2017 ANNUAL REPORT “Migrants and Refugees … Do Not Arrive Empty- Handed

2017 ANNUAL REPORT “Migrants and refugees … do not arrive empty- handed. They bring their courage, skills, energy A WORD OF THANKS and aspirations, as well as the treasures of their FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL own cultures; and in this way, they enrich the

lives of the nations that receive them.” In the course of the year 2017, specialized services around the world. Day in, day out, we at the International Catholic they fulfill the mandate to care for migrants and refugees Pope Francis Migration Commission found according to Catholic teaching. (November 2017) many reasons for concern but also for gratitude. I want to express my deep personal thanks and recognition to our staff, who gave the best of themselves It wasn’t an easy year for migrants for yet another year. I’ve met many of you and am deeply and refugees around the world. impressed by your competence and dedication to those Massive numbers of people whom we serve. were forced to flee their homes. Long-term displacement situations like that of Syrians I’d also like to wholeheartedly thank our faithful donors continued unabated. Broad responses were mobilized and supporters, both institutional and private. It is you in response to sudden-onset crises, like that of the who made possible the accomplishments reported in this Rohingya in Bangladesh, but much more was needed to publication. Your continued support allowed ICMC to guarantee both provision of emergency needs as well as put in place the programs and activities summarized in respect for human rights and international law. Horrific the following pages, while your trust encouraged us all – situations, including selling refugees and migrants into leaders, staff, and volunteers – to renew our commitment slavery while they were being held in Libyan prisons and every day. transit centers came into the spotlight. At the same time, And last but not least, I wish to recognize our partners in opportunities for refugee resettlement in third countries, civil society, international organizations and governments. long recognized as a durable solution for especially Our working together multiplies our strength. Our shared vulnerable and other refugees with special needs, were values and aspirations reaffirm our conviction that we can significantly reduced in several countries. achieve the vision of a world where the dignity and rights of people on the move are upheld. In the face of all these hardships affecting so many, ICMC continued delivering aid where it was sorely needed and At ICMC, we find constant inspiration and guidance in protecting and resettling the most vulnerable. We also the extraordinary leadership of Pope Francis. In February advocated tirelessly for just and equitable solutions that 2017, at a special audience I was privileged to attend, the respect the dignity and rights of migrants and refugees, Holy Father invited and indeed challenged both Catholics including throughout the development of the two and people of good will alike to welcome, protect, International Compacts – one on Migrants and the other promote and integrate migrants and refugees whatever on Refugees – proposed at the UN Summit for Refugees their status. and Migrants in September 2016. As we continue our efforts to make ICMC’s motto – For all this good work, I need to offer earnest words of Restoring Dignity, Inspiring Change – a worldwide reality, thanks on behalf of ICMC. let us keep in mind another recent appeal of Pope Francis that lies at the very heart of our vision: “All indicators I must start with Sir Peter Sutherland, who served as available to the international community suggest that global President of our organization between 2014 to April migration will continue in the future. Some consider this a 2017, when he found it necessary to resign because threat. For my part, I ask you to view it with confidence as an of serious illness; he subsequently died on 7 January opportunity to build peace.” 2018. Peter was an internationally recognized leader in the fields of business, trade, migration and integration of refugees and migrants in their host countries. We are deeply grateful to Peter for his legacy to ICMC: a renewed and strengthened dedication to our mission of Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo protecting and serving uprooted people wherever they are, regardless of their status. Secretary General, ICMC

Particular gratitude also is due to the ICMC Governing You can follow Msgr. Vitillo on Twitter as @bobvitillo Syrian refugee siblings in Irbid, Jordan. One day “all of us will be smiling, nobody will be Committee, for their leadership and guidance, and to sad,” says one of them. Read more and watch the video at bit.ly/SyrianSiblings ICMC Member Catholic Bishops’ Conferences and their

2 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 3 HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT WE ACHIEVED TOGETHER

3,759 21,435 refugees – mainly vulnerable asylum-seekers from Iran, Iraq and Syria and refugees were housed in – departed to start a new life urban centers in Greece in the United States of America BRUSSELS GENEVA BOSTON WASHINGTON, D.C. 297,273 29,529 Afghan refugees in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of men, women and children Pakistan received legal services received life-saving and health care assistance amidst the ongoing conflict in Syria

2,014 67,242 vulnerable individuals in Kuala Lumpur, the Klang Syrian refugees and Valley and Penang, Malaysia, vulnerable Jordanians benefited from ICMC’s were assisted in Jordan protection services

HQ & AFFILIATED OFFICES FIELD OFFICES DEPLOYED EXPERTS

ADVOCATING FOR ADVOCATING FOR PROVIDING REFUGEE PROMOTING COORDINATING EMPOWERING RELIGIOUS MINORITIES STRENGTHENED RESETTLEMENT COMPLEMENTARY ADVOCACY FOR THE CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE USA REFUGEE PROTECTION OPPORTUNITIES ADMISSION PATHWAYS MIGRATION COMPACT ORGANIZATIONS

ICMC U.S. Liaison Office ICMC advocated for More than 67,730 ICMC Europe advocated ICMC played a leading role 333 participants, including raised attention on the strengthened protection refugees were for resettlement and in coordinating advocacy 254 civil society delegates plight of religious minorities. at each of the thematic interviewed and assessed for other additional, complementary to UN Member States through and 121 migrants, refugees or Staff interviewed refugees, discussions of the Global resettlement by 159 ICMC admission channels to Europe, the New York-based civil society members of the diaspora coming including Bahai, Chaldeans, Syrian Compact on Refugees, calling for experts deployed to 66 duty notably community-based Action Committee as they began from 65 countries attended Catholics and Yazidis who fled responsibility-sharing mechanisms, stations in 39 countries. sponsorship models through developing the Global Compact the Civil Society Days of the religious persecution and resettled heightened child protection More than 3,580 children which people and organizations at on Migration. A key advocacy Global Forum on Migration and in the U.S. They spoke of their and taking the reality of mixed and their caregivers were a local level provide refugees with document outlined a bold vision Development in Berlin. successful integration migration flows into account. offered protection. practical and emotional support. for human mobility. and gratitude.

4 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 5 GLOBAL POLICY AND ADVOCACY

ICMC coordinated the preparation of In 2017, ICMC played a leading role in coordinating civil MARCH society advocacy to UN Member States as they began a key advocacy document outlining th developing two Global Compacts – one to ensure Safe, At the 34 session of the UN a bold civil society vision for the Human Rights Council, ICMC and Global Compact on Migration. Orderly and Regular Migration and one urging shared other faith-based organizations European and global gatherings responsibility for Refugees. deliver a statement prioritizing ensured that civil society advocacy protection of the most vulnerable With its mandate extended for two years following the uprooted people, especially played a core role in this Compact September 2016 UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants, unaccompanied children. ICMC process, while statements to high- the ICMC-initiated civil society Action Committee guided co-organizes a side event level meetings contributed to the addressing challenges faced by advocacy work and served as a bridge between the two children on the move alone. development of the Global Compact Compact processes. Its main focus in 2017 was the Compact on Refugees. for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. APRIL ICMC advocated for strengthened refugee protection at In a panel discussion at the each of the thematic discussions of the Global Compact International Dialogue on on Refugees. In so doing, it called for responsibility-sharing Migration, ICMC Secretary General emphasizes that the mechanisms such as resettlement, complementary admission Migration Compact needs an pathways, local integration and heightened child protection. approach similar to that of the Given the reality of mixed migration flows encountered by Sustainable Development Goals, ICMC, its members and partners in their field operations, with clear goals, targets, indicators ICMC called upon states to provide for interactive follow- and timeline. up when implementing the two Compacts. Such concrete actions should ensure that both refugees and migrants MAY benefit from protection and assistance that take into An ICMC statement at the account their needs and rights. first Thematic Session for the Migration Compact reiterates the centrality of human rights in the Compact process, with a focus on vulnerable migrants. The Holy See, Caritas EUROPEAN REGIONAL CONSULTATION Internationalis, the Center for Migration Studies of New York ICMC’s Migration and Development (MADE) civil society network facilitated and ICMC host a side event at the a European civil society dialogue on migration which took place in Brussels in second Thematic Session for the October. Its 60 delegates amplified the voices of uprooted people heard during Migration Compact. The high- the Compact’s regional consultation process. level panel focuses on the drivers Drawing on practical experience, the consultation identified European of forced migration and the right mechanisms and policies that could serve as examples of both good and to remain in one’s homeland. problematic practices that would potentially influence negotiations at the global level. Participants identified states with supportive or hindering JUNE approaches in each thematic area for further advocacy work. An ICMC statement at the third Thematic Session for the Migration Compact advocates cooperation beyond borders and Participants at a side event on unaccompanied minors held at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva emphasizes the positive effect of in March. Co-organized by the Holy See, Caritas Internationalis, and ICMC, the event stressed the need to preserve the dignity and respect the rights of unaccompanied children on the move. such collaboration.

