https://www.jrsmena.org Latest News and Information Wed, 22 May 2013 02:44:35 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20130411040346 Rome, 11 April 2013 – The UN refugee agency and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), through its partner Jesuit Commons: Higher Education at the Margins initiative (JC:HEM), have signed an agreement to enhance higher education opportunities for refugees and other forcibly displaced people through online and on-site courses. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20130411040346 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20130327051255 Beirut, Palm Sunday, 1 April 2013 – It must have been a spring day like this, bright and sunny, when long ago Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we as Christians now call Palm Sunday. Last week in Lebanon, during the procession around St Joseph's Church in Beirut, worshippers – mostly domestic workers from the Philippines, South Sudan and Sri Lanka – waved their olive tree branches. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20130327051255 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20130321014831 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. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20130321014831 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20130321041048 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. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20130321041048 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20121221054813 Caracas, 1 January 2013 – Recently, the Colombian government has opened peace talks with the with the largest left-wing guerrilla group, the FARC. Surely real peace building in Latin America needs participation of the victims of armed conflict in Colombia. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20121221054813 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20121119015422 (Nairobi) December 1, 2012 — Urban refugees in Nairobi live on the margins of society, not legally allowed to work, and struggling in an already over-crowded city. Fleeing violence, political instability and drought, refugees end up living in economically-deprived areas, desperate to find a place to call home, searching for hospitality in an unfamiliar country. Sat, 01 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20121119015422 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20121121075139 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. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20121121075139 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20121019121809 (Sydney) November 1, 2012 — The Jesuit Refugee Service office in Sydney is located in an inner city Jesuit parish. For many refugees a visa is the beginning of a new struggle, not the end. Psychological trauma and loss can be completely debilitating to even the strongest of personalities. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20121019121809 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120907013445 (Guindulungan, Philippines) October 1, 2012 — The southern Philippines has been ravaged by political violence since 2008. Jesuit Refugee Service supports internally displaced persons in their journey to become self-sufficient, and manages programs to strengthen peace building between communities in Guindulungan and Datu Piang municipalities. Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120907013445 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120809022903 (Amman, Jordan) September 1, 2012 – Iraqis have been seeking refuge in Jordan for decades, coming here to escape years of repeated wars, internal strife and economic hardship. Despite a slightly more stable situation in their home country, Iraqis from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds continue to arrive, seeking safety and the chance to build a more dignified life for themselves and their families. Sat, 01 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120809022903 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120724030717 (Boston) August 1, 2012 — As we traveled toward Morobi in northern Uganda, Lodu informed me that Flabius, the head catechist in the village, had lost a daughter. But it was a much deeper tragedy. This good man had lost not only his daughter—and his wife a few years ago—but seven children to war and disease over time. Wed, 01 Aug 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120724030717 https://www.jrsmena.org/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20120705042010 Oxford, 5 July 2012 – With Tunisia experiencing wide-ranging political, social and economic change, there is an imperative need to alleviate the burden of hosting people fleeing Libya who are unable to return to their countries of origin. Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20120705042010 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120704053312 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. Wed, 04 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120704053312 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120529101703 (London) July 1, 2012 — Visiting the detention centres near Heathrow airport outside of London, Jesuit Refugee Service staff and volunteers accompany failed asylum seekers, in a pastoral capacity, striving to enhance their dignity and strengthen their resolve to remain strong in the face of much uncertainty. Sun, 01 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120529101703 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120628115434_a 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. Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120628115434_a https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120615075750_a 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. Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120615075750_a https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120523011554_a (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. Sat, 09 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120523011554_a https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120523111252 (Tierra Nueva, Dominican Republic) June 1, 2012 — The Haitian immigrants in Tierra Nueva are among the most economically marginalized people in the Dominican Republic. Their resources are limited even further by authorities who abuse their power in demanding bribes. More recently, the security of their neighborhoods has been threatened by an unsettling wave of violence. Fri, 01 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120523111252 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120409123518 (Vavuniya) May 1, 2012 — Sri Lanka concluded its war on May 18, 2009. It is estimated that more than 300,000 were forcibly displaced, having lost almost everything during the conflict, and between 40,000 –140,000 were killed in the final phase of the war alone. Tue, 01 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120409123518 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120327121132 (Washington, D.C.) April 1, 2012 — The Chin people in Mizoram State, India, live in a protracted, urban refugee situation and face daunting problems related to protection, livelihood, health, and education. While many have been there for years, new arrivals continue, including many youth who are fleeing forced conscription by the Burmese military. