Every migrant child deserves safety and belonging
In the lead-up to the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday 27 September, the St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on all Australians to recognise the dignity, potential and humanity of every migrant and refugee child.
This year’s World Day message from Pope Leo XIV, ‘Even Just One of These Children’ (cf. Matthew 18:10), is a timely reminder that no child should be overlooked, ignored or denied safety because of where they were born or the journey they have made.
The Society’s National President, Mark Gaetani, said migrant and refugee children can too often become invisible in public debate and policy decisions.
“Every child deserves to be safe, to belong and to have the opportunity to thrive,” Mr Gaetani said. “Behind the statistics are children with hopes, talents, friendships and futures. Many have experienced upheaval, separation, conflict or uncertainty before arriving in Australia. They need our compassion, practical support and a genuine welcome.
“Pope Leo reminds us that every child has inherent dignity and is made in the image of God.”
The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office has noted that migrant children can be more readily ignored because they may lack adults able to protect and advocate for them. Its 2026 resources for World Day of Migrants and Refugees encourage parishes, schools and communities to listen to the experiences of migrants and refugees, and to build communities of welcome and belonging.
Mr Gaetani said Australia has a responsibility to ensure that children and families seeking safety are treated humanely and are able to access the support they need to rebuild their lives.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society has long stood alongside people seeking asylum, refugees and newly arrived migrant communities,” he said. “Through emergency relief, material assistance, settlement support, friendship and advocacy, our Members and volunteers see the difference that kindness, stability and connection can make for a family facing a new and uncertain beginning.
“Children should never bear the consequences of policies or systems that leave families in limbo, without adequate support or unable to plan for their future. Australia can and must do better to ensure that every child has the security and opportunity to live a decent life now and into the future.”
As Australians mark the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Society is encouraging faith communities, governments and the broader community to call out divisive rhetoric and respond with welcome, justice and compassion that nurtures social cohesion.
“We are called to see each person before us not as a problem to be solved, but as a neighbour to be welcomed,” Mr Gaetani said. “By making room for even one child, one family or one newcomer, we strengthen our whole community and help create the compassionate and just nation we aspire to be.”
For more information on the Society’s support for refugees and people seeking asylum, visit vinnies.org.au/national-council/advocacy/refugees-and-people-seeking-asylum
For World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2026 resources, visit acmro.catholic.org.
The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of more than 40,000 Members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.
MEDIA CONTACT
0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au