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Dispatches No. 265
Up | August 31, 2009
REFUGEE NEWS BRIEFINGS
UPDATES ON JRS PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
REFUGEE NEWS BRIEFINGS
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: PROTECT CIVILIANS AGAINST RAPE AND INJUSTICE
On 10 August, the Congo Advocacy Coalition urged US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to press the Congolese government and UN peacekeepers for more effective measures to protect civilians and pursue justice for serious crimes.
In a statement issued from the eastern Congolese city of Goma, the Coalition, comprising 88 humanitarian and human rights organisations including JRS, highlighted that the number of killings and incidents of brutal sexual violence against women, girls and also men have massively increased since the start of military operations last January.
So far this year, more than 600 civilians have been killed, thousands of women and girls raped by armed rebel groups and government forces, and more than 800,000 people displaced from their homes, including some 56,000 who fled from Uvira territory, South Kivu, between 14 and 24 July.
No to blank cheque for UN
The Coalition urged Secretary Clinton, who arrived in Congo on 10 August, to make it clear that US support for UN efforts in Congo is not a blank cheque and civilians should be protected. According to Oxfam in the Democratic Republic of Congo, "the UN-backed offensive that was supposed to make life better for the people of eastern Congo is instead becoming a human tragedy".
UN peacekeepers have been backing Congolese military operations, known as Kimia II, against the Rwanda Hutu rebel group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), since March. This support followed earlier joint operations between the Congolese and Rwandan armies against the rebel group.
Since the start of military operations, the FDLR rebels have carried out widespread retaliatory attacks, brutally killing and raping Congolese civilians. In one recent reprisal attack, on July 20, the rebels killed more than 20 civilians in the village of Manje, in Walikale territory, North Kivu province. As in previous similar attacks, the rebels hacked some victims with machetes, shot others, and burned a number to death in their homes.
For further information see http://jrs.net/alerts/index.php?lang=en&sid=4766
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SRI LANKA: CHILDREN STILL AT RISK OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES
On 28 July, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, of which JRS is a governing body member, urged the Sri Lankan authorities to act immediately to protect conflict-affected children.
According to a briefing document published by the Coalition, children in Sri Lanka continue to be at risk of forced recruitment, arbitrary detention and other human rights abuses.
Children are among the dozens of people who have been detained by security forces in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Vavuniya, apparently for their alleged links to LTTE Tamil rebels.
Government responsibility
The Coalition alleges that families of children taken by the security forces from detention camps have no idea where they are – if they are in detention, have been taken to rehabilitation centres or have disappeared. Given the background of large-scale disappearances in Sri Lanka, there are grave fears that some of the reported incidents of children and adults being removed from IDP camps may represent enforced disappearances.
Following reports of continued abductions for ransom and forced recruitment of children by pro-government armed groups, the Coalition called on Sri Lankan authorities to act immediately to prevent armed groups from entering facilities where children are housed and investigate reports of their ongoing abductions and recruitment.
The end of the 25-year long conflict represents a unique opportunity to release and reintegrate all former child soldiers and assist thousands of other conflict-affected children in the country. It will take concerted and coordinated efforts by the Sri Lankan authorities and the international community to ensure that this opportunity is not squandered, the Coalition added.
For a full copy of the Coalition press release, click here.
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ITALY: 75 MIGRANTS FEARED DEAD
On 21 August, UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that approximately 75 migrants were missing and feared dead after a traumatic 20-day journey from North Africa to Europe.
A day earlier, the Italian authorities rescued five Eritreans off the Coast of Lampedusa Island. The survivors said as many as 75 other migrants had died trying to reach Europe. The survivors, believed to be in poor health, were taken to Italy for treatment.
According to UNHCR spokesperson, Laura Boldrini, the migrants said that they were aboard the boat when it ran out of fuel and got lost about two days into the journey. The survivors spoke of having to throw the dead bodies of migrants, who had fallen ill, into the sea and having pleaded with passing boats for help.
In 2008, approximately 30,000 migrants arrived into Lampedusa. Following decisions by the Italian authorities to return all arrivals and criminalise undocumented migrants, the number has dropped to some 7,500 for the first eight months of this year.
The Catholic voice
Many human rights and Catholic groups see the latest government measures as likely to increase the possibility of such tragedies.
L'Avvenire, a newspaper published by Italy's bishops' conference, said the West's "eyes are closed" to the plight of migrants; the newspaper suggested that it is similar to the situation where many countries failed to respond to the Nazi persecution and mass murder of the Jews.
