Faith actors call for global solidarity

Christian Iraqi children light candles and pray at the Church of St. Joseph in Erbil, Iraq.

© UNHCR/Dominic Nahr

The diversity of origins and traditions which make humanity unique are being targeted by intolerance, sometimes by brutal violence, and refugees are often on the front line of this assault. Reinforcing the traditional role of faith communities in offering sanctuary to refugees, more than 25 faith-based actors express their further commitment to upholding the dignity of refugees through offering effective protection, access to social services and fulfilment of human rights and enhancing peacebuilding efforts. Based on their religious teachings, as well as on the experience that some of their communities have of being targeted themselves, faith-based actors seek to address xenophobia as one of their special responsibilities.

The Global Compact on Refugees specifically recognizes the contribution and long-standing experience of faith-based actors in supporting refugees and will highlight these contributions at the Global Refugee Forum. Whether supporting refugees, including children, on their journey to safety including in reception and admission, meeting protection or service delivery needs and supporting communities to find solutions such as private sponsorship programmes, faith-based actors are committed to working alongside states and the rest of the global humanitarian community to deliver the promise of the Global Compact on Refugees.

1. ACT Alliance
2. Adventist Development and Relief Agency   
3. American Jewish World Service
4. Anglican Alliance
5. Anglican Communion
6. Caritas Internationalis
7. Christian Aid
8. Church World Service
9. EU-Cord
10. Food for the Hungry
11. Global One
12. HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society)
13. International Catholic Migration Commission
14. Islamic Relief Worldwide
15. Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
16. Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities
17. Lutheran World Federation
18. Network for Dialogue
19. Religions for Peace
20. Soka Gakkai International
21. Tearfund
22. World Council of Churches
23. World Evangelical Alliance
24. World Relief
25. World Vision International