6 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 7 JUNE (Cont.) OCTOBER TEN ACTS FOR THE GLOBAL COMPACT At the 35th session of the UN An ICMC statement “Expanding A civil society vision for a transformative agenda for human mobility, migration Human Rights Council, ICMC Hope as well as Solutions” at the and development co-sponsors the side event second Thematic Discussion for 1. DRIVERS OF HUMAN MOBILITY “Migration in Central America: the Compact on Refugees calls Act to end the drivers of forced displacement and normalize and Migrants are not a danger but in for more innovative programs to facilitate migration by choice. danger.” ICMC joins other NGOs welcome refugees, building on in a statement highlighting the existing successful models. vulnerability of unaccompanied 2. SAFE PATHWAYS FOR HUMAN MOBILITY Act to enhance safe, regular and affordable pathways and opportunities minors and urging greater NOVEMBER respect for rights in regional for human mobility that comply with human rights. migration policy. ICMC’s statement “Going in the Right Direction” at the 3. PROTECTION At the UN Annual Consultations 108th Council meeting of the Act to meet the needs and to respect, protect and fulfill the human with NGOs, ICMC’s Washington- UN Agency for Migration (IOM) rights of all migrants and refugees in distress, in transit, at borders and based U.S. Liaison Office leads a makes recommendations for the at destination and to end their criminalization and detention. workshop on the Comprehensive Migration Compact in the areas Refugee Response Framework to of non-refoulement, return 4. DECENT WORK AND LABOR RIGHTS address refugee crises. Lessons A KEY ADVOCACY TOOL and regularization. Act to promote safe and decent labor mobility, working conditions and learned from the Framework’s labor rights for migrants and refugees. roll-out in 2017 will shape the ICMC led the development of Now and How: Ten Acts for the Global Compact, ICMC co-organizes the side Global Compact on Refugees. launched in October. This key global advocacy document set out a clear and event “Mutual Contributions and 5. DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE bold civil society vision for the Migration Compact. Benefits: Integrating Migrants into Act to ensure safe and decent living conditions and access to social JULY Host Societies” during the Annual services and justice for all migrants and refugees. It urged governments to act in ten priority and two cross-cutting areas to ensure Meeting of the IOM Council. An ICMC statement “Back to that the Migration Compact would set a transformative agenda. Each “Act” The high-level panel focuses on named clear goals as well as mechanisms and timelines for implementation. 6. EDUCATION AND SKILLS the Future: Responsibilities We practical recommendations and Act to provide quality education and developmental care for all children Share, Solutions We Know” at With the Ten Acts, civil society called for a Compact that saves lives, responds good practices for the and improve student mobility, learning opportunities and recognition of the first Thematic Discussion to needs and directly benefits migrants, refugees and societies; that puts Migration Compact. skills and qualifications. for the Compact on Refugees existing agreements and frameworks into practice; and that involves migrants, welcomes multiple humanitarian An ICMC statement “Forms of refugees and civil society organizations in shaping their own futures. 7. INCLUSION AND ACTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION solutions, with multiple actors Admission that increase the Act to promote social cohesion and inclusion of migrants and contributing to the development ICMC made the document available in all six official UN languages and created Speed of Integration” at the refugees into societies and combat all forms of xenophobia, racism of the Compact. tools for advocacy at national level. Some 240 organizations signed on to the Ten 4th-5th Thematic Discussions for and discrimination. Acts document, which was based on civil society recommendations at the June the Compact on Refugees urges 2017 Global Forum on Migration and Development held in Berlin (see p.27). linking resettlement pathways SEPTEMBER with integration mechanisms. 8. TRANSNATIONAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Act to foster transnational connections and contributions of migrants, ICMC U.S. Liaison Office refugees and diasporas to sustainable development and reduce participates in the global CIVIL SOCIETY STOCKTAKING MEETING DECEMBER transaction costs for remittances and investments. Thematic Session on smuggling UN Member States met in early December in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to review and trafficking of migrants at the On 18 December, International results from a series of consultations held in each region of the world and at UN UN Office of Drugs and Crime, Migrants Day, the ICMC Director 9. RIGHTS, RETURN AND REINTEGRATION headquarters, constituting the first stage in the development of the Migration part of the consultation process of Policy delivers the opening Act to develop global principles on the governance of return, Compact. Facilitated by ICMC’s MADE civil society network, the Action for the Migration Compact. address at the Third Informal reintegration and alternatives to return that guarantee the rights, Committee convened a two-day civil society gathering immediately beforehand Interactive Multi-Stakeholder safety and dignity of all migrants and refugees in these contexts. to strategize for and communicate as a unified voice with the UN meeting. Hearing for the Migration As well as looking at priority issues together, the 80 civil society delegates Compact. It emphasizes the need 10. GOVERNANCE, IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING engaged in conversation with some 50 representatives of 23 governments for the two Compacts to provide Act to create transparent, accountable and participatory mechanisms during a dedicated session at which the issues put forward in the Ten Acts for interactive implementation and means of implementation for rights-based governance of human document served as anchor points. – to talk and walk together – mobility and migration. Above: The Chair of the German across the whole range of human Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Civil society delegates, many engaged in the fields of migration policy and mobility, as well as the urgency Two cross-cutting emphases underlie the ten priorities: upholding the rights of Reinhard Marx, speaks at a services, highlighted priorities common to all regions such as return, non- of moving “from the poetry of children and implementing gender-responsive policies. high-level panel held at the UN in criminalization, regularization, mixed migration and labor issues. They also beautiful declarations to the Geneva in November on the mutual noted the need to take region-specific issues into account. plumbing of the mechanisms that Download Now and How: Ten Acts for the Global Compact at bit.ly/TenActs4GCM benefits of integrating migrants make them work.” into host societies.

8 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 9 29,529 HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE men, women and children received life-saving assistance amidst the ongoing conflict From food, clothing and In 2017, ICMC’s humanitarian work focused again on the in Syria other essential items to Syrian conflict. In its seventh year, the conflict remained one healthcare, education of the largest and most complex crises in the world. Over and housing, ICMC is 5.6 million people have fled the country since 2011, while 23,799 committed to assisting 6.1 million people have been internally displaced seeking individuals received advice on a uprooted people and the safety. Both groups face an ongoing struggle for survival. variety of health issues through Refugees in host countries lack rights and opportunities to outreach visits, information communities that give sessions and brochures them refuge. earn a living. Within Syria, families wrestle to meet their basic needs due to shortages, a devastated infrastructure and the increasing cost of food and other goods. 98% of 1,599 women surveyed were “very satisfied” with RESPONDING TO URGENT NEEDS IN SYRIA ICMC health services for mothers and newborns In 2017, ICMC launched a voucher system for essential items like clothing, shoes and hygiene products. Expanded health services improved nourishment for infants and young children.

In 2017, ICMC reached out to nearly 30,000 people in Syria. The conflict having severely impacted Syria’s healthcare system, ICMC services aimed to improve health through community education campaigns and better access to care.

Due to the particular vulnerability of displaced pregnant women, ICMC focused efforts on providing ante- NOTHING’S BETTER and post-natal care together with THAN HOME the organization Terre des Hommes Syria. Over 2,100 expectant mothers “Our lives are hard now, but attended clinics close to their homes there is no life better than life at prior to giving birth and nearly 2,000 home,” says Leen, a young Syrian delivered their children with the mother who is originally from assistance of skilled birth attendants. the city of Alhajar Alaswad in the Nearly 4,000 women and their southern part of the country but newborns received postnatal care. who has long been displaced and lives in the capital Damascus. In 2017, ICMC helped nearly 19,000 Leen’s family of eleven could not people meet their most urgent count on a stable income; she needs by providing household items, thus received ante- and post- cleaning products and personal natal care provided by Terre des hygiene kits. The new voucher Hommes Syria, an ICMC partner. distribution system allowed families This made a huge difference, to prioritize purchases to meet their especially after delivery, when specific needs. her baby suffered serious health Many displaced families are in need complications. “When the war is of temporary shelter or risk going over,” says Leen, “we will return into debt to be able to pay their rent. to our home and rebuild our community for our newborn A Syrian refugee family in Mafraq, Jordan. By the end of 2017, more than 655,000 During the year ICMC provided 235 Syrians had fled to Jordan. ICMC assists the most vulnerable families, who families with assistance so that they baby. We want that for him.” have experienced war and displacement and are often isolated. could live in safety and dignity.

