JRS urges G20 to focus on refugees, ahead of World Refugee Day

June 19, 2012: "Forced migrants are concrete examples of what happens to societies pushed beyond the limit: conflict, human rights violations, displacement. The G20 summit is an opportunity to take preventative action, to reduce economic instability by promoting holistic refugee protection, enhancing livelihood opportunities for marginalised communities and strengthening inclusive social protection systems", said Jesuit father Peter Balleis, International Director of Jesuit Refugee Service or JRS.

On the occasion of World Refugee Day, 20 June, JRS urged world leaders to place social cohesion at the core of their decision-making process, and not lose sight of the needs of more than 45 million forcibly-displaced migrants worldwide, a press release revealed on Monday.

JRS works in more than 50 countries around the world. The organisation employs over 1,200 staff: lay, Jesuits and other religious to meet the education, health, social and other needs of approximately 700,000 refugees and Internally Displaced Peoples, more than half of whom are women. Its services are provided to refugees regardless of race, ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

"The populations of host countries generally have little contact with refugees and other forced migrants. Their opinions are largely shaped by political and civil society leaders. If governments took a more positive approach to forced migration, we would see beginning of a reversal of hostility and exclusion of refugees", added Fr Balleis.

Shrinking economic opportunities are placing greater burden on overstretched social support networks, fuelling intolerance. Instead of describing refugees as courageous survivors rebuilding their lives in safety, politicians turn to simplistic and misleading labels, which demonise refugees for societal ills. This constant dehumanisation and hostility marginalises refugees even further.

Despite the current trend, people across the world individually and collectively respond to the needs of refugees. For instance, owing to the French government's inability to house asylum seekers, JRS volunteers in Paris have stepped in and opened up their homes. Similar acts occur in Jordan where local residents and Iraqi refugees are helping displaced Syrians. These simple acts have the power to transform difficult situations.

"Our message is simple; encourage hospitality and cooperation. Hospitality is a door that opens the way to other possibilities, such as access to rights and services. Refugees have human resources, skills and energy. It's important to let them do something for their new communities. Governments would do well to follow these examples of solidarity", concluded Fr Balleis.