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JRS Romania -
www.jrsromania.org
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Political Developments
In 2008, 931 people applied for
asylum in Romania, an increase of 45% on 2007, when 657
asylum requests were submitted. The main countries of
origin of those seeking asylum were Pakistan, India,
Iraq, Bangladesh and Turkey. Of the total number of
asylum seekers, 353 entered legally, 554 irregularly,
thirteen were foreigners born in Romania (minors), and
20 were cases of family reunification. There were 88
asylum requests submitted in the detention centres.
Regarding the asylum process, 87 people obtained refugee
status and 7 subsidiary protection; in court, 15 people
obtained refugee status and 28 subsidiary protection.
The average duration of the asylum procedure in Romania,
including both the administrative phase and the
judiciary phase, was 6-8 months.
In July, the number of irregular foreigners in the
country was double of that figure for the same six
months of 2007, when 2,916 foreigners were found to be
staying irregularly on Romanian territory. Of these
2,916 people, 401 were returned by force and 257 were
put into administrative detention. The returnees were
sent back to countries such as Moldova, Turkey, China,
India, Morocco, Nigeria, Iran, Liberia, Sudan, Cameroon,
Somalia, etc.
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JRS Activities
Accomodation
More than 80
refugees and migrants were accommodated in the JRS Pedro Arrupe
Centre and in the social apartments, helping them to take
responsibility for their future and preventing against social
exclusion. Most of these migrants had no rights to work, to
medical insurance or to benefits from any other social service
provided by the state.
Unfortunately, last year, more and more people without a
solution for the future requested the assistance of JRS, putting
a strain on the office’s resources. JRS is the only NGO in
Romania providing temporary accommodation, and equally, the
state have no possibility to accommodate these people due to the
lack of legislative regulations and the necessary
infrastructure.
Social assistance
JRS helped
refugees and migrants to search for appropriate employment and
private accommodation. JRS assisted refugees and migrants to
comply with administrative requirements set down by the state to
benefit from the social rights. With the support of other civil
society organisations, JRS offered counseling in order to
identify durable solutions for the migrants.
Detention
JRS social
workers provided counselling and pastoral care in one detention
centre once a week.
Medical assistance
Two medical
doctors and a network of young medical students supported JRS’
work as volunteers, attending to people living in the
accommodation centres. Free medical exams and analyses, vaccines
and drugs were offered by JRS.
Emergency relief
Emergency relief (food, clothes, hygiene products, etc.) was
offered to persons in all five accommodation centres across the
country. This aid targeted the most vulnerable people and those
with special needs.
Education courses
Romanian
and English language classes and also computer classes continued
during the year.
Recreational/Therapeutic activities
A series of sporting activities such as football and tennis
matches were organised. These activities were carried out for a
therapeutic purpose, intending to develop team spirit and
cooperation, and to facilitate intercultural communication
between beneficiaries: garden decoration, culinary workshops,
etc.
Cultural orientation
A number of
social and cultural events for Ramadan, Christmas, Easter, New
Year, March 8, June 1, World Refugee Day were organised.
Advocacy
Radio and
television broadcasts were seen as a means of spreading
knowledge regarding the realities and issues related to refugees
and migrants living in Romania. Through these media, JRS managed
to promote certain aspects of refugee’s life conditions in
Romania.
Volunteers
The network of volunteers was extended to 45 students and
professionals, who were offered specialised training sessions in
order to work in a professional manner with the refugees.
Contact Details
Mr Catalin Albu, Country Director/
Fr Luc Duquenne SJ, President of the Board of Management
Pedro Arrupe Centre
Mr Ilie Opris 54, sector 4 - 041378 Bucharest
Tel: +40 21 332 2457 - Tel/Fax: +40 21 332 5361
romania(a)jrs.net
To send an email, just replace the (a) with @.
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