(ANS – Lisbon – September 25, 2026) – The Catholic Church’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on September 27. In various countries, the Salesians provide humanitarian aid, education, and social support to refugees and displaced people.

“Even just one of these children” (cf. Mt 18:10). In his message for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV reflects on the situation of migrant and refugee children and young people who, in a complex world, are even more vulnerable to all manner of dangers, violence, abuse, and indifference that denies them their rights and dignity.

The Number of Refugees Has Been Rising for 20 Years

According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), globally, at the end of December 2025—the most recent reference period—there were 41.6 million refugees, 9 million asylum seekers, and 68.7 million people displaced by conflict or violence within their own countries.

There are also around 4.5 million stateless people who have been denied citizenship and have no access to fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of movement. Children account for 39 percent of the total. According to the United Nations, the number of refugees has been rising for 20 years.

Salesian Projects Support Thousands of Migrants and Refugees

Worldwide, the Salesians provide humanitarian aid, education, and social support to migrants, refugees, and internally displaced people, focusing on emergency humanitarian interventions in conflict zones and long-term social integration in host countries.

The main areas of intervention are education and formation, through schools and formation courses aimed at children, young people, and adult refugees alike. The Salesians also provide support for basic needs, such as the distribution of food and drinking water, reception and accommodation, as well as psychosocial support. They offer children, young people, and families safe youth centers, recreational activities, and mental health support.

In the Middle East, the Americas, Africa, and Asia…

In the Middle East, the Salesians’ work focuses primarily on providing emergency accommodation, education, and psychological support to children, young people, and families displaced by war and natural disasters.

In Lebanon, for example, the Salesians in Jbeil, Beirut, and El Houssoun are taking in displaced Lebanese families and Iraqi and Syrian refugees. They support young people’s education through in-person and online lessons, organize activities for children and teenagers from different communities, and provide other forms of assistance.

In Syria, the Salesian centers in Aleppo, Damascus, and Kafroun are helping thousands of displaced people.

In Istanbul, Turkey, the Salesians have been supporting families from Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Iran for several years.

The Salesian center in Tijuana, on the border between Mexico and the United States, has for several years been a refuge for South American migrants who dream of crossing the border in search of a better future.

In Uganda and Kenya, the Salesians are present in United Nations refugee camps, providing support, education, and formation. The same applies to Ethiopia and South Sudan.

In India, they support migrants, refugees, and rural communities living in poverty.

In Cambodia, the Salesians also offer support in refugee camps and temporary accommodations near the border with Thailand.

And in Europe…

In Europe, the Salesian network focuses its efforts on integrating migrants and refugees into host communities, providing support with access to housing, language training, and vocational integration.

In Spain, Italy, Slovakia, and Germany, numerous Salesian institutions take in unaccompanied refugee children, migrants, and families.

In Portugal, the Salesians are active in this field through organizations such as SolSal – Salesian Solidarity and Missão Dom Bosco – Salesian Solidarity Fund.

In 2025 alone, SolSal Lisbon supported more than 70 migrant families, while SolSal Mirandela supported around 60 young migrants.

Missão Dom Bosco made a substantial donation in support of the “Emergency in Lebanon” campaign.

Source: Salesianos Portugal