French Version

“As the number of refugees and internally displaced persons rose, JRS developed strategies to serve those most forgotten in places ignored by governments, NGOs and the mass media. Remaining faithful to its original vision, a more professional responsive refugee service has emerged. We manage a radio station in Tanzania, provide legal services in Thailand, psychosocial support in Colombia and microfinance in Indonesia, among many other projects worldwide,” said Fr Lluís Magriñà SJ, JRS International Director.

On 21 October 2005 at 11am, in Istituto Maria S.S. Bambina, via Paolo VI 21, Roma, JRS will hold a press conference to mark 25 years of service to forcibly displaced persons. Fr Magriñà will provide an overview of forced displacement and JRS activities worldwide. Mr Walter Irvine, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for Italy and Malta, will examine recent developments in migration and refugee issues in Italy and on the continent.

In November 1980 when Fr General Pedro Arrupe SJ called on Jesuits to establish a service to accompany, serve and advocate for refugee rights, there were 16 million refugees in the world. Jesuits accompanied Vietnamese boat people and provided humanitarian assistance and education services.

Today, with 50 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, the context in which JRS works has changed dramatically and the number and scope of services provided has increased radically.

Notes to the editor:
At the conference, Ms Louise Zanre, JRS UK, will also discuss JRS work in Europe with refugees and undocumented migrants. JRS will also launch two new books on: JRS spirituality, and the history of the organisation, the culmination of 25 years of learning with and from refugees.

JRS works in over 50 countries in six continents around the world. It employs over 1,000 staff: lay, Jesuits and other religious to meet the education, health, social and other needs of over 450,000 refugees and IDPs. Its services are provided to refugees regardless of their race, ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

For further information or interviews with European and international JRS staff, contact:

Mr James Stapleton, Communications Coordinator, JRS International; Tel: +39 06 68 977390; +39 346 234 3841; email: james.stapleton@mail05.jrs.net

Ms Donatella Parisi, Informational Officer, JRS Italy; Tel: + 39 06 6992 5099

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James Stapleton, Communications Coordinator
Jesuit Refugee Service (Int. Office)
Tel: +39-06 68977390 Fax: +39-06 6880 6418
Email: james.stapleton@jrs.net