Marizane, A.S.
Description:
The movement of people on the planet from one place to another has always been a natural part of life. People throughout the centuries have migrated for many reasons: in search of employment, escaping from war and violence, leaving a place that has been destroyed by hurricanes, earthquakes or floods, fleeing hunger caused by drought, fleeing religious persecution, or simply seeking to be united with relatives and family members who have gone before them.
Migration in this century has reached unprecedented levels and is having social and political repercussions in receiving countries within Africa, in Europe, Australia and the United States. In many western countries nationalism is increasing and right-wing political parties are sweeping to power on the back of anti-immigrant rhetoric and the fear of the loss of national identity.
Zimbabwe’s situation in relation to migration is not unique. Thousands of youth have left the country in search of employment in neighboring countries or overseas. The choice to leave is rarely taken lightly as it involves a painful separation from family and one’s culture and way of life to enter into a society where one is often exploited and living in squalid and inhuman conditions.
In the midst of this crisis, Pope Francis reminds us of the call of the Gospel to welcome the stranger. Not only has he spoken on behalf of those on the move but he has also witnessed to what this means by visiting camps of refugees and inviting some of them to live at the Vatican. The Gospel and the social teachings of the Church are very clear about the obligation to love our neighbor and to overcome fear and prejudice regarding those who are different from ourselves.
In light of this reality, the Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ) held a two-day conference at the end of February 2018 on the topic of migration and its impact on Southern Africa. A wealth of information was presented by speakers with personal knowledge and experience in this field, opening the minds of participants to the meaning of migration and opening their eyes to the needs of refugees as well as to the assistance that various organizations and agencies are providing in cases of need.
Amongst other speakers, the Conference was blessed by the presence of Cardinal Peter Turkson, President of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development at the Vatican. The Cardinal gave the Key Note Address of an overview of the movement of people from biblical times until the present day and spoke eloquently of the initiative that the Holy See has taken to contribute to the Social Compact being coordinated by the United Nations that would recognize the dignity and rights of each person regardless of their circumstances.
By Bishop Rudolph Nyandoro: Bishop of Gokwe and Bishop President of the National Commission for Justice and Peace