Dignity in Crisis: Dr. James Orbinski Explores the Refugee Experience

On Monday, March 3, Romero House hosted the annual Howcroft Lecture at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church. This year’s talk, Dignity in Crisis: The Complexity of the Refugee Experience, was delivered by Dr. James Orbinski, a renowned physician, humanitarian, and former president of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders. Dr. Orbinski has spent decades on the front lines of global crises, providing medical care in war zones and refugee camps. His work has shaped humanitarian aid policies and championed refugee rights, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Médecins Sans Frontières in 1999. His lecture addressed issues that resonate with Regent Park, a community shaped by immigrant stories. During his talk, Dr. Orbinski highlighted that the refugee experience doesn’t end upon arrival. Many face the daunting challenge of navigating complex systems, healing from trauma, and finding a sense of belonging. He reminded the audience that 123 million people worldwide are currently displaced—the highest number since World War II. Despite these challenges, refugees enrich Canadian society. Over the past 45 years, Canada has welcomed 1.1 million refugees, many of whom have become entrepreneurs and community leaders. Dr. Orbinski challenged the audience to think critically about how we view refugees. He warned against valuing refugee stories only when they make us feel good or fit an idealized narrative. As Canada experiences a 70% increase in refugee arrivals, he urged a shift toward deeper compassion, recognizing that not all refugee stories align with our expectations. One poignant example was the story of Jacques Vermeiren, a refugee from Rwanda who arrived in Canada at 19, carrying the scars of violence and trauma. Jacques became a beloved member of the Romero House community, and his sudden passing in 2023 left a lasting impact. His story serves as a reminder that refugee journeys are complex and often invisible to the broader public. Dr. Orbinski’s closing reflection emphasized that, in a world where political failures create growing hostility toward migrants, it is through unconditional love and action that communities can make a difference. Organizations like Romero House embody this spirit by offering not just shelter, but dignity and hope. As the rhetoric around migration becomes more suspicious, Dr. Orbinski’s message is clear: welcoming refugees is both a moral responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen communities like Regent Park.