With the support of the Catholic Mission office in Aachen and the German Jesuit Mission office, the urban refugee team in Bangkok works with groups of asylum seekers providing education, psychosocial counselling, and some material support.

Although half of the world’s refugees live in urban areas like Bangkok and Mae Sot, the vast majority of assistance to refugees is channelled to those living in camps. Guided by Pedro Arrupe’s vision for JRS – to go where no one else is working and serve the most forgotten – JRS Thailand is dedicated to serving, accompanying and advocating for urban refugees.

Established in 1990, the Urban Refugee Programme (URP) meets the basic survival needs of asylum seekers in Bangkok by providing casework assistance, social counselling, legal aid and community support. Many asylum seekers are referred to JRS by UN refugee agency (UNHCR) during the registration process.

Counselling

Because many refugees are fleeing violence in their home countries, JRS is committed to providing psychosocial support services to those who have had traumatic and/ or extremely stressful experiences, particularly to women and children. Recent arrivals in Thailand and those whose applications for resettlement have been rejected are given priority access to counselling at JRS offices.

Community capacity building

Through community outreach and home visits, JRS works to build the capacity of urban refugees and asylum seekers to become self-sufficient. JRS assisted a group of Pakistani Ahmadi asylum-seekers to establish a community centre. The group was able to organise community events and informal education for children and adults studying English, mathematics and art.

In 2011, JRS helped establish four new support groups, including ethnic Hmong Lao and Sri Lankan communities in Bangkok, in addition to visiting 144 homes to determine how to meet the immediate survival needs of refugees in vulnerable circumstances.

Material assistance

The URP team provides families in need with material and financial assistance. For some families, JRS is able to provide housing assistance, food and hygienic supplies, and financial support to meet their basic needs. In 2011, more than 160 individuals received support for school fees, food, transport assistance and other emergency items. The URP team strives to respond in a timely manner to the needs of asylum seekers in high risk or crisis situations.

Legal support

A necessity for asylum seekers in urban areas, JRS provides legal representation and assistance to those applying to UNHCR for refugee status and seeking resettlement in a third country. This advice and counselling support is offered throughout the process. A total of 178 people, mostly women, benefited from this support work in 2011, including 106 asylum seekers who were provided with legal representation, up from 20 the previous year. In addition, JRS organised an information session on legal issues.

Asia Pacific
Fr. Bambang A. Sipayung SJ
apdirector@jrs.or.th
+66 2 640 9590
http://www.jrsap.org

JRS Asia Pacific is one of 10 geographic regions of the Jesuit Refugee Service. JRS offers a human and pastoral service to refugees and the communities who host them through a wide range of rehabilitation and relief activities. Services – including programmes of pastoral care, education for children and adults, social services and counselling, and healthcare - are tailored to meet local needs according to available resources. The regional office serves refugees and other displaced persons in Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.

Thailand: Urban refugees remain invisible

Bangkok, 21 January 2013 — Increasing numbers of asylum seekers are arriving in Bangkok each year.
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Thailand: Iranian refugee finds hope

Bangkok, 26 October 2012 — Increasing suppression of religious and political rights in Iran has caused thousands to flee persecution seeking safety and freedom of conscience. There are currently more than 89,121 Iranian asylum claims worldwide, as of 2012, according to the UN Refugee Agency.

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Thailand: an ordinary game of cricket during extraordinary times

Bangkok, 25 June 2012 – To passers-by, Saturday's cricket match would have looked like any other. Excited cheers from spectators as the umpire shouts 'you're out', the crack of the ball against the willow bat as fielders dive to catch their opponents out. But this was no ordinary game. It was a game played with extraordinary passion by those who had not played for many years, denied the opportunity since leaving home in search of international protection.
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Thailand: Bangkok’s refugees show themselves through their photos

Bangkok, 3 February 2012 – Four white walls became the canvas Saturday for seven asylum seekers to tell their stories. And once those walls were filled with nearly 50 photos, viewers began to get an understanding of their daily lives in Bangkok.
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Thailand: floodwaters mirror crisis and character

Bangkok, 16 November 2011 – It is said that the way you deal with crisis reveals your character. For many, the flood is an opportunity to help others. JRS have met these unsung heroes during its relief response activities in the past month. Here are some of their stories.
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Thailand: JRS response to the flood - a photo story