10 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 11 67,242 LIVELIHOODS, EDUCATION, Syrian refugees and vulnerable AND INNOVATION IN JORDAN FROM ‘REFUGEE’ TO BEAUTY EXPERT Jordanians were assisted Rima was forced to flee her home in Homs, Syria, in 2013. She found in Jordan ICMC sharpened its livelihood focus in Jordan through increased safety in Mafraq, Jordan, but had to leave family and friends behind. vocational training and new English and financial literacy courses. Her ‘refugee’ status defined her life, making it hard for her to imagine Its protection center strengthened psychosocial services, while two a future… until she enrolled in an ICMC beauty course, which allowed publications addressed protection concerns of refugees lacking her to acquire new skills: haircare, makeup and beauty therapy. She 4,281 documentation. An innovative project was launched for young also made new friends, who, together, want to open a beauty salon. children played and learned in refugees to become agents of change through digital photography. And most importantly, the course has enabled ‘refugee’ Rima to see safety in child-friendly spaces Approximately 655,600 Syrians had fled to Jordan by the end of 2017. ICMC herself in a different light. “I have finally found something for myself. I assisted the most vulnerable refugee families, who are marked by experiences have found a new identity and I couldn’t be more excited.” of war and displacement and often isolated. ICMC’s work focused on helping 3,850 them meet basic needs without going further into debt, ensuring their livelihoods and enhancing their protection. ICMC finalized a curriculum for an English-language course now being piloted. girls and boys received school A five-module financial literacy course was also developed to support families bags, supplies and related items Seven years into the protracted conflict, Jordan’s economic and social in managing their household budgets and becoming more self-sufficient. infrastructure and services remain under pressure and host communities face 9,700 significant financial strain. By also supporting vulnerable Jordanians, ICMC To encourage parents to send their children to school, ICMC distributed 3,850 individuals received essential contributed to reducing tensions between refugee and host communities. educational kits with supplies and information about learning centers. A “Back non-food items to School” campaign stressed the importance of education. 2,237 ICMC cash assistance enabled 1,407 families to pay for decent housing and individuals participated in allowed further vulnerable households to meet other urgent needs. Funds were Many Syrian refugees in Jordan lack key documentation, which keeps them focus group discussions on also provided to 507 households to cover increased expenses during colder from accessing a range of services and places women at particular risk. ICMC gender-based violence, early months. Personal hygiene kits, house cleaning supplies and incontinence pads published two research reports on protection issues related to the lack of civil 421 marriage, child protection and were made available to vulnerable families. and legal documentation. More than 5,500 households received information women and men participated in positive parenting about legal questions and nearly 1,840 families seeking to regularize their civil livelihoods activities ICMC increased psychosocial services offered at its protection center in and refugee status were given cash support. Mafraq; these complemented work at its center in Irbid to increase the resilience of both Syrians and Jordanians. Additional awareness-raising In 2017, ICMC launched a PhotoVoice project, which aims to empower Syrian 3,752 sessions allowed nearly 2,240 people to discuss sensitive issues such as child and Jordanian youth as active members of the community. The 56 participants 2 families received cash assistance marriage, sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Two ICMC counselors learned to use digital photography to tell their stories, giving “Undocumented, Unseen, and for housing, winter expenses joined the team to provide further support and outreach volunteers received them a new voice and valuable skills at the same time. The workshops also At Risk” research publications, or regularizing their legal and psychosocial skills training. offered them sorely-needed recreational activities in a safe environment. written by ICMC Jordan staff, civil status ICMC strengthened its livelihoods programs, equipping individuals to earn addressed concerns of Syrian an income. Nearly 340 women without formal schooling were empowered to refugees lacking civil status and be more active in their homes and community by learning to read and write. legal documentation While they attended Arabic literacy classes, their children were taken care of at a child-friendly space. ICMC increased its vocational activities, with 81 vulnerable 18-30-year-olds completing training courses.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT FALLING INTO DEBT Tariq is from Aleppo, Syria. The 42-year old lost his sight in an explosion. He fled the violence with his family in 2015; they lost everything they owned. He has since struggled to feed and clothe his family and keep a roof over their heads. Finding work is challenging due to his visual impairment and the family soon found themselves in debt. “There is a huge gap between income and expenses,” Tariq Thanks to the ICMC child-friendly explains. Receiving assistance with paying their rent has made all the space in Mafraq (left), mothers difference, freeing up money for food and medical care. “When you can learn to read and write while helped us by covering the rent, we felt we were able to relax a little their children are taken care of. without that burden over us.” Nearly 340 women without formal schooling benefited from Arabic literacy classes in 2017.

12 INTERNATIONALInternational CATHOLICCatholic Migration MIGRATION Commission COMMISSION AnnualANNUAL Report REPORT 2017 2017 13 297,273 PROTECTION AND PREVENTION Afghan refugees in 10 districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province received legal and ICMC focuses on giving PROTECTING AFGHAN REFUGEES health services emergency and long-term protection to uprooted IN PAKISTAN people who have lost In 2017, ICMC expanded its legal and healthcare support to Afghan 21,827 their social safety net. The refugees and other affected communities in Pakistan’s Khyber field visits providing legal services most vulnerable and at Pakhtunkhwa province. Protection services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi gave safe shelter and support to survivors of gender-based risk among them receive violence and extremely vulnerable refugees. particular priority. The number of districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in which ICMC is bridging 1728 critical gaps in legal and health services increased from five to ten. callers received counseling Displaced people already through face considerable threats to Over 32,120 Afghan refugees accessed legal support. This included legal aid and representation in police and court cases; information sessions, including 4 legal aid hotlines; their basic human rights and regarding repatriation; and counseling services via four hotlines. ICMC also security. A lack of resources helped families secure vital documentation such as proof-of-registration cards 7000 cards were printed or documentation, separation and birth and marriage certificates. Over 820 police officers, lawyers and other advertising the hotlines from family and community, stakeholders were equipped to uphold refugee rights in Pakistan. cultural norms or unhealthy Through medical teams and stationary and mobile clinics, ICMC provided ways of coping with trauma health services in refugee camps without any facilities or where services 713 often increase the threat of were being scaled back. Over 75,000 women, children and members of other refugees received legal violence. Women, children, vulnerable Afghan refugee groups were able to get emergency, life-saving care. assistance, primarily with Over 39,220 children received treatment for common illnesses. the elderly, marginalized documentation issues groups and persons with ICMC also conducted information sessions to help refugees understand the importance of good hygiene practices and to raise awareness about disabilities or serious illness communicable diseases. are especially vulnerable. 95% In 2017, ICMC provided protection and support services to over 1,900 refugees of police or court cases settled and asylum-seekers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi who had suffered sexual with support of ICMC legal and gender-based violence or faced other protection concerns. Refugees are representation vulnerable to these forms of abuse, with women and girls at particular risk.

KEEPING DREAMS ALIVE Farhad, his mother and his siblings fled domestic violence in Afghanistan and found shelter in ICMC’s safe home in Islamabad. The safe home offered the 13-year- old boy a healing atmosphere and helped him keep alive the dream of becoming a doctor or a cricketer. Today, the family has been resettled to a third country where they can start living the life they have An Afghan refugee boy in Pakistan. More than 39,000 children received always dreamed of. treatment for common illnesses through ICMC health care support services.

14 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSIONAnnual Report 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 15 ASSISTING REFUGEES 21,704 A GIFT CAN PROMPT A SPIRAL OF KINDNESS AND MIGRANTS IN GREECE persons relocated in 2017 Sometimes a small gesture of kindness can go a long way towards from Greece to other EU restoring a shared sense of humanity. For example, the gesture of In 2017, ICMC deployed 167 legal experts and other staff to support Member States Muhammad (left), the 11-year-old Pakistani boy who sponsored operations of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in multiple locations. the schooling of Faduma (right), a 12-year-old Somali refugee in Deployees also provided expert help for a new UNHCR urban Islamabad, with the money he had set aside for a new PlayStation. accommodation scheme, facilitating refugees’ access to services With public schools overstretched and UN support limited to and education. 21,435 elementary school only, refugee families cannot afford to pay for vulnerable asylum-seekers their children’s private education. Muhammad’s generosity inspired By the end of 2017, some 51,000 refugees and migrants were living in Greece, and refugees were housed in many, starting with ICMC staff but soon reaching others. And so where the capacity to receive and host the significant numbers of those who urban centers additional donors came forward. “After Muhammad’s gesture, I felt have come by sea and land since 2015 seeking refuge from war, violence and like all doors opened,” says ICMC Education Officer Samina Jamshed persecution is limited. (center). “His generosity ushered in a chance for more refugees to The migration surge there during the past three years – over a million uprooted continue their studies.” people, mainly from Syria, as well as Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq – has put tremendous strain on services, in particular, reception centers on the Aegean islands and refugee camps on the mainland.

ICMC offered survivors physical security and focused on counteracting the ICMC deployed staff strengthened stigma and social marginalization that often result from domestic violence or the response capacity of Greek 20,214 an early or forced marriage. Support in getting an education or acquiring job authorities to receive people men and women participated in skills was a further priority. who have risked their lives to health and hygiene sessions find safety, ensuring fair, timely ICMC’s safe shelter hosted 31 survivors of violence, while psychosocial registration and documentation counselors assisted refugees dealing with the trauma of displacement and processes in refugee camps abuse. A variety of activities at the safe shelter enabled refugees to learn a across the country. To alleviate 500 marketable trade such as candle-making, sewing or embroidery. They also overcrowding at island reception benefited from computer, English and Urdu lessons. Interactive classes centers, deployees worked with medical or psychological and therapy workshops helped children cope with feelings of anxiety UNHCR to transfer authorized interventions were offered and hopelessness. asylum-seekers to the mainland to refugees being served at and Crete. the ICMC safe shelter ICMC supported families in enrolling children in school and paying related fees. In addition, through the Refugee Referral Network, ICMC secured scholarships Staff deployed by ICMC provided for 50 refugee girls, and provided skill training, internship and job opportunities urgently needed information for Afghan and non-Afghan refugees. regarding asylum procedures and 197 possibilities for family reunification or relocation to other EU Member States. Children play and learn in a safe Qualified legal and protection experts monitored reception conditions all over space in the Eleonas refugee camp children were assisted to attend Greece and helped research and manage complex cases, while interpreters in Athens. Unaccompanied children a government or private school enabled accurate, effective communication. Deployees also provided on-the- seeking asylum are a group of job training and advice for humanitarian workers as requested by the Greek particular concern and require Asylum Service. special protection.

