Refugees fron Lytton and Refugees from Elsewhere

Source: EEPA.com

By now, most everybody in Canada has heard of the small town of Lytton, B.C.; the town that was razed by flames earlier this summer and set a Canadian heat record of 49.6 degrees Celsius a few days before being razed.  The residents of Lytton had literally only minutes to prepare for their departure.  The fire was descending upon them like a wild beast devouring everything in its path.

They sought refuge in neighbouring towns many kilometres way, knowing that they had lost everything: their homes, their prized possessions, and even their family photo albums.  Fortunately, they were welcomed in these neighbouring towns.  They were able to get food, shelter, and a shower.  When tragedy hits, people will do their utmost to help others out.

And so, my question is, why does this not happen for most of the world’s refugees?  Are they not fleeing for their lives just as much as the people from Lytton?  When fleeing for your life, does it really matter the reason, whether it be war, natural disaster (climate induced may be more appropriate), gang violence, economic hardship, etc.?

Does it make a difference that the person comes from another country?  Does it make a difference that the person is black, yellow or some shade of brown?  Does it make a difference that the person speaks Arabic, Spanish, or Mandarin?  Does it make a difference that the person is Muslim, Buddhist, or Atheist?

Our Western governments (including Canada) put up walls (figurative and real ones) to prevent refugees from coming to our countries.  Can you imagine the neighbouring towns of Lytton telling those fleeing residents: “Sorry, there’s no room at the inn.”?  That is exactly what is happening to millions of people throughout the world.  Therefore, many die; many others live in dire situations for many years.  Some are raped.  Some are trafficked.

To justify themselves, our Western governments say these are not refugees; they are economic migrants.  Or worse, we demonize them by saying they are criminals and illegals.  They are therefore undeserving of our protection.  “Undeserving”.  Think about that.

Is someone, who comes from an impoverished country, devastated by a hurricane, less deserving than someone who lost his home to a bomb?  Our Western governments would have us believe that.  But I think our God would have us believe otherwise.

Norbert Piché is the Directeur national Service jésuite des réfugiés - Country Director Jesuit Refugee Service – Canada

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3 Comments
  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 01:19h, 24 August Reply

    Thank you Norbert!

  • MICHAEL COUTTS
    Posted at 09:10h, 24 August Reply

    Beautiful. But you are talking to the regulars in the pews. The movers and shakers are not willing to hear this until our eyes can see, ears hear the cry of the poor, and hearts open to be grateful in action

  • Chantal Balthazar
    Posted at 10:16h, 08 September Reply

    Words truly spoken – our hearts need to be opened. Thank you Norbert.

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