Speaking to Il Messaggero newspaper on 23 August, JRS International Communications Coordinator, James Stapleton, described the tragedy as shocking. He called on European governments to do what they can to prevent this senseless loss of life.
Mr Stapleton also urged on the authorities to re-think the law on the criminalisation of irregular migration and to ensure that nobody is refused the opportunity to seek protection in Italy.
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UK: HUGE INCREASE IN DESTITUTE PEOPLE SEEKING ASSISTANCE
According to the JRS UK annual report, published in August, more than 100 destitute unsuccessful asylum seekers and refugees per week sought assistance from the organisation last year.
JRS UK Director, Louise Zanre, writing in the latest annual report, described the increase as presenting the charity with considerable challenges. The increase of more than 160% since 2007 forced the organisation to move its day centre facilities to new premises in Forest Gate and Stamford Hill in east and north London respectively.
Ms Zanre also fears some people may end up slipping through the net, especially if they lack self-confidence. The sense of abandonment among refugees and asylum-seeking is palpable – along with their sense of personal worthlessness. The ever greater challenge JRS staff face is restoring a sense of dignity and in challenging society to remember and respect the worth of each person in the UK, Ms Zanre added.
JRS UK has also seen a rise in the number of refugees volunteering regularly to help in its office and day centres, according to the annual report. This helps them feel they are contributing to the work and making a difference in their own way, Ms Zanre said.
Research validates JRS concerns
JRS figures on destitution are broadly in line with those published in a report by Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT), Still destitute: A worsening problem for refused asylum seekers, which found that destitution among refused asylum seekers in the UK has more than doubled in 18 months. In addition, early this summer, the Independent Asylum Commission estimated that 283,500 failed asylum seekers were living homeless in the country.
The JRCT report found that an "unacceptably high" number of families with children and vulnerable adults were living in the UK without the right to undertake paid employment or access social services. The biggest reason for destitution was error or delay in the only government support available. Of the 331 unsuccessful asylum seekers and refugees identified in the Rowntree report as destitute, nearly 50 percent were from Zimbabwe, Iran and Eritrea.
In addition to their annual report, JRS UK also produced a 23-minute DVD about their work entitled JRS UK: Serve, Accompany, Advocate. For copies of either, contact uk[at]jrs.net or telephone +44 207 357 0974.
For a full copy or a two-page summary of the JRCT report, click here.
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UPDATES ON JRS PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
ETHIOPIA: CEREMONY FOR GRADUATE REFUGEES
On 25 July, after years of intensive study, 12 Sudanese and two Eritrean refugees graduated from the Addis Ababa University. One of the 12 Sudanese students graduated from the university with a doctorate in health science after seven years of study.
At a ceremony held in the JRS Refugee Community Centre (RCC), the RCC Project Director, Mulugeta W/Eyesus, told the audience that their graduation was evidence of what refugees can achieve, despite the numerous challenges and traumas they face. Addressing the graduates, he added "it shows your potential and competence, which I encourage you to use in the service of your home countries".
The graduates, who were supported by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative Fund (DAFI) received degrees in a range of disciplines, including educational planning and management, English, philosophy, biology, history, earth science, sociology, social anthropology and psychology.
Association of refugee graduates a step forward
At the event attended by the sponsors, members of the Jesuit community and JRS staff, UNHCR and DAFI representatives announced plans to establish an association of refugee graduates in order to promote the sharing of experiences and interpersonal support. The association will also try to help to coordinate the work of refugees who wish to contribute to development in their countries of origin.
Since the Sudanese graduates, many of whom faced serious financial and psychosocial challenges during their studies, will return home shortly, DAFI has agreed to engage with the authorities and community leaders to ensure their smooth re-integration. The two Eritrean graduates will probably work in refugee camps for Eritreans in northern Ethiopia.
The representative of the graduates, Sudanese national, Mr David Kueth, expressed his appreciation and gratitude towards the sponsors for the remarkable opportunity to attend a highly esteemed university. He also thanked JRS for offering computer literacy courses and for its psychological and moral support which, he said, was crucial for the refugee students.
In his closing speech, Groum Tesfaye SJ, university chaplain, recounted a story by Anthony de Mello SJ, in which a bird grows up among chickens, not recognising that it has the capability to fly. Referring to that story, he encouraged the graduates to have a dream and a vision of life which will help them discover their full potential.
