Newsroom
JRS MER is a source for people who seek information on the latest issues on forced displacement in the region. Journalists visiting the regional site have access to the latest news affecting refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, updates on JRS activities, speeches and more.

JRS programmes are implemented through more than 50 country offices and a large network of partners, and annually benefit more than 500,000 people worldwide.

With a global staff of more than 1,500 worldwide, the Jesuit Refugee Service is a key source for journalists who seek information on the latest issues on forced displacement in the world. Journalists visiting the international site have access to press releases, latest news affecting refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, updates from JRS projects and activities, speeches, special features and more.

Our global network of regional communications officers, based throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America, can provide updates in emergencies and access to field staff.

Regional staff can lend insight into JRS programmes and advocacy priorities and provide detailed information on current global crises.
Pope Francis: protect humanity, the poorest, the weakest, the stranger
Rome, 19 March 2013 – In his inauguration homily, Pope Francis called on those in positions of responsibility and all men and women of goodwill to be protectors of creation and humanity, and not allow "hatred, envy and pride" to taint their lives.
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New Pope, son of a migrant, sign of hope and justice
Rome, 14 March 2013 – The white smoke signifying the election of a new Pontiff finally arrived at 7pm last night from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, just 300 metres from the offices of the Jesuit Refugee Service. Approximately an hour later, the announcement of Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina as Pope Francis was made public.
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Turkey: refugees from Afghanistan face winter crisis
Ankara,19 November 2012 – Refugees from Afghanistan are facing a harsh winter in Turkey this year. According to information provided to JRS, more than 8,900 Afghans have arrived in the country since 31 May, mainly arriving in through Iran. It is believed that most are fleeing the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, but some may have been residing in Iran for some time.
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Jordan: offering education in an emergency
Amman, 4 July 2012 – With the increasing number of Syrians arriving into Jordan fleeing the deterioration in security back home, the Jesuit Refugee Service has expanded its latest project, offering emergency education to child and adolescent arrivals.
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Global: Jesuit Refugee Service joins international campaign to stop rape and gender violence in conflict
Rome, 28 June 2012 – Earlier this month, Jesuit Refugee Service officially signed on as a member of the latest civil society coalition, the International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence in Conflict.
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International: G20 summit, an opportunity for world leaders to put refugee hospitality at the heart of globalisation
World Refugee Day press release Rome, 18 June 2012 – Over the next two days, the leaders of the G20 nations will make difficult decisions regarding the stability of the global economy. In conmemoration of World Refugee Day, 20 June, the Jesuit Refugee Service urges world leaders to place social cohesion at the core of their decision-making process, and not lose sight of the needs of more than 45 million forcibly-displaced migrants worldwide.
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UNHCR: refugees need opportunities for higher education
(Denver) June 9, 2012 — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees regional representative for the United States and Caribbean praised efforts so far but told attendees at the first international Jesuit Commons: Higher Education at the Margins Think Tank conducted at Regis University earlier this year that “we need to be better” when it comes to the refugee situation.
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International: JRS defines global approach to urban refugees
Bangkok, 30 March 2012 – To Berlin, Bogotá, Bangkok – UN statistics show that most refugees around the world are going to cities. But do they all face similar obstacles in their new host cities? Are there common approaches JRS can take to serve refugees living in urban areas? At a global consultation meeting held in Bangkok between 19 and 23 March, JRS staff from more than 25 countries gave a qualified yes to these questions.
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International Women’s Day: five wishes of women in the Middle East
Amman, 13 March 2012 – Welcomed as guests but not allowed to work legally, Iraqi urban refugees in Syria and Jordan dream of stability themselves and their families. Though their children receive an education, many unemployed parents wait up to eight years to be resettled. Five Iraqi women sat down with JRS Middle East to share their hopes for an unknown future.
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USA: Expanding higher education at the margins
Denver, 7 March 2012 – The International Director of Jesuit Refugee Service, Peter Balleis SJ, was one of several presenters offering initial remarks at the opening of the first international Jesuit Commons: Higher Education at the Margins (JC:HEM) conference at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
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International: workshop produces new communications plan
Rome, 28 February 2012 – A JRS workshop last week produced a new two-year plan to promote attention on refugee issues. The 2012-2014 communications plan is firmly rooted in the Strategic Framework, a document released in January outlining JRS values and strategies with a particular focus on the needs of refugees on the margins, quality education, interfaith dialogue and organisational unity.
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International: JRS publishes Strategic Framework 2012-2015
Rome, 25 January 2012 – After extensive consultation throughout last year, today the Jesuit Refugee Service published its Strategic Framework for 2012-2015, outlining broad goals, values, strategies and expected outcomes for the next four years. The 24-page booklet seeks to provide an inspirational framework and set overarching strategies for all ten JRS regions to meet the challenges of working with refugees on the edges of humanity.
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