ICMC deployees supported UNHCR’s new Emergency Support to Integration 75,013 and Accommodation program. Staff worked with government and local refugees benefited from authorities in several municipalities to provide urban housing and cash 20,000+ improved primary health assistance to asylum-seekers. refugees and migrants received services through basic assistance and information upon health units ICMC deployees also focused on providing protection to vulnerable migrants arrival in Greece and refugees and keeping them safe from violence or exploitation. They ensured that unaccompanied children seeking asylum – a group of particular concern – had safe spaces to play and learn. 167 expert staff deployed throughout Greece A medical consultation takes place at one of ICMC’s basic health units in Pakistan.

16 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 17 ADDRESSING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN MALAYSIA ICMC Malaysia provided safe refuge to survivors of sexual and gender- based violence among Rohingya and other refugee communities. The first-ever Somali member joined the Refugee Women’s Protection Corps, which accompanies those seeking protection and works to dispel myths about abuse.

ICMC received referrals of 302 persons who reported being subjected to sexual and gender-based violence, most of which involved cases of domestic abuse. Two hotlines and a dedicated email service allowed those seeking Participants in a child safety protection to report incidents in a sensitive, caring environment and quickly program for refugee families. access life-saving services.

The ICMC-trained Refugee Women’s Protection Corps, a group of 17 refugees Before the counseling, I felt from Myanmar, the Middle East and Somalia, functioned as a pillar of support to survivors through peer counseling and interpretation services. Counseling helpless and depressed. Now I Malaysian and Burmese teachers at a training of trainers session “ has been key for many survivors of violence in developing self-acceptance and focused on children’s rights and protection needs. feel more hopeful and realize establishing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety and depression. that there are still many choices to make in my life. The sessions Program activities also included awareness-raising training sessions among offered survivors the chance to distance themselves physically, mentally and 33 refugee communities and training of trainers classes for teachers in the Klang emotionally from the abusive situations they had fled, and to focus on their gave me an opportunity to survivors of violence and Valley and Penang. own wellbeing. recognize my own strengths accompanying children and perceive the past from a Through safe shelter facilities, ICMC supported survivors of violence with At the request of UNHCR, ICMC co-organized a “16 Days of Activism” event 40 found emergency shelter for different angle. I learned to live holistic services to help them overcome trauma and become self-sufficient. in December. Nearly 180 participants attended this local expression of the global campaign to end all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. a total of in the present, and not to dwell Emergency accommodation, in-house counseling and medical assistance on the past or over worry about 1,231 nights; the majority the future. of them were Rohingya refugees A Chin woman” who survived multiple sexual assaults 2,014 I was injured after the vulnerable individuals in “abuse and did not know where Kuala Lumpur, the Klang Valley to hide from my husband. No and Penang benefited from one would help me as they were ICMC’s services afraid of him until ICMC found me a place. Everything was very good at the shelter. I learned to 1,770 speak little English and made brochures, handouts, coloring some friends. The counseling books and MP3 players were helped me a lot. distributed to refugees A 22-year-old Rohingya” survivor Without ICMC’s help, I 2 “could not imagine how my life hotlines for survivors of violence would be and I did not know operated in Kuala Lumpur and Members of the Refugee Women’s whether I could still be with my Penang, with capacity in Arabic, Protection Corps and ICMC staff Burmese and Rohingya children. Now, I can stay with celebrate Appreciation Day 2017. Having them and take care of them. refugee volunteers reaching out to their own community gives the program a A 33-year-old Chin survivor ” powerful impact.

18 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 19 5,289 REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT individuals interviewed by ICMC’s staff in Turkey and Lebanon as part of their Through both direct SUPPORTING RESETTLEMENT resettlement process assistance and advocacy, ICMC gives high priority TO THE UNITED STATES to finding safe, dignified In 2017, ICMC assisted 3,759 refugees in Turkey and the Middle East 3,759 resettlement solutions for to resettle to the United States. Support and liaison offices assisted refugees – mainly from Iran, people forced to flee their refugees when departures were delayed or cancelled following shifts in Iraq and Syria – departed to refugee policy. start a new life in the USA home countries due to war, violence or persecution. Last year, major changes in U.S. policy resulted in the country’s refugee admissions ceiling being lowered by more than half. ICMC Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Turkey and the Middle East and the U.S. Liaison Office For many of the 22.5 million 1,415 intensified efforts to ensure there were no gaps in assistance to refugees refugees considered for refugees worldwide, returning considered for resettlement through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. resettlement underwent home is not an option, nor is RSC staff in Istanbul and Beirut accompanied applicants through the many medical exams remaining permanently where steps of the intense vetting process. They facilitated medical exams for they have sought safety. refugees being considered for resettlement and offered cultural orientation Resettling to a third country classes to prepare them for life in their new home country. 826 offers the possibility of Due to policy shifts, many refugees saw their previously scheduled departures adults attended cultural starting again in security, cancelled. The RSC engaged the U.S. Consulate and Embassy staff to mobilize orientation classes with rights similar to those support for those left in an uncertain situation and helped arrange for a fund to before departure of other residents and a assist destitute families. longer-term perspective. One of the most vulnerable refugee groups – unaccompanied minors – was particularly affected. ICMC U.S. Liaison Office worked closely with the RSC and However, resettlement 50,000+ the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops’ Migrants and Refugees Services to refugees resettled by the remains a challenge. place nine unaccompanied or separated children with foster families during the Resettlement Support Center Worldwide, less than one first three months of 2017. over the last three decades percent of all refugees are The RSC is funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, able to resettle in other Refugees and Migration. countries. And, according to the UN, there were 54 percent fewer resettlement THE DREAM places available in 2017 than OF A NEW LIFE in the previous year. With Ayla and her family fled Syria government-run resettlement because of the war. In Turkey, programs currently offering she worked in several factories, insufficient places, additional unable to continue her legal and secure admission education because of financial pathways – such as constraints. She dreams of humanitarian corridors and going back to school in the United States and of becoming community-based sponsorship a photographer. “I wish to programs – are needed. continue my education, be someone, achieve things in life.” A Syrian refugee in Turkey, Mr. Saker and his family prepare Ayla (left) and other Syrian for resettlement in the United States, where his teenage daughter refugees take pre-departure Iman wants to become a teacher. ICMC staff in Istanbul and Beirut cultural orientation sessions. accompany applicants through the many steps of an intense vetting process.

20 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 21 67,730+ DEPLOYING RESETTLEMENT ADVOCATING FOR COMPLEMENTARY refugees interviewed and assessed EXPERTS ACROSS THE WORLD ADMISSION PATHWAYS IN EUROPE for resettlement worldwide ICMC deployed experts to 65 duty stations run by the UN Refugee ICMC Europe published research on Agency (UNHCR), thus increasing the agency’s capacity to manage community-based sponsorship of 3,580+ resettlement cases. Collaboration with the Government of Australia refugees and began work to better children and their caregivers supported resettlement to the United States, while an agreement with equip EU Member States to admit offered protection the Government of Canada ensured ongoing support for the program. additional numbers of them. A two- day conference engaged faith-based The ICMC-UNHCR Resettlement organizations in building up community- Deployment Scheme supplied 153 protection based sponsorship models in Europe. and resettlement experts to the UN Refugee Agency’s operations in 38 countries in 2017. In 2017, ICMC worked to promote policies Over half were deployed to locations in and practices that offer uprooted people Africa, nearly one-third to the Middle East greater protection and new opportunities to and Northern Africa and about one-fifth to rebuild their lives in dignity and safety. Asia, Europe and Latin America. ICMC Europe deepened its advocacy ICMC deployed experts interviewed over efforts around resettlement and other 67,730 refugees, assessing their eligibility complementary admission channels to for resettlement and determining their legal Europe. A focus was on community-based status. They also reviewed the needs of more – or “private” – sponsorship models which than 3,580 unaccompanied or separated engage individuals, churches and others at a A Syrian refugee child is welcomed at Rome’s airport Fiumicino. The refugee children to ensure that all actions local level in a comprehensive approach to “humanitarian corridor” is one of the complementary admission were taken in the children’s best interest. provide financial and emotional support. pathways for refugees for which ICMC advocates.