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ETHIOPIA: REFUGEE YOUTH ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED
On 5 August, a group of young refugees formally established the Refugee Youth Association as an organisation to help meet the specific needs of this group.
Speaking at a gathering to mark its foundation, symbolically held on 12 August, International Youth Day, the chairperson of the new group, Mr Messeret Haile-Mikael, thanked JRS for having provided the necessary administrative, financial and other assistance. In addition to the physical and psychological changes young people undergo on their way to adulthood, he continued, young refugees face specific challenges which will be addressed through the work of the organisation. The association will also promote a sense of social responsibility among them.
"Many young refugees are unable to access education, face sexual abuse and violence and unplanned pregnancies. They frequently struggle with low self-esteem and loneliness. Our association will reach out and assist young refugees, helping them become mature adults", added Mr Haile-Mikael.
The Refugee Youth Association plans to invite older refugees to take part in the work of the organisation by becoming role models who share their experiences. Mr Haile-Mikael explained that this will also enhance a common understanding of issues affecting refugees. So far, the association has registered 30 members, but others have expressed an interest in joining.
Helping to prevent HIV/AIDS
The chairperson of the JRS Refugee HIV/AIDS Club, Jean Christophe Rugari, also addressed the association members. He underlined the impact of the pandemic, particularly within the young refugee community. Speaking of the risks faced by those who engaged in unsafe sexual relationships due to poverty, he urged international agencies and NGOs to provide education to young refugees on HIV/AIDS. If you have not been infected, you should be wise. If you have been infected, be patient, as it is not the end of everything, he added.
The event was attended by members of the refugee community, refugee organisations and JRS staff members. It was followed by traditional music and dance, emphasising the dangers of smoking, drug abuse and engagement in criminal activities.
Most of the members of the association participated in a three-day JRS workshop as peer educators on the dangers of HIV/AIDS which ended on 29 July. The workshop used a combination of role play, games and other activities to offer guidance to the participants on communications skills, reproductive health, gender, sexuality, abstinence and faithfulness, and HIV counselling and testing.
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SUDAN: PRIMARY SCHOOL ON FIRMER FOUNDATIONS
On 5 August, JRS inaugurated a primary school with a difference in Lobone county. Pamaikong Primary School is the first school in the county to be built as a permanent structure.
The opening ceremony, which attracted some 500 people, began with a blessing of the new school by JRS Eastern Africa Regional Director, Frido Pflueger SJ. The school was then officially handed over to the local community.
In his speech to the local population, Fr Pflueger SJ emphasised the importance of recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. Turning to the teachers present, he urged them to be authentic role models.
"Your students are the future of the country. Help them to become people of character who are willing to use their skills to rebuild their country," he said.
After more than two decades of civil war, most of the displaced population only came back to Lobone in April and May last year. Initially classes were provided in ad hoc community schools under trees and subsequently in temporary structures. More than 500 students will now move to the new school.
The commitment of JRS
Even at the height of the insurgency by the Lord’s Resistance Army, JRS staff remained in Lobone, district authority chief executive, Mr Otto Justin Odwar, told the gathering. This is a true reflection of the commitment of JRS staff, he continued.
On behalf of the regional government, Lobone district Education Officer, Mr Dominic Obel, expressed his gratitude towards JRS and asked Fr Pflueger to consider extending the JRS mandate in the area. He also promised to find solutions for the remaining education-related problems in the district, such as school construction and the recruitment and payment of teachers.
The new school encompasses two classroom blocks of four classrooms each and one administration block – all fully furnished –, as well as toilet facilities. Construction began early this year and was mainly funded by the Spanish company INDITEX as well as the Spanish and US governments.
Currently, the organisation supports eight nursery, seven primary and two secondary schools, as well as the provision of teacher training, adult literacy and peace education courses. The overall JRS objective in Lobone is to build the capacity of education officials and help rebuild school infrastructure. As soon as funding is secured, JRS plans to build more classrooms and latrines in two nearby villages.
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CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: EDUCATION FOR FORGOTTEN REFUGEES FINANCED
Thanks to the generosity of the Irish government and people, 2,000 children, who have been traumatised by conflict and instability, will get a chance to go to school.
On 6 August, the Irish government provided a grant of 250,000 euro to JRS Central African Republic (CAR), via JRS Ireland, to build schools for children displaced by conflict in the landlocked African country.
The war in CAR has had a serious impact on the education sector with fewer than one in three children in the country currently completing primary school, of whom an even smaller proportion are girls.
