Addis Ababa: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia has issued a strong pastoral appeal urging greater protection for Ethiopian migrants facing hardship, violence, and exploitation across migration routes in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
In their message, the bishops said migration for many Ethiopians is not a choice made freely but a desperate search for survival, dignity, and better opportunities. Many young Ethiopians leave their homes hoping to support their families and escape poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
Quoting the Gospel verse, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,” the bishops stressed that migrants should never be treated merely as numbers or political issues. They said every migrant carries an inviolable human dignity that must be respected regardless of borders, immigration status, or economic conditions.
The bishops voiced particular concern over reports that hundreds of Ethiopian nationals detained in Saudi Arabia may face execution. They appealed directly to Saudi authorities to halt any such actions and to show mercy and compassion.
According to the bishops, justice is strengthened when mercy is shown, especially in situations where people are vulnerable and living in fear. They said acts of clemency can restore hope to families already burdened by suffering and uncertainty.
The pastoral statement also described the harsh realities experienced by Ethiopian migrants along dangerous migration routes. Those traveling through the Red Sea and Yemen often encounter abuse, trafficking, exploitation, hunger, and death during their journeys.
In Lebanon, many Ethiopian migrants continue to struggle because of political and economic instability, with increasing calls for their safe return home. Across parts of the Gulf region, growing tensions and insecurity have made life more difficult for migrant communities.
The bishops also highlighted continuing xenophobic violence in South Africa, where migrants from several African countries have repeatedly faced attacks, threats, and displacement.
One of the most dangerous migration paths identified in the statement is the Sudan Libya Europe route. Migrants traveling along this corridor often cross deserts under extreme conditions and become victims of human traffickers, detention camps, forced labour, and deadly Mediterranean sea crossings.
The bishops noted that countless migrants lose their lives before reaching Europe, while only a small number eventually arrive on the shores of Lampedusa in Italy.
Recalling the Catholic Church’s long standing concern for migrants and refugees, the bishops referred to the late Pope Francis’ visit to Lampedusa, where he prayed for migrants who died at sea and condemned global indifference toward their suffering.
They also mentioned the planned visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lampedusa as a continuation of the Church’s mission to stand with migrants and defend their dignity before the international community.
Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the bishops said wealthier nations have a moral responsibility to welcome people seeking safety and a chance for a better life.
At the same time, they warned that the migration crisis cannot be solved without addressing its root causes. They pointed to poverty, unemployment, armed conflict, environmental problems, and the lack of opportunities for young people as major reasons forcing many Ethiopians to leave their country.
The bishops concluded their appeal by calling on governments, international organizations, and communities to respond with dialogue, wisdom, solidarity, and compassion.
They entrusted Ethiopian migrants and their families to the mercy of God, praying that human dignity would always be protected and that compassion would overcome suffering.