Under supervision of Australia’s Department ICMC Europe and partners explored the Gloria Nakamya, a protection of Immigration and Border Protection, possibility of private sponsorships in Europe ICMC published findings from one year of research on private sponsorships expert from Uganda who works six ICMC experts deployed to Canberra at a stakeholder meeting in October. as a means to expand traditional resettlement in Europe. The publication with children and survivors The two-day conference in Brussels, co- of sexual and gender-based assessed the cases of refugees in Nauru (available at bit.ly/PrivateSponsorship) maps programs in France, Germany, organized with Caritas Belgium and the 1,312 violence. Protection experts and Papua New Guinea for referral and Ireland, Italy and the UK and compares these to the Canadian model. The Churches’ Commission for Migrants in refugees in Nauru and Papua assess the needs of particularly resettlement to the United States. report was part of the European Resettlement Network (ERN+) project, Europe, brought together 80 delegates from New Guinea assessed for vulnerable people to ensure a collaboration with the UN migration and refugee agencies (IOM and The Canadian government renewed its faith-based organizations to explore how resettlement in the USA that all actions are taken in UNHCR) that also explores the pathways of higher education scholarships their best interests. funding to ICMC Resettlement Deployment churches and faith-based communities can and humanitarian visas. Scheme, which it has supported since 2013 facilitate private sponsorship programs that through its Immigration, Refugees and involve civil society in long-term, sustainable Together with key European NGOs, ICMC Europe led a call for a new Citizenship Canada department. resettlement and welcome. The meeting European Resettlement Regulation to ensure lasting solutions for the 159 spotlighted humanitarian corridor programs most vulnerable refugees. ICMC was one of more than 160 organizations experts deployed to 66 duty for refugees crossing the Mediterranean that, ahead of the March Council Meeting, urged EU leaders to ensure stations in 39 countries at great risk and private sponsorships for that migration policies such as the EU Action Plan on Return prioritize the refugees identified by the UN Refugee protection of women and children. Other priorities included expansion of Agency (UNHCR). legal migration for refugees and unskilled workers and more opportunities for reunification of extended families. THE PRIVILEGE OF PLAYING A POSITIVE ROLE In October, ICMC Europe began cooperation with the Government of Sweden and other “The experience of living in Lebanon was often challenging but gave European governments in the EU-FRANK me invaluable insights into feeling like ‘the other’,” says Bianka Atlas, project. The goal of the project is to increase a lawyer and resettlement expert from New Zealand deployed to the capacity of EU Member States to resettle the UNHCR office in Beirut. And she adds: “At times, the effects refugees needing protection. of the Syrian conflict can seem overwhelming. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to play a small, yet positive part in finding solutions for people affected by the crisis.” Participants at a conference exploring the role of A mural painting by refugee children in Beirut. European churches and faith-based communities in facilitating private sponsorship of refugees.

22 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 23 WELCOME AND INTEGRATION

By promoting welcoming attitudes Refugees often arrive in a and integration paths, ICMC targets country entirely foreign to them, the other side of the resettlement from culture and language to coin – supporting refugees to very practical questions such become independent and to as where to find affordable contribute as active members of housing or a job. Communities their new communities. take in people from different backgrounds who have had to flee their homes and all that is familiar to them.

A deeply personal journey for new arrivals and communities, it has a higher chance of MOBILIZING COMMUNITIES AND succeeding when both sets of people are committed to VOLUNTEERS IN EUROPE AND TURKEY actively working together to ICMC laid the groundwork to implement a European Union grant ease the path to integration. This to promote better integration in smaller municipalities. Steps were means helping refugees adapt taken to increase volunteer-run integration services for refugees in to life in their new country; Turkey and throughout Europe. engaging community members In 2017, ICMC Europe continued leading the SHARE network, which as sponsors and volunteers to convenes 1,200 members in 28 European countries, to promote refugee accompany refugees as they inclusion in local communities. ICMC Europe engaged with SHARE take steps to rebuild their lives; members, reaching out to local and regional actors and speaking out for expanded integration across countries and territories. partnering with local authorities and civil society organizations in This advocacy and networking resulted in a grant from the European both countries of first refuge and Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for a new phase of work in 2018- 2019. “SHARE Integration” will focus on smaller municipalities and their of resettlement. potential to offer refugees a softer landing and warmer welcome.

The project will support integration, particularly in small-size municipalities, rural areas and in emerging resettlement countries through targeted training. SHARE Integration will strengthen the capacity of local communities to set up private sponsorship programs as well as other initiatives to support newly- arrived refugees. With the direct engagement of host communities, private sponsorship arrangements create a more welcoming, open environment for refugees and help counter the rising tide of anti-migrant voices.

Together with the Istanbul-based Human Resource Development Foundation, ICMC Europe managed the Refugee Service Delivery project financed by the EU-Turkey Civil Society Dialogue program. A conference in Ankara in May brought together 50 governmental authorities and civil Above: Members of a Syrian refugee society representatives to discuss engaging volunteers to help provide women’s choir see for the first time services to refugees. June saw the launch of a free, 20-hour e-learning Abid Ali (right), a Pakistani asylum-seeker, works as a tailor at Mimycri, a a CD they’ve recorded. The choir Berlin-based non-profit startup that recycles materials from refugee boats to was established by a musician who course on refugee protection in Turkish. Towards the end of the year, ICMC turn them into clothes and accessories. Mimycri’s co-founders Vera Günther volunteered with the Istanbul-based Europe finalized work on a publication looking at sustainable refugee (left) and Nora Azzaoui (center) came up with the idea while volunteering to Human Resource Development services engaging volunteers to promote integration in Turkey and across help people arriving on the Greek island of Chios in the winter of 2015. Foundation, an ICMC partner. Europe (available at bit.ly/Volunteering4Integration).

24 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 25 MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT

ICMC strives to ensure policies are put into practice GLOBAL FORUM to respect the rights, security and human dignity of migrant workers and refugees. ON MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT The Global Forum on Migration and Development Civil Society In 2017, there were 258 million international migrants Days organized by ICMC presented ten recommendations to drive worldwide. Economic difficulties drive many people to advocacy with UN Member States in developing the Global Compact on Migration. migrate to another country, while others are fleeing conflict or persecution. Migrants enrich the economies In 2017, ICMC again organized civil society activities during the Global Forum of the countries they come from, travel through and on Migration and Development (GFMD), held in Berlin from 28 June to 1 July, through its Migration and Development (MADE) civil society network. The settle in. They also risk being exploited, trafficked or key focus was the process to achieve a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and abused and increasingly meet with hostility as Regular Migration undertaken by UN Member States following the 2016 UN Louise Arbour, UN Secretary- newcomers in a community. Summit on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants and the General’s Special Representative subsequent New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. for International Migration, participates in the Civil Society In the run-up to the 2017 Civil Society Days, ICMC’s Civil Society Coordinating Days of the Global Forum on Office worked to channel momentum from both the UN Summit and the previous Migration and Development. GFMD. Two planning webinars served as platform for over 80 civil society participants to interact with government and private sector representatives.

Together with the International Coordinating Committee of the GFMD Civil Society Days, ICMC took the lead to develop a program with the theme, “Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration Now: the mechanics of a Compact worth agreeing to.” Building the GFMD Common Space program around the same theme broadened opportunities for civil society actors to engage 333 constructively with governments during the GFMD. Civil Society Days participants, including The 2017 Civil Society Days brought together 333 participants in total, with 254 civil society delegates. More than 120 were migrants, refugees or 254 civil society delegates members of the diaspora. and The Civil Society Days began with an event at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg 121 migrants, refugees or Gate that lifted up the site’s history in tearing down walls that had kept people members of the diaspora apart. The voice and experiences of people on the move featured centrally throughout the Civil Society Days, including testimony during the opening plenary from migrants and families of disappeared migrants. Small discussion groups focused on key issues from the 5-year 8-point Plan 65 of Action elaborated in 2013 following the UN High Level Dialogue on countries represented at International Migration and Development. During a full-day Common Space the Civil Society Days forum, civil society representatives discussed experiences and core lessons with senior officials of 140 governments.

The ten civil society recommendations for the Compact on Migration were presented to governments attending the GFMD and have served as a 3 foundation for the advocacy document Now and How: Ten Acts for the Global outreach meetings in Hungary, Compact (see p.8-9). Nepal and Senegal connected via live-streaming on the first day of the Civil Society Days Participants in the Civil Society Days of the Global Forum on Migration and Development gather at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, highlighting the site’s history in tearing down walls that had kept people apart.

26 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 27 PROMOTING STRENGTHENING LIVELIHOODS GOOD MIGRATION IN PAKISTAN GOVERNANCE IN Nearly 200 people in the Charsadda district received vocational training. Trainees deepened their understanding of markets through WEST AFRICA exposure visits to established businesses. Tool kits and small business At a time when the issue of African grants were awarded to 30 trainees. For the first time, a number of migration is high on the agenda of Somali refugees received training provided by ICMC. European political leaders, ICMC For the third year in a row, ICMC supported Afghan refugees and host Europe launched the MADE West community members in the Charsadda district in their efforts to earn a living Africa project to increase the wage. Vocational training in four trades – tailoring, embroidery, beauty care beneficial impact of migration and and motorcycle repair – gave participants technical knowledge they can put mobility on development. into use to generate income.