Bangkok, 08 November – Thailand has been experiencing its worst flood in decades. Two weeks ago the water hit Bangkok. While much of the city remains dry, plenty of the suburbs are underwater. Many of the people we serve are unable to leave Bangkok and JRS with other NGOs are trying to locate and assist those who remain in the city. Below is a reflection from Rufino Seva, JRS Urban Refugee Programme director about his work with flood relief.
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Asia Pacific: from our director: women living in cities survive with resilience

Asia Pacific, 10 September, 2011 – When I left her I was wondering how someone who has suffered and lost so much can still provide such warm hospitality to a stranger. She was petit woman living in a refugee settlement going about her daily chores, when I dropped by to visit her. After our chat, I thought to myself, “She lives with dignity despite having fled her country and seek refuge. There were no visible signs of bitterness and anger, only a warm hospitality and cheerful ownership of her life in all its joys and sorrows. I see many women every day at our office in Bangkok as they wait to speak to our Urban Refugee Project staff. Some wait with young children, others alone. Some live in the city by themselves because their husbands are in Bangkok's Immigration Detention Centre.
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Thailand: JRS helps establish community centre

Bangkok, 26 August 2010 – At the beginning of the month, a group of ethnic Ahmadi asylum seekers finally opened the doors of their new community centre in the outskirts of Bangkok. The new centre is the result of a partnership between JRS and Ahmadi asylum seekers from Pakistan.
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Avec le soutien  du bureau de la Mission Catholique à Aix-la-Chapelle et du bureau de la Mission Jésuite Allemande, l'équipe de réfugiés urbains travaille avec des groupes de demandeurs d'asile en offrant de l'éducation, du conseil psychosocial, et un peu de soutien matériel.

Bien que, dans le monde, la moitié des réfugiés vivent dans des zones urbaines comme Bangkok et Mae Sot, la grande majorité de l'aide aux réfugiés est canalisée à ceux qui vivent dans les camps. Guidé par la vision de Pedro Arrupe pour le JRS - aller où personne n'œuvre et servir les plus oubliés - le JRS Thaïlande se dédie à servir, accompagner les réfugiés urbains et prendre leur défense.

Etabli en 1990, le Programme pour réfugiés urbains (URP) affronte les besoins fondamentaux des demandeurs d'asile à Bangkok en les aidant à remplir leurs dossiers, en offrant du conseil psychosocial, de l'assistance juridique et un soutien communautaire. De nombreux demandeurs d'asile sont signalés par l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour les Réfugiés (UNHCR) pendant le processus d'enregistrement. 



Asie Pacifique
Fr. Bambang A. Sipayung SJ
apdirector@jrs.or.th
+66 2 640 9590
http://www.jrsap.org

L'Asie Pacifique est une des 10 régions géographiques du Service Jésuite des Réfugiés, organisation internationale catholique parrainée par la Compagnie de Jésus. Le JRS offre des services humains et pastoraux aux réfugiés et aux communautés qui les accueillent à travers une vaste gamme d'activités de réhabilitation et de secours. Ces services – notamment des programmes de pastorale, scolarité et éducation pour enfants et adultes, services sociaux et conseil psychosocial, soins médicaux – sont adaptés aux besoins locaux selon les ressources disponibles. Le bureau régional sert les réfugiés et autres personnes déplacées en Australie, Cambodge, Indonésie, Papouasie-Nouvelle Guinée, Singapour, Thaïlande et Timor  Leste.

Con el apoyo de la oficina de la Misión Católica de Aquisgrán y la oficina de Misión Jesuita de Alemania, el equipo que trabaja con  refugiados urbanos en Bangkok trabaja con grupos de solicitantes de asilo a quienes proporcionan educación, atención psicosocial, y apoyo material.

Aunque la mitad de los refugiados del mundo viven en zonas urbanas como Bangkok y Mae Sot, la gran mayoría de la asistencia a los refugiados se canaliza a los que viven en los campamentos. Guiados por la visión que Pedro Arrupe tenía para el JRS - ir adonde nadie más esté trabajando y servir a los más olvidados - el JRS Tailandia se dedica a servir, acompañar y defender a los refugiados urbanos.

