Refugees & Asylum Seekers

The Catholic Church together with the many Catholic social services agencies across the state are making considerable efforts to assist people seeking asylum, refugees, and other migrants who hold temporary visas. Many remain in harsh circumstances in detention centres, and the majority of the 100,000+ living in Australian community have been deemed ineligible for any federal government support payments during COVID-19, making many at risk of homelessness and despair.

Refugees and asylum seekers are among our most vulnerable community members. Collectively, we can do much to provide practical assistance and support.

CSSV auspices the Welcome the Asylum Seeker Parish Support Program, which aims to promote the Gospel message of welcome and support for asylum seekers and refugees to Catholic parishes.

CSSV and its member agencies

• encourage parishes to reach out to asylum seekers and refugees, in appropriate ways within the capacity of each parish
• recognise and celebrate the contributions of parishes providing support for asylum seekers.
• support parishes, agencies and individuals advocating for more humane asylum seeker policies.
• Our Vision Increasing numbers of Catholic parishes reaching out and supporting asylum seekers and refugees in their parishes and in the broader community. A humane asylum seeker policy in Australia, where asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed and helped to settle in our communities

Walk for Justice for Refugees: Walking in Solidarity on Palm Sunday

Apr 11th, 2023

On Sunday 2nd April, hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the State Library of Victoria for the 2023 Walk for Justice for Refugees. Held on Palm Sunday, people walked in solidarity with people seeking asylum in Australia, coming together from a wide range of communities, organisations and faith backgrounds to show their support.

Melbourne Palm Sunday Walk for Justice and Freedom for Refugees

Apr 8th, 2022

Catholic Social Services Victoria joins our members, the sector, and others of good will inurging attendance at the upcoming Walk for Justice and Freedom for Refugees. The gathering will start at 2pm on Palm Sunday – April 10th at State Library of Victoria and then walk to the Park Hotel Swanston Street where 8 refugees were held for two years.

CAPSA calls for generous response to all refugees

Mar 29th, 2022

The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) joins Pope Francis, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), and other Catholic organisations such as Caritas Australia, in not only calling for an end to the escalating violence and conflict occurring in Ukraine, but also in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Yemen and Venezuela.