In 2017, ICMC Europe launched MADE Over 90 illiterate trainees learned to read, write and master core math skills. (Migration and Development) West Africa, Offering literacy courses to girls and young women has been a particularly a three-year project to promote good positive outcome of the program. Trainees also learned how to run a small A rescue operation at sea. Mixed flows of migrants and refugees from African governance of migration and mobilityin, business. They received career counseling and help to find both on-the-job countries arrive in Europe via the central Mediterranean route. ICMC calls from and to West Africa. The project also training and employment through a network of local businesses. on states to save lives and protect human dignity as well as to build resilient seeks to protect migrants’ rights and to communities and to engage in partnerships with civil society organizations. 198 identify ways for the diaspora to foster Through collaboration with UNHCR, ICMC provided training in tailoring refugees and host job creation and development in their and cooking to 70 women refugees in Islamabad and Rawalpindi through community members in the countries of origin. The project focuses on collaboration with national organizations. Somali refugees participated in the Charsadda district received six pilot countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, project for the first time, as well as Afghan refugees. vocational training Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. ADVOCATING FOR JUST EUROPEAN During the project’s initial phase last year, ICMC CARES ICMC Europe, as overall coordinator, laid 187 POLICIES VIS-À-VIS AFRICAN foundations for activities and cooperation The ICMC Cares program was developed to recruit and train health care trainees received certificates among the project partners: Centre of paramedics from Eastern Europe and support them in finding gainful of completion from training MIGRATION Migration Studies of University of Ghana, employment and decent work conditions abroad. Implemented by the ICMC institutes registered with the Eastern Europe Foundation in Poland with coordination and support from From the Valletta Action Plan to the Rabat Process, ICMC Europe African Foundation for Development, Government of Pakistan ICMC headquarters, its aim was to respond to the growing need for qualified conducted a series of advocacy actions vis-à-vis major EU-Africa and Forum des Organisations de Solidarité paramedical staff to take care of the elderly in Europe and to promote migration policy processes. Internationale issues des Migrations. decent work conditions for labor migrants in the home care sector. Through In Guinea and Senegal, ICMC Europe In January 2017, one year after the Valletta Summit which laid the partnerships with health care institutions in Poland, ICMC Cares offered 6 facilitated research on obstacles that foundations of a renewed European Union policy on migration and courses for domestic care-givers which included vocational training and educated Afghan refugees hinder the protection of migrant development vis-à-vis Africa through the Valletta Action Plan, ICMC Europe certification to provide care services to elderly or disabled people and other received training to workers. Interviews with migrants, civil organized a conference in Brussels to examine civil society engagement in patients needing care. In total, 40 trainees had signed agreements to go abroad provide literacy classes in society representatives and government the Plan, partnerships with host communities and the role of civil society in pending placement by a major home health care agency in Switzerland. At the their communities authorities revealed serious human rights regard to returns. Over 40 civil society representatives from both continents end of the year, ICMC transferred management of the program to partners in abuses such as illegal recruitment, migrant met with African Union and European Commission officials. Poland who continued their contacts with the Swiss private sector partner. smuggling and human trafficking, sexual As a result of its advocacy efforts, ICMC Europe was one of four civil society assault and exploitative employment, as 70% organizations invited to the Senior Officials Meeting of the Valetta process well as gaps in protective legislation. of previous trainees still in in February. ICMC Europe coordinated civil society calls to save lives and Pakistan were using acquired protect human dignity, build resilient communities and engage in a real skills to earn an income partnership with civil society. within six months of completing training During 2017, ICMC Europe strengthened its engagement with the Rabat Process, a platform for cooperation that gathers 57 African and European Next page: Afghan refugees learn how to countries, the European Commission and the Economic Community of West make clothes in ICMC’s tailoring training African States. ICMC Europe provided input to the Process’ 2018-2022 course in Pakistan’s Charsadda district. 70 strategic framework and was invited to discuss it as a civil society observer Next page, sidebar: An Afghan women refugees in Islamabad at the Rabat Senior Officials Meeting in Accra, Ghana. refugee woman participates in ICMC’s and Rawalpindi received embroidery training course in Pakistan’s vocational training, including Charsadda district. 12 Somalis

28 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 29 CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS

ICMC members and partners PARTNERSHIPS 1,000 worked tirelessly to directly Working with Franciscan Fathers and Brothers of the Order of Friars Minor emergency shelter kits assist those most in need and through the Association Pro Terra Sancta, ICMC began assisting needy distributed to Rohingya refugees (Bangladesh) to increase awareness about households in Aleppo, Syria, in July 2017. Aleppo experienced catastrophic migration issues and drive destruction, continuing violence and severe shortages of food and essential positive change in attitudes goods. Each month, 250 food baskets containing staples such as rice, sugar, and policies. oil, beans and milk were distributed to a particularly vulnerable population, reaching 380 families by the end of the year. 5 deep tube wells, Through this partnership, ICMC also supported a total of 53 displaced and host community families in Beirut, Lebanon with food and other essential goods 26 bathing stations and including medicine as well as funds for rent and school fees. 39 latrines constructed in In September 2017, as hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing refugee camps (Bangladesh) ethnic- and religious-based violence in Myanmar entered Bangladesh, ICMC launched a special appeal to its private donors in the United States to support the emergency work of its national member Caritas Bangladesh. The Rohingya are among the world’s largest stateless and most persecuted populations. Pope Francis called on Catholics and other men and women of good will to help 42 them. Thanks to its generous donors, ICMC assisted Caritas Bangladesh to children working in the garbage improve the sites where refugees are hosted, distribute emergency shelter kits dump of Tapachula received and build wells and latrines as well as bathing stations. Six child-friendly spaces legal assistance to regularize were also made available. their migration status (Mexico)

ICMC supported the work of the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo in Mexico. They respond to the needs of migrant families, mainly coming from Central America and in transit to or from the U.S., by helping 33 them access legal services, education and health care. children benefited from support to stay in school and to obtain health care (Mexico)

Caritas Bangladesh is responding to the needs of Rohingya refugees. With ICMC support, it improves the sites where refugees are hosted, Pope Francis meets Rohingya refugees during his pastoral visit to Bangladesh in November distributes emergency shelter 2017. The Holy Father warned against the “temptation to turn a blind eye to the needs of the kits, builds wells and latrines and poor, refugees, persecuted minorities and those who are most vulnerable.” provides child-friendly spaces.

30 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 JANUARY RESOURCES AUGUST Heeding Pope Francis’ message World Refugee Day toolkit. The Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Pope Francis releases a message for the 103rd World Day of Conference of Catholic Bishops prepared an advocacy toolkit ahead of World announcing the 104th World Migrants and Refugees, the Refugee Day on 20 June 2017. From prayers and frequently asked questions Day of Migrants and Refugees Spanish Episcopal Conference to sample social media posts, the go-to resource equipped Catholic groups on 14 January 2018 entitled launches the campaign and individuals to raise their voices in support of refugees and immigration “Welcoming, protecting, “Vulnerable, voiceless migrant reform in the U.S. The toolkit also included ideas for engaging communities in promoting and integrating children. Challenge and hope.” advocacy action. migrants and refugees.” The Chair of the U.S. Conference Twenty Action Points. ICMC worked closely with the Vatican’s Section for of Catholic Bishops’ Committee SEPTEMBER Migrants and Refugees of the newly established Dicastery for Promoting on Migration expresses concerns Integral Human Development to prepare two key documents: Twenty Action about a presidential executive Caritas Internationalis launches Points for the Global Compacts and Twenty Pastoral Action Points. These order that halves the number of its two-year “Share the Journey” publications respond to Pope Francis’ appeal that governments, religious refugees to be admitted to the campaign to promote encounters leaders, faith communities and people of good will participate in the UN United States. with migrants and refugees. process to develop two global governmental agreements on migration and At the request of the Vatican’s Displaced families and families from host communities in Beirut gather for a on refugees. The documents include priorities and practical actions proposed FEBRUARY communal meal. The Association Pro Terra Sancta supports people in need Section for Migrants and by Catholic-inspired organizations serving and advocating for and with in Lebanon as well as in Aleppo, Syria. Refugees, the ICMC Secretary Pope Francis’ address to the 6th people on the move. They are grounded on Pope Francis’ “road map” — to General introduces the “Twenty International Forum on Migration welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants, refugees and victims of Action Points” documents to a and Peace voices concern about With the support of a private donor, ICMC partnered with the Human Mobility human trafficking. meeting of Catholic Bishops from forced migration. Pastoral Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Honduras and both sides of the Mexico-US Breaking the silence around human trafficking. Good Shepherd Services, a the Association of Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo to border as tools for advocacy and The ICMC Asia/Oceania Working faith-based charity in Malaysia, published a booklet of stories of human Group meets in Bangkok, hosted provide scholarships, uniforms, books and other school supplies to 25 migrant pastoral care. children. Their educational progress is monitored and social services are trafficking survivors to raise awareness about this modern-day form of slavery. by the Episcopal Commission for An advocacy tool for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence offered to their families. NOVEMBER Migrants of the Catholic Bishops’ global campaign held in November, the booklet calls readers to act together to Conference of Thailand. The ICMC Asia-Oceania Working Group meets annually to share challenges end all forms of violence against women and children. The publication includes The U.S. Conference of Catholic and good practices among ICMC member organizations and other groups. In reflections by civil society advocates and resources for the Malaysian context. Bishops (USCCB) marks its MARCH February 2017, the group met in Bangkok and focused on unaccompanied ICMC Malaysia works closely with Good Shepherd Services to protect refugee centenary. A section authored child migrants, labor migrants’ human rights and human trafficking. The group survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The U.S. Conference of Catholic by ICMC U.S. Liaison Officer in elected Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of the Diocese of Balanga, Philippines, as Bishops issues pastoral reflection the commemoratory booklet “A their Chairman. “Living as a People of God in Century of Service” lifts up the work of USCCB’s Migration and Unsettled Times” in solidarity ICMC agreed to coordinate the project The Future of Work, Labour After Refugee Services. with migrants. Laudato Sì, carried out in collaboration with the International Labour Pope Francis welcomes 13 Syrian Organization (ILO) and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Pope Francis meets Rohingya refugees to a new home in the Development. The initiative seeks to enable Catholic-inspired and other refugees during his pastoral Vatican City. faith-based organizations to contribute to the promotion and implementation visit to Bangladesh, asks for of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Sì in areas related to work and dialogue forgiveness on behalf of APRIL between employers’ and workers’ organizations. their persecutors.

