TO ADVANCE HEALTH AND HIV CARE FOR
MIGRANTS, REFUGEES, AND DISPLACED POPULATIONS 

April 16, 2024
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FROM 12 TO 14 MARCH 2024, THE INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION (ICMC)
HOSTED A WORKSHOP TITLED “FAITH SECTOR’S ENGAGEMENT WITH MIGRANTS, REFUGEES FOR
HEALTH AND HIV CARE” AT THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (WCC) IN GENEVA,
SWITZERLAND. THE GATHERING BROUGHT TOGETHER 75 PARTICIPANTS FROM OVER 20
COUNTRIES SPANNING FIVE CONTINENTS. IT INCLUDED MEMBERS OF ORGANIZATIONS BASED
ON ROMAN CATHOLIC, ORTHODOX, AND MUSLIM TRADITIONS, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES
OF ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH ORGANIZATIONS. REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS UN
AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE JOINT UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), THE
U.S. PRESIDENT’S EMERGENCY PLAN FOR AIDS RELIEF (PEPFAR), THE UN REFUGEE AGENCY
(UNHCR), AND THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM) ALSO ATTENDED
THE EVENT. 

Participants of the “Faith Sector’s Engagement with Migrants, Refugees for
Health and HIV Care.” ©Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC

The workshop aimed to tackle pressing issues surrounding access to healthcare
for migrants and refugees, combat the stigma associated with HIV, preserve the
dignity of those in need, and explore the pivotal role that faith-based
organizations can play in addressing these challenges. Strategic discussions and
collaborations were explored throughout the event, paving the way for tangible
outcomes and actionable recommendations. 

“Increased forced displacement in recent years put people in hazardous
conditions. When they arrive, they are often received with injustice and fear.
As Christians, our responsibility is to support people on the move. As
Christians, ‘we are no longer strangers,’ noted Reverend Doctor Kenneth Mtata,
Director of Public Witness and Diakonia for WCC, during his opening remarks. 

Day 1 of the workshop laid the foundation for understanding the global health
and HIV challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and displaced populations.
Participants identified critical policy gaps and opportunities for enhancing
access to healthcare services in crisis settings. Moreover, the essential role
of faith-based organizations in addressing health and HIV needs, particularly in
such contexts, was underscored through the models and lessons learned of
successful initiatives and programs presented by participants. “Faith-based
organizations are often the only resort to meet displaced people with HIV.” said
Christine Stegling, Deputy Executive Director of the Policy, Advocacy, and
Knowledge Branch for UNAIDS. “They have the networks and are often the first to
intervene in crisis and, often, the only ones to stay when the UN leaves.” 

ICMC Secretary General and workshop facilitator Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo,
welcoming participants at the event. ©Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC

Building upon this groundwork, the participants delved into holistic care
approaches and innovative HIV testing mechanisms tailored to migrants and
refugees. Successful partnerships between faith-based organizations and other
stakeholders were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to
improve access to healthcare. “A church is a social network, and we can use
those connection to reach more people,” noted Dr. Busi Msimang, Technical
Officer for HIV Testing Services at the World Health Organization, citing the
positive impact faith communities have in preventing the spread of diseases. The
discussions also explored strategies for addressing sexual and gender-based
violence in humanitarian settings and promoting gender equality within
faith-based organizations. “We need to change the gender norms. That’s the only
way to address gender-based violence. This needs long-term investments,”
remarked Emilie Page, Senior GBV Officer for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). 

On the final day, participants focused on strategies to prevent and eliminate
stigma and discrimination in HIV/health care provision for migrants and
refugees. A comprehensive Call to Action document outlining joint initiatives
and advocacy plans was developed, which included a reflection on the
implementation and monitoring mechanisms for sustaining collaborative efforts
beyond the workshop. 

The workshop provided invaluable insights into global trends of migration and
health, best practices to enhance access to health services, and strategies to
address sexual and gender-based violence and stigma. Among the points that
participants shared as steps to be taken to move forward, they agreed on greater
inclusion of faith-based organizations at the global and local level, on the
development of consensus-building and in anticipation of potential future
humanitarian crises. 

The exchange of ideas and experiences paved the way for concrete actions to
improve the health and well-being of migrants, refugees, and displaced
populations. The consolidated feedback from participants will lead to an action
plan, which will be presented in Munich in July 2024, during the upcoming 25th
International AIDS Conference. 

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