Emergency assistance for refugees is deeply rooted in the history of our relief organisation. Already in the 1950s, ACN carried out pioneering work in supporting displaced persons. The bitter truth is that there are more refugees worldwide than ever before. 79,5 million people are currently fleeing war and violence around the world; of these, 16 million alone are in the Middle East.
For us, the greatest conceivable catastrophe would be not to act.
Philipp Ozores, Secretary General
Our great financial commitment to refugees and displaced persons in the Middle East is not only a response to their pressing need, but also a contribution to stop the wave of Christian emigration and thus ensure the continuity of Christianity in the region.
But we support Christians who have been persecuted and expelled for their beliefs in many other parts of the world as well: whether in Mindanao in the Philippines or in northern Nigeria, where Islamist terrorist groups are perpetrating acts of violence against the Christian minority, we stand by those who have not been able to save anything but their bare lives.