The Vatican’s Migrants and Refugees Section launches a Children at the Madre Assunta Centre for migrants in Tijuana, Mexico, website in five languages to run by the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters, an ICMC partner. strengthen the Church’s work for uprooted people. Fr. Michael Czerny (left) and JULY Fr. Fabio Baggio (right), Under- Secretaries of the Migrants and With a seminar in Geneva, Refugees Section of the Dicastery representatives from NGOs, for Promoting Integral Human faith-based organizations, the Development which began working in January 2017. The life-jacket private sector, academia and the is a reminder of the migrants International Labour Organization and refugees who lost their launch the project “The Future of lives attempting to reach a safe Work, Labor After Laudato Sì.” destination.

32 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 33 DEPARTMENTS, PROGRAMS & OFFICES FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ICMC GOVERNING COMMITTEE DEPARTMENTS, PROGRAMS, A variety of donors fund ICMC’s 4.8% work and, in so doing, make it Canadian 4.6% 2.3% President ad interim* AND OFFICES – SENIOR STAFF possible for it to accomplish Government Private ICMC Member Organizations & Others H.E. John Cardinal Njue (Kenya) Donors Secretary General its mission of protecting and serving uprooted people Elected Members Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo wherever they are and regardless H.E. Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila (USA) - Treasurer 4.9% Administration and Finances of their status. We are deeply H.E. Christoph Cardinal Schönborn (Austria) Other Donors Florence Joigneault grateful to all of them for their H.E. Thomas Christopher Cardinal Collins (Canada) H.E. Oscar Andres Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga Communications support and trust. Juan Michel (Honduras) Government and multilateral His Beatitude Gregorios III (Syria) Policy funding cover most of ICMC’s H.E. Archbishop Emilio Carlos Belaunzarán (Mexico) John K. Bingham operational and advocacy 35.5% H.E. Bishop Joseph Pibul Visitnondachai (Thailand) 12.4% TOTAL Operations programs around the world. This European Union United States H.E. Archbishop Simon Ntamwana (Burundi) FUNDING Walter Brill funding is complemented by (ECHO, JFS- Governmental Sr. Maryanne Loughry (Australia) $38.2 million Agencies Cristina Palazzo contributions from ICMC national EUROPEAid) (BPRM-USAid) Representatives of the Holy See members and Vatican offices as H.E. Archbishop Silvano Tomasi (Pontifical Council for well as Catholic foundations. Justice and Peace) OPERATIONS – FIELD OFFICES H.E. Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil (Pontifical Donations from private donors Greece also play a crucial role in Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Tanja Zwack Georgakopoulou Itinerant People) supporting ICMC’s work. ICMC, ICMC-UNHCR Resettlement Deployment Scheme Inc. Development Office in Counselors Linda Besharaty Boston, U.S. has been supported H.E. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio (USA) by some 17,000 individual Msgr. Slawomir D. Kawecki (Poland/Switzerland) Jordan and Syria Osama Al Mohammad donors of whom around 7,000 35.5% Sr. Janete Ferreira (Ecuador) do so regularly. To them, we are UN Institutions Ms. Anne Dussart (Belgium) Lebanon deeply grateful. (UNHCR-UNOCHA) Mr. Keith Parsons (USA) Mehmet Sari Mr. William Wise (USA) For additional information Malaysia about institutional and member Jackie Loo 12% * The late Peter Sutherland stepped down from donors, see the following pages his role as ICMC President in April 2017 due Management and Pakistan of this report. Supporting Services to health issues. Jehanzeb Anwer Resettlement Support Center Turkey and Middle East Linda Samardzic

AFFILIATED OFFICES ICMC Europe, Brussels Petra Hueck TOTAL 88% EXPENDITURE Migration and Development (MADE) Programs Sophie van Haasen $38.1 million U.S. Liaison Office, Washington, D.C. Jane Bloom ICMC, Inc. Development Office, Boston Lucy McGovern

Members of the ICMC Governing Committee with counselors and staff, Rome, November 2017.

34 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 35 ICMC THANKS THE FOLLOWING DONORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

INSTITUTIONAL DONORS INSTITUTIONAL DONORS CATHOLIC CHURCH & ICMC (FULL LISTING) NATIONAL MEMBER DONORS

Development and Cooperation EuropeAid (DEVCO) Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development / Section for Migrants and Refugees European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Antilles Episcopal Conference European Commission Apostolic Vicariate, Nepal / Caritas Nepal Government of Bangladesh Archdiocese of Luxembourg Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference Government of Canada Bishops’ Conference of France Government of Sweden Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Canada Government of Switzerland Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Government of the Commonwealth of Australia Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea Government of the Federal Republic of Germany Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference Government of the Republic of Turkey Diocese of Djibouti and Apostolic Administration Government of the United Arab Emirates of Mogadishu

Government of United Arab Emirates Government of the United States of America Episcopal Conference of Austria International Federation of Red Cross and Episcopal Conference of Belgium Red Crescent Societies Episcopal Conference of Congo International Organization for Migration German Bishops’ Conference Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) Irish Episcopal Conference Open Society Foundations Italian Episcopal Conference Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Latvian Bishops Conference United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference (UNHCR) Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference United Nations Office for the Coordination of Spanish Episcopal Conference Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Swiss Bishops’ Conference Government of Bangladesh United States Agency for International Development United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – Migration (USAID) and Refugee Services United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops and Migration (BPRM) Wyższa Szkoła Stosunków Międzynarodowych i Amerykanistyki, WSSMiA (Higher School for International Relations in Warsaw, Poland)

