Jesuit Refugee Service Report

The Jesuit Refugee Service is an international Catholic organization that supports refugees. Founded in 1980 by Father Pedro Arrupe, the JRS now has programs in over 50 countries that are helping those who have a “well founded fear of being persecuted”. These people are persecuted based off the five grounds that are race, religion, nationality, political opinion, and membership of a particular social group. According to the JRS speaker, Sean Kelly, they have three important values including accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. The JRS has to understand the needs of the people and work collaboratively to those needs. They then must make a change or adjust policies in order to aid

Education is a core activity that focuses on formal and informal learning. Not only will the refugees learn to read and to write but they also will learn about hygiene and how to take care of themselves. The healthcare offered by JRS provides food supplements as well as clinics and hospitals. Legal advice and protection come from the human rights services. There are also seminars and workshops that promote peace and community. Finally, a huge part of the work JRS does is distribution on food and non-food items such as blankets, clothes, tools, and hygiene items. People who are displaced from their homes have nothing. Kelly stated, that when they arrive to a JRS camps they have nothing but the clothes on their back. JRS is able to provide them with adequate clothing and items that will make them as comfortable as

Syria has suffered from violence between rebel and government forces, which is causing an enormous displacement. JRS, through accompaniment, understands the exact needs of the families and is trying to instill hope. Due to the ongoing conflict, humanitarian action to the war affected populations is an urgent issue that needs to be taken care of. The inability to provide adequate support in order to meet the basic needs of refugees is a growing threat to the protection of vulnerable people as well as the stability and security of the region. According to the website, JRS is advocating for urgent diplomatic action to improve access to Syrians under threat from violence and deprivation. There is a need for increased humanitarian assistance within Syria and countries hosting Syrian refugees in order to make continued welcome of those fleeing the conflict