Arrupe Nanmin Center with the Kanagawa Bar Association | Photo from Arrupe Nanmin Center

The Arrupe Nanmin Center has been bestowed the Human Rights Award by the Kanagawa Bar Association for its significant contribution to human rights protection.

The centre used to be the Japanese Martyrs Jūniso Residence, until three years ago when it was converted into a shelter for refugees. The community currently comprises 18 residents from six countries, including those provisionally released from immigration facilities who have received official refugee status after being detained for extended periods. To date, the centre has welcomed 49 individuals from 19 countries.

Apart from offering housing, meals, and medical attention, the centre provides its residents with essential daily items. Over 40 local volunteers also contribute their time and services to the residents by offering medical care, working on the fields, providing sewing repair, singing, and cooking meals. The centre has successfully integrated three individuals who have received official refugee status into the community. Before this, they had struggled to find a path to their future.

By bestowing the award, the Kanagawa Bar Association acknowledged the crucial role that the Arrupe Nanmin Center has played in supporting refugees after their official recognition, and in promoting their independence, which it noted is “extremely important for the protection of the basic human rights of refugees in Japan”.