36 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 37 ICMC is deeply grateful to all its supporters; without their prayers and Mr. Pierre Flajole Mr. Nga Le Mr. Anthony Nolan Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Grottoes 1951 partnership we could not carry out this important mission. ICMC acknowledges Mr. Robert Fortier Mr. James Leary Mr. & Mrs. Richard Nolan and Silvina Sironi the contributions of the 1951 Founders’ Circle, a group of donors who have made Fransiscan Friars of the Mr. Martin Lebbe Mr. Paul Nuccio Sisters of Charity of founders’ a commitment of $1,000 or more during the past year. For more information, Atonement-Graymoor Mr. Jea Lee Mr. Jeffrey Nutting Leavenworth please contact [email protected] . Mr. Richard Frazita Mr. & Mrs. Abbott Lee Mr. & Mrs. Terry O’Day Sisters of Charity of Nazareth circle Mr. & Mrs. Edmund and Mr. Alfred Lemmo Mr. & Mrs. Mike O’Neill Mr. Burman Skrable Beth Garbe Mr. George Lubienski Ms. Teresa O’Toole Mr. William Smith SHEPHERD (PLANNED GIFT) Ms. Kathy A. Gargan Rev. F. Lueking Mr. & Mrs. Fred and Mr. & Mrs. Ray and Kathleen Anonymous (1) Michele Gentine Mrs. Gregory Mailand Eileen Overbeck Sommers Ms. Alexandra De Koranyi Mrs. Jane George Ms. Linda Mansfield Ms. Mary Padol Mr. & Mrs. Charles Spadafora Mr. Tony Gonzales Mr. David Mansfield Dr. Monica Paulo St. Andrew Catholic Church of AMBASSADOR ($50,000+) Mr. Robert Granucci Mr. James Mason Ms. Maryann Perry Rochester, MI Mr. Robert Greene Ms. Jacqueline Massood Dr. Gail Person Mr. & Mrs. David and Wreatha Mr. John Zofchak Mr. Robert Gregory The Matragranos Ms. Christiana Peterson Steele Mr. John Gudac Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Mc Nicoll Mr. Justin Philpott Mr. & Mrs. Robert Strathman ADVOCATE ($25,000-$49,999) Mr. Robert Haeusler Ms. Barbara McCluskey Mrs. Michael Pipan Mr. Craig Streff Anonymous (2) Mr. John Hallinan Rev. Michael McGovern Mr. Roger Podesta Ms. Patricia Stryker Mr. & Mrs. Patrick and Angela Adams Mr. Henry Harlan Mrs. Francis McLaughlin Mr. Gerald Protz Mr. Art Suberbielle Mr. Gene Harrigan Ms. Lynn McMahon Mr. Robert Proud Mr. David Sutter GUARDIAN ($10,000-$24,999) The Hatcher Family Dr. & Mrs. Brian McNulty Mr. Jose Pulido Ms. Becky Sutton Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mr. Pierre Hegy Mr. Matthew Nickson Dr. Roland Heidenhofer Mr. Thomas Meade Ms. Katherine Quigley Ms. Janet Tan Mr. Fritz Baumgartner & Susan Coppola The John and Patricia Hoying Ms. Cecilia Heimes Ms. Gladys Mejia Ms. Rita Rasmussen Ms. Hildegunde Tasner Ms. Elizabeth Beard Ms. Marilyn Fraser Family Charitable Gift Fund Mr. Joseph Henchey Mr. John Menghini Mr. John Ratterman Carol Tauer Church of the Ascension of Ms. Geraldine Guggemos Mr. Raymond Kurkjy Mr. Robert Hennessey Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Meuser Col. Joanna Reilly The Charlie Tippmann Overland Park, KS Mr. Michael Haynes Ms. Helen Meigs Ms. Marianne Hondel Ms. Maria Meyer Rev. John Renard Foundation Charitable Trust Mr. Mark Hopfinger Friends at Mid Carolina Mr. Michael Reynolds Mr. Tommy Townsend PROTECTOR ($5,000-$9,999) Mr. Albert Howard Elec Corp. Mr. Michael Ricker Mr. Anselm Varni Mr. Donald Hudok Ms. Mary Miesner Mrs. Eileen Rinaldi Msgr. Robert Vitillo Anonymous (4) Mr. Frank Kernan Otomo Charitable Fund Visitation Monasteries, Inc. Mr. Stephen Hurley Mrs. J. Miller Mrs. Maxine Rorick Ms. Kathryn Vogt Mr. John Bonney Mr. Joseph Macek Dr. Salvatore Sclafani Mr. Thomas Young Mr. Robert Hurtubise Ms. Eileen Milnes-Collins Mr. & Mrs. Philip and Ms. Mary Wagner Mr. Gerald Cunha Dr. & Mrs. James and The Schaefer Family Mr. & Mrs. Greg and Mr. Christian Milton Jeanne Rosenbaum Ms. Beth Wainwright Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Katie Dallas Patricia Melluish Foundation Jacqueline Jackson Mr. James Molinaro Mr. Arthur Rounds Mr. F. Gregory Walsh Mr. Robert Karl Ms. Rosemarie Osborn Mrs. Manuel Valdez Mr. Duane Jagiello Mr. Ted Molitor Ms. Mary Ruppert Mr. James Walsh Ms. Lydia Kearney Mr. Daniel Morvant Saint Agnes Church of Mr. Stephen Ward COMPANION ($1,000-$4,999) Mr. Leon Kelly Mount Grace Convent Arlington, VA Ms. Linda Wheeler Anonymous (17) Ms. Marian Bischof Ms. Mary Denise Cancellare Ms. Elena Cook Mr. & Mrs. John Kempka Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Mr. Joseph Salentiny Mr. Robert Whittington Ms. Nancy Agnew Ms. Kathy Bornino Ms. Joan Canterbury John and Holly Cooley Ms. Hedwig Kesler Barbara Mueller Mr. & Mrs. Richard and Ms. Mary Wichman Mr. William Andrews Mr. Joseph Borodach Capt. Edward Carlson Mr. Patrick Cronican Ms. Deanna King Mr. Robert Muhlenkamp Katherin Santen Mr. & Mrs. Ronan and Ms. Judith Antonelli Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Bosimier Mrs. Dorothy Caron Ms. Kathleen Crossley Mrs. Thomas Knight Mr. & Mrs. Birch and Rev. Edgar Schaefer Martine Wicks Mr. Alfonso Arruiza Ms. Chantal Botteman Mr. Alfred Carson Dr. Robert Culpepper Mr. Donald Knippel Catherine Mullins Mr. Arthur Schauffert Ms. Jennifer Wiegleb Mr. John Ball Mr. Paul Bourassa Mr. & Mrs. Edward Carson Rev. Jospeh Curley Mr. Gerald Knueven Mrs. Louis Munin Ms. Linda Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. James Williams Mr. Ruben Baltz Mr. Daniel Broderick Mr. Giuseppe Cecchi Mr. Isaiah Damon T.J. Kolar The J and J Murphy Family Mr. Jerome Schmugge Mrs. Ann Marie Wyrsch Ms. Judy Barrett Mr. Robert Brooks Mr. Richard Chaloux Mr. Trinidad Del Rio Mr. & Mrs. Alexander and Foundation Ms. Mary Schneider Ms. Marie Yanosik Mr. Craig Baumgartner Mr. James Brophy Mr. Gerald Chambers Mr. Russell Dene Shirley Kuhn Mr. & Mrs. David Mustone Ms. Marilies Schoepflin Mr. & Mrs. John and Mr. and Mrs. Donald and Mr. Gregory Brotz Mr. Peter Chan Mr. & Mrs. Philip and Ms. Diane Kuzma Ms. Donna Nasset Ms. Mary Schopper Mary Yerrick Alice Beck Ms. Alicia Brown Mr. Eugene Chatelaine Celia Devine Mr. Ronald Kyle Mr. Henry Nejfelt Ms. Svato Schutzner Ms. Joan Zaffarano Ms. Lisa Benton Ms. Peg Brunner Mr. Joseph Chaya Mr. Matthew Duling Rev. John Ladd Ms. Jean Neundorfer Mr. Louis Setter Mr. Paul Zeier Mr. and Mrs. Jacques Bergeron Ms. Sara Buscher Mr. Dennis Coleman Rev. Michael Esswein Ms. Grace Ladouce New Melleray Abbey Mr. & Mrs. Shouky Shaheen Mr. David Zurcher Mr. Richard Berry Mr. & Mrs. Charles Buxton Ms. Ann Coleman Mr. John Evans Rev. Ralph Lammers Ms. Nga Nguyen Mr. Charles Sharp Dr. Gerald Beyerl Mr. John Byrne Ms. Bonita Connoley Mr. Gerald Fehringer The Luricellas Mrs. Lan-Huong Nguyen Mr. James Shedivy Ms. Victoria Beynon Mr. Stephen Caito Dr. Arthur Conrad Mr. Alston Fitts Ms. Suysinh Law Ms. Alessandra Nogales Mr. & Mrs. Scott Shipe

38 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 39 REPORT OF THE STATUTORY AUDITOR

For the consolidated financial statements please contact [email protected]

40 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 41 WRITING Terri Miller Chiara De Luca CONTRIBUTORS Agnès Bertrand Corinne Brodeur Cristina Palazzo Emer Groarke Florence Joigneault Giulia von Braunmühl Linda Besharaty Magdalena Boehm Mantalin Kyrou Nicolas Pouzargue Peter Vogelaar Petra Hueck Raphaëlle Goyet Sophie van Haasen Veronica Forin Walter Brill COPY EDITING Miriam Reidy-Prost PHOTOGRAPHY Stefano Schirato, Cover page (a young Syrian refugee in Jordan) and pages 10, 11, 12, 13 Ali Makki, pp.20, 21 Bianka Atlas, p.22 Catholic News Service, p.30 Chiara De Luca, pp.6, 14, 16 Claire Thomas / UNHCR, p.25 Community of Sant’Egidio, p.23 Cristina Palazzo,p.17 Gordon Welters / UNHCR, p.24 ICMC Lebanon staff, pp.38-39 ICMC Malaysia staff, pp.18, 19 Francesco Malavolta / IOM, p.28 Irma Francis, p.16 Juan Michel, pp.8, 22, 34 Madre Assunta Centre, p.32 Manuel Frauendorf, pp.26, 27 Matthew Sanders / Longbeard, p.33 Nicola Banks, p.13 Paul Jeffrey,pp.3, 31 Ralph Baydoun, p.2 Saira Bukhari, p.15 Toufic BM / Pro Terra Sancta, p.32 GRAPHIC DESIGN Maxine Allison, BONS BAISERS DE BEYROUTH Tick Tock Design Staff of the ICMC Resettlement Support Center in Beirut bid farewell to a Syrian Catholic refugee affected by a serious health condition who departed to join her brother in the United States. The signs send the former Aleppo All names of ICMC resident a big kiss, love and blessings, and wish her a better life. The personal attention and care of ICMC staff beneficiaries have been made a deep impression: “They always welcomed me. They came with me to the consular office; they didn’t just modified to protect their leave me in line. I felt their love,” the refugee told the ICMC U.S. Liaison Officer during a follow-up home visit. identities.

42 INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2017 43 ICMC Headquarters The mission of the International Catholic Migration Commission 1, rue de Varembé is to protect and serve uprooted people, including refugees, PO Box 96 asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, victims of human 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland trafficking, and migrants – regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality. Phone: +41 22 919 10 20 Email: [email protected] Founded in 1951 by Pope Pius XII, ICMC was granted public juridical personality within the Catholic Church by Pope ICMC U.S. Liaison Office Benedict XVI in 2008. ICMC convenes a network of national Conferences of Catholic Bishops and other Catholic-inspired 3211 4th Street NE institutions worldwide. It collaborates closely with the 20017 Washington, DC, USA Vatican’s Secretariat of State and the Migrants and Refugees Phone: +1 202 541 33 89 Section of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Email: [email protected] Human Development. ICMC’s operational programs provide assistance and protection ICMC, Inc. Development Office to uprooted individuals, families and communities whether 31 Milk Street, suite 315 they are displaced in their home countries, have sought asylum Boston, MA 02109, USA abroad, are in the process of resettlement to a third country or Phone: +1 888 265 87 47 are voluntarily returning to their countries of origin. ICMC pays Email: [email protected] particular attention to the most vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied migrant children, survivors of human trafficking and ageing or sick and disabled migrants and refugees. ICMC ICMC Europe advocates for international policies that uphold the dignity and 40 Rue Washington, rights of refugee and migrant families and are consistent with 1050 Brussels, Belgium Catholic Church teaching. Phone: +32 2 227 97 29 Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ICMC has affiliated Email: [email protected] offices in Brussels, Washington, D.C. and Boston and operational offices in Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan and Turkey. ICMC staff work in 40 countries. VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.ICMC.net

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