Christian leaders and aid workers supporting refugees and displaced people across South Asia say they often face isolation, limited institutional support and personal risks in their work, according to a report by Christian humanitarian organisation Philoi Global.
The concerns emerged during a regional consultation held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 14 to 16 September. The meeting brought together participants from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to discuss the challenges facing people forced to leave their homes.
Although discussions focused on theology, law and policy, participants repeatedly raised the emotional and practical difficulties of working with displaced communities.
One participant from Pakistan said churches and government authorities often failed to recognise the struggles of displaced people. Supporting refugees, the participant added, could involve considerable personal risk.
Philoi Global did not identify those quoted in its report because of security concerns.
Participants described feeling misunderstood and lacking support from both church and government institutions. They said their work could expose them to financial, social, political and personal difficulties.
Some expressed concern that many churches did not view forced displacement as a major part of their mission. Others said government authorities often approached refugee ministry primarily as a security issue, making cooperation more difficult.
Participants from India also reported that regulatory restrictions had affected several Christian organisations working with displaced people, limiting their ability to respond to growing needs.
The gathering, formally called the South Asia Consultation on Forced Displacement, Protection, and Durable Solutions, examined three main areas: a Christian understanding of suffering, support for refugees returning home and rebuilding their lives, and legal migration routes that allow refugees to find safety outside traditional resettlement programmes.
Members of the global leadership team of the Refugee Highway Partnership, an international Christian network supporting forcibly displaced people, also attended the consultation.
Representatives invited from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar were unable to participate because of travel restrictions, Philoi Global reported.
Participants concluded that those working with displaced communities need more than financial assistance and professional training. They also need supportive relationships, opportunities to share experiences and regular prayer.
One participant from Sri Lanka, who had worked with displaced communities for between 10 and 12 years, said the work had largely been carried out independently. Attending the consultation helped renew their commitment by providing a sense of fellowship with others facing similar challenges.
The participant said the gathering was a reminder that they were not alone in their work.
The consultation highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation among Christian organisations and churches across South Asia, particularly as they seek to support people facing displacement and the difficulties of rebuilding their lives.
Based on reporting by Christian Daily International.
