Connected through the globalization of forced migration and hospitality

We share a world and a history in motion. Its diversity is reflected in its countries, borders, and people. Nevertheless, we identify common traits in the context of migration, reinforced in these times marked by the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

The pandemic has not stopped the world, situations such as Afghanistan or the earthquake in Haiti explain very clearly the close connection between the causes of injustice and forced migration. Considering these common elements, we raise some general alerts and recommendations that we believe should guide our apostolate of forced migration in the Society of Jesus, as we are asked to do in the Universal Apostolic Preferences, and in the calls of Pope Francis to welcome, promote, protect and integrate migrants. 

It is not only about migrants, it is about the whole of humanity, therefore, our mission must be a mission for all, with a horizon of reconciliation and justice from paths of hospitality. 

“Hospitality was one specific way of rising to the challenge and the gift present in an encounter with those outside one’s own circle. The monks realized that the values they sought to cultivate had to be accompanied by a readiness to move beyond themselves in openness to others.” 

Pope Francis. Fratelli Tutti (n. 90)

The latest work of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network on Migration (GIAN Migration), entitled “Connected in the Globality of Forced Migration and Hospitality“, summarises a comprehensive look at the reality of migration and some of the challenges that we believe are shared by all of us who work in the mission of comprehensively accompanying forced migration around the world.

It is structured according to the following challenges, for which different recommendations are put forward, which can be read in full at this link.

1. EVERY MIGRATORY FLOW CONTAINS A THOUSAND FACES OF MIGRATION (MULTIPLE CAUSES OF MIGRATION)
2. COMPLEX AND DYNAMIC FLOWS IN EVER GREATER UNCERTAINTY
3. RESTRICTIVE MIGRATION POLICIES THAT SIGNIFY DEATH
4. COVID-19 AND FORCED MIGRATION
5. HOSPITALITY AS A RESPONSE

The reality of migration, internal displacement, and refuge, exacerbated by unjust structural causes, presents us with a real challenge to collaborate. We are aware that we cannot do it alone. Within the Society of Jesus, we must animate apostolic networks, platforms, and all sectors to collaborate in a common mission. In the Church, we must humbly and generously join the call to synodality led by Pope Francis. In society, we must seek alliances that will help us achieve greater transformation. And in all three spheres, we must promote the centrality of forced migrants.