United for Safe Migration: CCBI Conference in Guwahati Calls for Coordinated Action

Guwahati, April 16, 2026 — A renewed call for unity and coordinated pastoral action marked the national conference of the Commission for Migrants of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), as Church leaders and experts gathered in Guwahati to address the growing challenges of migration in India.

Held from April 15 to 16 at the North East Diocesan Social Service Society, the two-day meeting brought together 65 representatives from dioceses and regions across the country, focusing on strengthening migrant ministry through collaboration and informed engagement.

Inaugurating the conference, Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur underscored that the Church’s response to migration must be firmly rooted in faith in Jesus Christ and guided by an unwavering commitment to human dignity. He affirmed that migrants, as citizens, have an inherent right to live with dignity and security.

Echoing the urgency of the issue, Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo described migrant ministry as a pressing pastoral priority, urging the Church to utilise its resources more effectively in service of those on the move.

The significance of hosting the conference in the North East was highlighted by Fr. Jaison Vadassery, National Secretary of the Commission for Migrants. He pointed out that the region continues to witness large-scale migration driven by poverty and limited livelihood opportunities. The conference was organised around the theme, “Walking with the Migrants as the People of India: Learning the Legal Framework for Safe Migration.”

Deliberations during the conference addressed a wide range of challenges confronting migrants. Legal expert Adv. Hemprabha Betala emphasised the realities of distress migration and the urgent need for grassroots legal awareness and access to remedies. Sr. Shobha Kandathil highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration for ensuring safe migration, while Sr. Premlata PSOL drew attention to persistent health inequalities and barriers to care. Dr. Santhosh M. R. examined the often-overlooked mental health dimensions of migration, including issues of identity and emotional well-being.

Additional sessions explored migration patterns within Assam’s tea garden communities and reflected on the role of faith-based organisations in promoting safe, orderly, and humane migration practices.

Participants described migration as a complex and multi-layered reality that demands a unified and comprehensive response from the Church. They called for stronger diocesan and regional mechanisms, improved coordination among Church bodies, and deeper collaboration with religious congregations.

The conference also stressed the importance of moving beyond data collection to developing accessible directories of service providers offering legal aid, healthcare, education, shelter, employment, and welfare support to migrants.

Particular concern was expressed for migrant youth, women, and children, who remain among the most vulnerable. Participants emphasised the need for targeted interventions to ensure their protection, empowerment, and holistic care.

The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to walk more closely with migrants, reaffirming the Church’s mission to uphold their dignity and accompany them with compassion and justice.

United for Safe Migration: CCBI Conference in Guwahati Calls for Coordinated Action

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