Jesuit centres collaborate on migration

posted in: JCAP News, Migration, Social Justice | 0

Jesuit centres serving migrants came together round the table for the first time in a JCAP workshop held in Seoul from May 15 to 17, 2011. The 14 participants from Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and Korea included a representative from the Good Shepherd Sisters’ network.

During the workshop, the group heard from experts about best practices and learned from each other’s experiences. They also heard from migrants themselves.  Joint action was initiated to better accompany and prepare migrants as they move across borders.

JRS marks World Refugee Day

posted in: Migration | 0

June 20 was World Refugee Day, a day that puts the spotlight on the plight of refugees and highlights how they can be treated with dignity and humanity.  This year, World Refugee Day coincides with the 60th anniversary  of the United Nations Refugee Convention, which outlines the rights of refugees and the responsibilities of people hosting them.

Diakonia now available online

posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

With rising distribution cost, Jesuit Refugee Service-Asia Pacific has decided to make their magazine, Diakonia, be available online only. If you would like to receive a copy of Diakonia electronically, please email diakonia@jrs.or.th. The last printed copy of the magazine can be downloaded using the link below.

The road to my heart is wounded

Sad, shocked eyes looked at us from the hospital bed.  Earlier in the week Sam Ren had driven the “iron buffalo”, a type of village tractor which carries goods and people across the field to tend the chilli plants. The villagers had been planting this field for some years and used the path across the fields regularly. At night they set out to return home on the same route.

The World Mobilised

posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

JRS logoOn November 9, Fr Mark Raper spoke at a conference held at the Pontifical Gregorian University to mark 30 years of Jesuit service to refugees. The conference was organised by three Jesuit organisations, Jesuit Refugee Service International, Centro Astalli and Magis as a part of a calendar of events held in Rome between November 9 – 14.

Thailand: JRS responds to the influx of people fleeing violence in Burma

posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

Bangkok, 11 November 2010 – An estimated 20,000 people have fled to Thailand since conflict broke out between government forces and the fifth brigade of the ethnic Karen rebel group, the DKBA. Fighting began on Monday morning 8 November in the southeastern border town of Myawaddy, less than a day after election polls opened in the military controlled region.

JRS Australia opens new shelter

posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

For the first time ever, Jesuit Refugee Service Australia will be able to accommodate entire refugee families after opening its latest shelter, a former boarding house in the Sydney beachside suburb of Manly.

The organisation recently held a housewarming party for the 13 residents – including a tiny baby – who will call the shelter home until their asylum applications are processed and they are able to get back on their feet.

JRS Online Retreat

posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

This November 14th is the 30th anniversary of the founding of Jesuit Refugee Service. We recall fondly Father Pedro Arrupe’s sound advice to “pray, pray much” as he encouraged the struggling first generation of Jesuit Refugee Service team members in Southeast Asia to bring the overwhelming challenges of their new apostolic work to the Lord in prayer.