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JRS Romania - www.jrsromania.org

 

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.

 

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 @.


 
 

Jesuit Refugee Service Europe - Rue du Progrès (Vooruitgangstraat) 333/2 - B-1030 Bruxelles - Belgium
Tel: + 32 2 250 32 20 - Fax: + 32 2 250 32 29 - Email: europe(a)jrs.net