The Covid-19 outbreak caused the border between Thailand and Myanmar to close, also effectively closing off refugees living in the IDP camps in Karen State, Myanmar. The refugees are unable to buy food and other basic necessities they would usually … Continued
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Asia Pacific is intensifying its work in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In refugee camps in northern Thailand around 2,850 refugee students will switch to a blend of home-based and classroom learning. To this end, JRS … Continued
“Displacement is about real people, and we must always remember that Jesus was once a displaced person.” This is the poignant reminder that 53 international faith-based organisations, including several social justice ministries of the Society of Jesus, expressed in their … Continued
I believe you reap what you sow. If you plant hope, it will grow like a wonderful flower. Our actions reflect our intentions and our hope. There are three things I have learned from being a volunteer and working with … Continued
The major superiors of the Jesuits in Europe and the Near East have issued a joint statement calling for solidarity across the continent in this experience of the coronavirus pandemic, which “has strengthened the awareness of all the peoples of … Continued
The Jesuit retreat house in Kamakura has transitioned into a shelter for refugees. The Retreat House of Martyrs of Japan is now renamed, Arrupe Nanmin (Refugee) Center, offering refugees a safe place to stay until they are able to get … Continued
In 2019, Banteay Prieb reached a crossroad. The authorities in Cambodia want to use the land as a National Rehabilitation Center, a one-stop-shop where many organisations and services will be located. The planned buildings are very different from the … Continued
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Proverbs 31:8 It has been three years since my colleagues and I started working in Karen State as volunteer teachers. We are happy that our work has developed and is supported … Continued
Fatimeh (not a real name) is a refugee from Afghanistan. She and her family arrived in Indonesia about five years ago. She relates her story to Fransica Asmiarsi, Program Manager of JRS Indonesia, of how JRS helped her and her … Continued
The Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) has issued a call to “all Jesuits, Jesuit works, and our broader Ignatian family to expand our advocacy efforts on behalf of our migrant brothers and sisters”. The invitation came after the GIAN meeting … Continued