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120327121132 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120330100505_a 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. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120330100505_a https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120313094304_a 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. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120313094304_a https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120313061454_a 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. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120313061454_a https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120223024555 (Phnom Penh) March 1, 2012 — Before Mohammed fled Burma, he was often stopped by the authorities on his way to school and sent to work in military camps. There he was made to cook, clean and carry heavy building materials, and he was punished when his captors were unhappy with his work. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20120223024555 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120228065221_a 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. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120228065221_a https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111222120242 (Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo) February 1, 2012 — About two million people have been internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by armed conflicts. The situation here is characterized by chronic and rampant sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111222120242 https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120124110018_a 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. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/news_detail?TN=NEWS-20120124110018_a https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111219013010 (Caracas) January 1, 2012 — Thousands of Colombian women and men are forced to cross their border to find protection. Their flight marks the beginning of a long and difficult journey to find peace and dignity. Their lack of knowledge about refugee rights reduces the likelihood their applications will be accepted by their host countries. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111219013010 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111114014723 (Geneva) December 1, 2011 — The mission of Jesuit Refugee Service is to accompany, serve and plead the cause of refugees and forcibly displaced persons. Accompaniment, I have learned, is by its very nature reciprocal. It cannot be done alone and it cannot be done in a unilateral fashion. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111114014723 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111007011339 (Bangkok) November 1, 2011 — Ahmadiyya Muslim refugees were forced to flee Pakistan due to religious persecution. August was a particularly challenging and happy month as this year it marked Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. During Ramadan, they are not allowed to eat or drink during sunlight hours, a challenge in the Cambodian heat. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20111007011339 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110915035813 (Nairobi) October 1, 2011 – Since the beginning of the drought and hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa in July, tens of thousands of refugees have fled Somalia, most of them into Kenya and Ethiopia. They march for days or even weeks. Some do not survive the journey; others lose family members on the way or have to leave them behind. Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110915035813 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110818092110 (Aleppo, Syria) September 1, 2011 — Since the beginning of this year, the situation in a number of Arab countries has changed considerably — caused in great part by popular political movements. This has not only led to changes in the political regimes or bloody confrontations, but has also created much forced displacement of peoples. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110818092110 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110712013941 (Washington, D.C.) August 1, 2011 — Refugees don’t leave their countries simply because things are difficult, they leave because their lives are in danger and the situation is hopeless. They are driven by hope to seek new opportunities, not just for themselves, but, for their children. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110712013941 https://www.jrsmena.org/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20110506073631 Rome, 05 May 2011 – This year, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) marks the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Amaya Valcarcel, JRS International Advocacy Coordinator, considers the aptness of the law to deal with forced displacement today. Fri, 06 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20110506073631 https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110127124103 (February 1, 2011) More than 1.5 million Iraqi refugees have sought refuge in neighboring countries, particularly in Syria and Jordan, and Jesuit Refugee Service has opened projects in these countries to accompany and serve this population and their many needs. Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Prayers_Detail?TN=DTN-20110127124103 https://www.jrsmena.org/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20100826101733 Bringing the Iraqi refugees home must also be a mission in which the United States supports the Government of Iraq, by helping to create the conditions under which people can choose to return voluntarily, and in dignity to conditions that will allow them to rebuild their lives and contribute to the future of their homeland. This will require a sustained commitment, both to maintain the level of assistance that will encourage the governments of the region to continue patiently to bear the burden that Iraqi refugees place on their communities, and to make the logistical and legal arrangements and provide the level of aid needed to facilitate an orderly and sustainable return. Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT https://www.jrsmena.org/Spotlight_Detail?TN=DTN-20100826101733