JRS initiated activities to accompany internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mindanao, Philippines in July 2010. JRS works in evacuation centers and communities identified as prone to recurrent displacement. Meanwhile in Timor Leste, the focus is towards a peaceful and just reintegration and rebuilding. JRS ensures that local leaders, youth and women at the village and sub-village levels have strengthened governance capacity to create an environment that promotes peace and stability.
Philippines: Accompanying the Displaced in the Moro Conflict
JRS initiated activities to accompany IDPs in Mindanao in July 2010. JRS works in evacuation centers and communities identified as prone to recurrent displacement focusing on bridging gaps. JRS works with local partners. This initial period of insertion is essential to gaining more understanding of the conflict and of the humanitarian response, listening to IDP concerns and establishing networks in order to facilitate services to the displaced.
In Maguindanao where most of the international non-government organizations (INGOs) are present, JRS ensures the protection of IDPs by facilitating communication and linkage with government authorities especially concerning safe return and protection. In Lanao region, JRS is one of few INGOs present that help households among the IDPs, who are often disenfranchised. JRS assists 150 households with livelihood support activities, skills training and some emergency food and health assistance.
JRS involvement in the Philippines dates back to Palawan (1979-1989) and Bataan (closed in 1997). These camps that received Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees following the US war in Vietnam. The discussion about maintaining a presence in Mindanao as a response to the recurring displacements has been ongoing since the war began decades ago. It was reopend by JRS Regional Director, Fr. Bernard H. Arputhasamy, together with others in JRS and the Philippine Province. It was after the needs assessment in March-April 2010 done by Fr Angelo Silerio (PHI) and Louie Bacomo (JRS-AP) that the decision became official.
Timor Leste: Strengthening Local Capacity for Peace and Reconciliation
JRS worked in Timor Leste throughout the 1990s, and with renewed energy following the violent displacements in 1999 and 2006. In 2009, JRS focused in accompanying, serving and advocating for the cause of 22,577 IDPs in 9 villages and worked closely with receiving communities, Church networks, government and civil society stakeholders. At present, the JRS team composed of 6 local personnel works in 4 villages that have the highest incidence of conflict from among the 9 receiving villages. The 22 sub-villages (aldeas) have about 4,200 reintegrated IDPs who account for 10% of the total population in the 4 villages.
At present, the focus is towards a peaceful and just reintegration and rebuilding process. JRS ensures that local leaders, youth and women at the village and sub-village levels have strengthened capacity to create an environment that promotes peace and stability. This involves activities such as providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, mediating land and property disputes in the villages and strengthening relationships among local and international actors. JRS promotes peace and reconciliation through popular activities such as peace games and music concerts and works closely with the new Department of Peace-Building and Social Cohesion.
JRS is closely monitoring the quiet return of “new citizens” to Timor Leste from Indonesia and the recent proposal of the Australian government to have an asylum processing center in Timor Leste.
Oliver White
Regional Communication Advocacy Officer
Jesuit Refugee Service Asia-Pacific