Refugees and migrants

Our hope is that here in New Zealand people will know that they are welcome
and that they have come to a place of justice, solidarity and hospitality.
- New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, 2002

Caritas advocates on issues affecting refugees and migrants, both in New Zealand and internationally.  we work to build awareness of refugee issues, through building local relationships with refugee and migrant groups, and through our international partnerships responding to the needs of displaced people.

The Catholic Church’s Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants, which usually falls during Refugee Week, provides a local focus for many groups to consider refugee issues.  Advocacy to government has included submissions on immigration changes and policy around DNA testing of refugees.  Caritas does not undertake individual refugee cases.

Action Alert: Immigration Amendment Bill 2012

In June 2012, the government is considering a legislative change which would allow the detention of asylum seekers who arrive in groups.  Caritas has serious concerns about the Immigration Amendment Bill and other policy changes. Please write a letter opposing the mandatory detention of asylum seekers. Read more here.

Additional resources

• NZCBC: The rights of refugees and migrants, 2002
• Caritas: Refugee myths and realities, 2008
• Caritas: Submission on Immigration Bill, 2007
• Caritas: Submission on the Immigration Act Review, 2006
• Social Justice Series No. 10 - In the presence of all peoples - Celebrating cultural diversity, 2005
• Caritas: Submission on the Supplementary Order Paper to the Identity (Citizenship and Travel Documents) Bill, 2004