Highlights from the VIVAT International Annual Meeting 2026
22–23 June 2026 | Hybrid
In a world where millions continue to be displaced by conflict, persecution, poverty, and climate-related crises, VIVAT International gathered its members from across the globe for its Annual Meeting on 22–23 June 2026. Held in hybrid format under the guidance of the Board of Trustees, the two-day meeting brought together VIVAT leaders, contact persons, and members to reflect on the realities of migration and forced displacement, while strengthening our shared commitment to human dignity, justice, and global solidarity.
Organized by Sr. Gretta Fernandes, SSpS, Executive Secretary, together with the Advisory Board and the VIVAT Team, the meeting focused on one of the defining humanitarian challenges of our time: Migrants and Refugees—Global Policy Changes and Grassroots Responses.
A Global Family Listening, Learning and Acting
The meeting opened with warm words of welcome from Alberto, who reminded participants that VIVAT is more than an organization—it is a movement that grows through listening, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. Sr. Miriam Altenhofen, SSpS, President of VIVAT International, echoed this spirit by emphasizing that every member of the VIVAT family is connected, directly or indirectly, with the realities of migration. The opening prayer, led by Jean Eric, invited participants to pray for justice, peace, and care for our common home.
The keynote address by Mr. Stéphane Jaquemet, Director of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), offered a sobering analysis of the global refugee situation. Referring to Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he reminded participants that while international law recognizes the right to freedom of movement, millions continue to face barriers to safety and protection. Although refugee numbers have shown slight changes globally, more than 41 million refugees continue to seek protection. He expressed concern over increasing forced returns to unsafe countries, shrinking humanitarian funding, and weakening international commitment to refugee protection.
His message was clear: the defense of migrants’ rights is not merely a political issue but a moral responsibility rooted in the dignity of every human person.
Stories that Put a Human Face on Migration
One of the most enriching moments of the meeting was the sharing of grassroots experiences from different parts of the world. These testimonies reminded participants that behind every statistic is a human story.
From Uganda, Fr. Abraham Hailu presented the work among over 142,000 South Sudanese refugees living in the Palorinya Refugee Settlement. Despite hunger, trauma, and poverty, refugees continue rebuilding their lives through education, peacebuilding, and community development supported by the Comboni Missionaries.
From Mexico, Sr. Yanet Hernandez shared the inspiring ministry of Casa Betania–Santa Martha, which for more than thirteen years has provided shelter, food, healthcare, legal assistance, and protection to migrants despite increasing insecurity and limited resources.
Representing Tanzania, Fr. Jude Emeka highlighted Spiritan Refugee Services among Burundian and Congolese refugees, combining pastoral care with leadership formation, psychosocial support, and human rights education.
Participants also heard from ministries in the United States, where Sr. Leticia described the Migrant Hospitality Ministry in El Paso accompanying migrants through legal support, detention-center visits, family reunification efforts, and pastoral care inspired by the Good Samaritan.
From India, Sr. Jessy D’Souza presented the multifaceted ministry of ASC–VIVAT, serving migrant workers and vulnerable communities through education, counselling, healthcare, legal assistance, and advocacy.
Finally, Poland Fr. Eric Houn shared its experience of accompanying Ukrainian refugees through language education, legal assistance, integration programmes, and pastoral care.
Although these ministries serve people in different social and political contexts, they revealed one common truth: every migrant longs for safety, dignity, belonging, and hope.
Faith-Based Advocacy in Challenging Times
The second day shifted attention from grassroots realities to global advocacy.
Facilitated by Sr. Petronella Boonen and Fr. Roy Thomas, SVD, the day began with a moving prayer led by Fr. Kachi Adindu, CSSp, invoking God’s protection for migrants undertaking dangerous journeys and praying for courage to “speak truth to power” and build a world where every person is welcomed with dignity.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Fr. Alain Mayama, CSSp, Vice President of VIVAT International, thanked members for their faithful service among the poor, the marginalized, and in the protection of creation.
The keynote presentation by Ms. Cecile Kern, Chair of the NGO Committee on Migration in New York, explored the question:
“How can faith-based civil society continue effective advocacy when international institutions themselves are becoming increasingly fragile?”
Drawing upon recent UNHCR data showing nearly 118 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide, she reflected on shrinking political support for refugee protection, increasingly restrictive migration policies, and growing pressure on civil society organizations.
At the same time, she emphasized that faith-based organizations possess unique strengths. They bring moral credibility, trusted relationships with local communities, practical experience from the grassroots, and the ability to connect local realities with international policymaking.
Her invitation to VIVAT was both challenging and hopeful: continue bringing the voices of the marginalized into United Nations processes and remain faithful witnesses that human dignity must never be compromised.
From Local Experience to Global Advocacy
The meeting also showcased how VIVAT’s advocacy work is increasingly rooted in grassroots realities.
The New York and Geneva teams presented their ongoing advocacy initiatives, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Fr. Kachi Adindu explained current UPR engagement in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.
A particularly moving presentation came from Papua New Guinea by Sr. Arnolda SSpS, where VIVAT members documented cases of sorcery-related violence through extensive community consultations. Their carefully prepared report, submitted to the United Nations in April 2026, demonstrates how local voices can influence international human rights mechanisms.
Participants also heard a compelling testimony from Paraguay by Fr. Henry Gaska SVD, where VIVAT members accompany Indigenous communities defending their ancestral lands against displacement and violence. Despite intimidation, destruction of property, and legal obstacles, local Church leaders continue standing beside these communities in their struggle for justice.
These experiences beautifully illustrate VIVAT’s distinctive approach: local presence inspiring global advocacy, and global advocacy strengthening local action.
Growing Together as a Global Network
During the organizational session, Sr. Gretta Fernandes presented significant milestones in VIVAT International’s institutional journey—from accreditation with the United Nations Department of Global Communications to participation in the Human Rights Council, observer status within the UN Climate Change process, collaboration with UNEP, and ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with the African Union.
She also encouraged members to strengthen national VIVAT structures, enabling greater collaboration at country level while linking grassroots experiences with advocacy efforts in Geneva and New York. She further invited members to consider internships in both offices as opportunities for formation and engagement.
A Meeting Filled with Hope
As the meeting concluded, Sr. Miriam Altenhofen expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, facilitators, speakers, and organizers. She offered special appreciation to Sr. Gretta Fernandes, acknowledging her years of dedicated leadership as this marked her final Annual Meeting as Executive Secretary.
The Annual Meeting 2026 reaffirmed that VIVAT International is much more than a network of institutions. It is a global community of hope, united by a common mission to promote justice, defend human dignity, and care for our common home.
At a time when migration continues to challenge societies and test the world’s commitment to human rights, the voices heard during these two days reminded us that hope is not merely an aspiration—it is a mission.
As Pope Francis often reminds us, we are called not to build walls but bridges. Through advocacy at the United Nations and compassionate service at the grassroots, VIVAT International continues to build those bridges, ensuring that the voices of migrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, and all those living on the margins are heard, respected, and transformed into action.
Together, VIVAT remains committed to being a prophetic voice for justice, peace, and the dignity of every human person.
Roy Thomas SVD & Gretta Fernandes SSpS
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