Image courtesy of Jesuit Refugee Service

The announcement of the US government on 24 January to suspend all foreign aid for at least 90 days has had a severe impact on the humanitarian and educational efforts of two Jesuit organisations dedicated to supporting marginalised communities worldwide.

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which runs programmes for refugees and displaced persons in nine countries—Chad, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Iraq, South Africa, South Sudan, Thailand, and Uganda—estimates that over 100,000 refugees and displaced people they currently support will be affected during the suspension period.

The International Federation of Fe y Alegría, which provides quality and inclusive education to marginalised communities, is likewise facing significant disruptions in providing essential services, such as educational programmes, early childhood, psychosocial support, school feeding, and job training in several countries.

Jesuit Mission Australia, which is a member of the Xavier Network—a global coalition of Jesuit organisations working in faith to promote justice—is working alongside its partners to raise urgent funds to support JRS programmes affected by the aid freeze.

“Now, more than ever, we are called to walk alongside our refugee brothers and sisters, embodying Christ’s love and ensuring they are not abandoned in their time of greatest need,” said Helen Forde, Jesuit Mission Australia CEO.

The continued work of JRS and Fe y Alegría relies on the generosity and goodwill of individuals, organisations, and governments to sustain these vital programmes. To support their work, please visit Jesuit Mission or click here to read the global Society of Jesus’ appeal.

Read JRS’ statement here.