The JRS teams in the country work in rebel-held territories in the north and northwest of the country. According to JRS International Director, Peter Balleis SJ, who recently returned from a visit to the country, insecurity is still a problem there. Consequently, he continued, very few organisations work in these areas.
Education, a value for money investment
"But the JRS presence, the construction of schools and other activities have created a growing confidence and more people are returning to the villages from the forests. The needs are immense in CAR, but with the help of Irish Aid funding to construct and rehabilitate schools, JRS can develop an integrated programme of educational services in the country, including teacher training", added Fr Balleis.
The funding for JRS will finance the construction and rebuilding of eight schools in the Central Africa Republic to allow 2,000 children displaced by the protracted humanitarian crisis to resume or begin primary education.
Most of the children living in the north of the country are displaced and the education system in these areas has essentially collapsed. Irish Aid support will allow JRS to open schools in areas where there are no organisations working or where the education services are insufficient to cater for the number of internally displaced children.
More than one million people are estimated to have been affected by violence in the Central African Republic. According to a 2008 report from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), the current civil war and crises have generated over 98,000 refugees who have fled to Chad, Cameroon and Sudan. The conflict has also generated a total of 197,000 internally displaced persons.
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ECUADOR: PROMOTING QUALITY JOURNALISM ON HUMAN MOBILITY
On 12 August, Migration Plan, Communication and Development, a strategic alliance, of which JRS Ecuador is a member, launched a journalism competition on human mobility.
The competition is designed to promote the production of quality journalism on issues related to human mobility and contribute in a positive way to an improved understanding of the issue. It also seeks to direct objective, comprehensive and critical public debate within a human rights focus on issues such as asylum, internal displacement, emigration, immigration, and the trafficking of human beings.
According to the organisers, submissions should reflect distinct approaches to dealing with issues of human mobility in the mainstream and alternative media, with a more humane and intercultural focus.
A thousand dollars
The deadline for submissions, to each of the four available categories – video, audio, written photo reportages and multimedia – is 14 September. The winner of each category will receive 1,000 US dollars and 250 copies of his or her work ready for publication.
Migration Plan, Communication and Development reserves the right to publish the winning entry in each category, as well as other entries recommended for their quality and journalistic merit by the jury, in the media and other places considered appropriate. The results of the competition will be announced on the websites of JRS Ecuador and the Latin American Association Radio education (ALER) on 5 October.
Participants should be journalists, writers, researchers or related professionals or in their final year of communications or social sciences in an Ecuadorian university, and be an Ecuadorian citizen, a national of another Andean country or resident in Ecuador.
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USA: JRS PUSHES FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
"Immigration is a problem that is begging to be fixed," President Barack Obama told attendees of a White House meeting on comprehensive immigration reform on 20 August.
However, at the meeting of 130 immigration advocates, business, labour and law enforcement representatives, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stressed that enforcement would be a priority. The DHS, she continued, is committed to the 287g programme, in which local law enforcement organisations are tasked with enforcing immigration policies.
"I'm concerned that we are still hearing a very enforcement based approach to immigration reform. That kind of rhetoric drives people deeper into the shadows rather than bringing them forward where they can benefit from a legalisation and registration programme", JRS USA Associate Advocacy Director, Shaina Aber, said.
"We urge Secretary Napolitano and the Administration to recognise that reform is the path to increased security; not enforcement first, reform later", added Ms Aber.
Enforcement without real reform of immigration policies marginalises immigrant communities, and makes them fearful of police. A representative from the Police Executive Research Forum noted that police chiefs throughout the country are lining up to support comprehensive immigration reform, and are concerned that the 287g program detracts from their ability to create secure communities.
No time to waste
Real reform will also ensure that paths to immigration and legal status are not bogged down, and JRS is pleased that Secretary Napolitano wants to increase efficiency in immigration decisions. Families should not have to wait years to learn whether they can be reunited.
JRS USA urges Secretary Napolitano to recognise the real urgency for comprehensive immigration reform. Family separation, detention deaths and inexplicable delays to legal immigration paths are perpetuating an unsustainable system.
"I think it's an important first step to bring together diverse stakeholders, and I was pleased with the tone of the people who were invited to share ideas", said Ms Aber.
"Ultimately the American people want to see the right thing done," President Obama said.
JRS USA agrees, and believes that reform that brings immigrants out of the shadows of fear and into the light of legal residency ensures a more secure and economically vibrant country for all.
For information on the latest JRS USA education initiative, click here.
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