In December 2018, CSEM, in collaboration with Weltkirche (Hauptabteilung Weltkirche der Diözese Rottenburg-Stuttgart – Germany), the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, Scalabrinian – MSCS, headquartered in Rome, Italy, and the Bienvenu Shelter (NGO of the MSCS Sisters) in Johannesburg, South Africa, held the first International Conference in Johannesburg under the theme “Rebuilding Lives at the Borders: Challenges in Assisting Migrants and Refugees.” The event also received support from Adveniat, MISEREOR, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, Radio Veritas, and the Italian Bishops’ Conference (via Cáritas Uíge – Angola).
The event fostered collaboration among participants, emphasized the importance of including migrants and refugees as active agents in discussions concerning issues that affect them, highlighted the significance of exchanging academic reflection and practical assistance for people on the move to improve the quality and effectiveness of objectives pursued by the various actors, and encouraged continued sharing and deepening of dialogue among participants to support effective responses in favor of migration and refuge causes.
The final document of the 2018 Conference can be accessed at the following links:
You can also access the book with reflections from the event:
