Publications

Spotlight on Issues

	Spotlight on Colombian Refugees in Panama Refugees who have fled from the on–going conflict in Colombia to the neighboring country of Panama find themselves lost in a legal limbo. Granted Temporary Humanitarian Protection, they are not permitted the legal and social benefits afforded to refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention, which is supposed to define who is a refugee, their rights and the legal obligations of states. Fifty years ago, when borders were more fluid, people moved between the Darién province of Panama and the Chocó department of Colombia freely. Mainly populated by people of African and indigenous descent, the two regions share strong cultural ties, and families span both sides of the border. However, all that changed when the armed conflict in Colombia began to ravage Chocó in the late 1990s.
	Spotlight on Iraq The situation of Iraqi refugees remains a crisis, one that calls for redoubled efforts to achieve a durable solution to their situation. Two million Iraqi refugees and three million internally displaced Iraqis add up to a vast displacement that will take years to resolve. It is important that within Iraq, immediate efforts focus on assisting the increasing number of internally displaced Iraqis to return to their homes. Reintegration programs established now can equally well benefit those returning from overseas, as their basic needs will be similar.
	Spotlight on South Africa and Zimbabwean Refugees As the government of Zimbabwe fails, hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans have fled to neighboring countries, with the majority coming to South Africa. Fleeing the chaos of their native land, more than 11,000 refugees have passed through the Jesuit Refugee Service Limpopo project in South Africa since April. The JRS staff of eight help the refugees to find food, clothing and housing, and accompany them during a period of immense transition in their lives.
	Spotlight on Chad Jesuit Refugee Service uses education in efforts to support conflict resolution and to build a culture of peace in Chad.
	Spotlight on the Refugee Food Crisis In the past year, most of us have become increasingly concerned about rapidly rising food and energy prices. Since 2007, international food prices have gone up 54% with cereal prices rising 94%. Rising oil and energy prices have been major contributors to the price rise, as has higher demand from developing countries such as China and India. According to the World Food Program, the increasing use of agricultural land for the production of biofuel crops rather than food has also contributed to the crisis, as have droughts and other natural disasters which have reduced this year’s harvests in a number of locations. All of this amounts to "a perfect storm" of factors all leading to greater scarcity and higher prices.
	Spotlight on Detention in US An investigation by Washington Post reporters joined by 60 Minutes staff uncovers the neglectful conditions and inadequate medical treatment in a US government-run prison system. To watch report, click here.
	Spotlight on Ecuador Ecuador struggles to provide safe haven and services for a largely neglected and invisible Colombian refugee population.
	Spotlight on Southern Sudan Steady progress in return of refugees to south Sudan but work of rebuilding has just begun.