Fundado en 1990, el Programa de Refugiados Urbanos responde a las necesidades básicas de supervivencia de los solicitantes de asilo en Bangkok ofreciéndoles asistencia jurídica, orientación social y apoyo de la comunidad. Muchos solicitantes de asilo son enviados al JRS por la agencia de ONU para los Refugiados (ACNUR) durante el proceso de registro.

Asesoramiento

Debido a que muchos refugiados están huyendo de la violencia en sus países de origen, el JRS se ha comprometido a proporcionar servicios de apoyo psicosocial a las personas que han tenido experiencias traumáticas y/o estrés extremo, en particular a mujeres y niños. Las oficinas del JRS dan prioridad a los recién llegados a Tailandia y a aquellos cuyas solicitudes de reasentamiento han sido rechazados para que puedan acceder a los servicios de asesoramiento.

Capacitación comunitaria

A través de la extensión comunitaria y de las visitas a domicilio, el JRS trabaja para fortalecer la capacidad de los refugiados urbanos y solicitantes de asilo de ser autosuficientes. El JRS ayudó a un grupo de solicitantes de asilo paquistaníes Ahmadíes a establecer un centro comunitario. El grupo pudo organizar eventos comunitarios y educación informal para que niños y adultos pudieran estudiar inglés, matemáticas y arte.

En 2011, el JRS ayudó a establecer cuatro nuevos grupos de apoyo, incluidos los de etnia hmong de Laos y las comunidades srilankesas en Bangkok, aparte de visitar 144 hogares para ver cómo satisfacer las necesidades inmediatas de los refugiados en condiciones vulnerables.

Asistencia material

El equipo del Programa de Refugiados Urbanos ofrece a las familias que lo necesitan asistencia material y financiera. El JRS ha proporcionado  a algunas familias, asistencia para la vivienda, alimentos y suministros de higiene, y el apoyo financiero para cubrir sus necesidades básicas. En 2011, más de 160 personas recibieron apoyo para gastos escolares, alimentos, ayudas para el transporte y otros artículos de emergencia. El equipo del Programa de Refugiados Urbanos trabaja para responder adecuadamente a las necesidades de los solicitantes de asilo en situación de riesgo o crisis.

Apoyo jurídico

Es una necesidad para los solicitantes de asilo en las zonas urbanas, así que el JRS ofrece representación legal y asistencia a los que presentan su solicitud de refugio al ACNUR y en la búsqueda de reasentamiento en un tercer país. Este asesoramiento se ofrece durante todo el proceso. Un total de 178 personas, la mayoría mujeres, se beneficiaron de esta labor de apoyo en el año 2011, otros 106 solicitantes de asilo han sido representados legalmente, 20 más que el año anterior. Además, el JRS organizó una sesión de información sobre temas legales.

Asia Pacífico
Fr. Bambang A. Sipayung SJ
apdirector@jrs.or.th
+66 2 640 9590
http://www.jrsap.org

El JRS Asia Pacífico es una de las 10 regiones geográficas del Servicio Jesuita a Refugiados, una organización católica internacional de la Compañía de Jesús. El JRS ofrece un servicio humano y pastoral a los refugiados y a las comunidades que les acogen mediante una amplia gama de actividades de rehabilitación y ayuda. Los servicios – incluidos los programas de atención pastoral, educación para niños y adultos, servicios sociales y atención psicosocial y sanitaria – están pensados para responder las necesidades locales de acuerdo con los recursos disponibles. La oficina regional atiende a refugiados y otras personas desplazadas en Australia, Camboya, Indonesia, Papua-Nueva Guinea, Singapur, Tailandia y Timor Leste.

Con il sostegno della sede di Aachen della Missione Cattolica e dell'Ufficio per le Missioni dei gesuiti in Germania, il gruppo che lavora con i rifugiati urbani di Bangkok si avvale della collaborazione di gruppi di richiedenti asilo fornendo counselling in ambito educativo e psicosociale e in certa misura anche sostegno materiale.

Pur vivendo la metà dei rifugiati di tutto il mondo in aree urbane come Bangkok e Mae Sot, gli aiuti vengono perlopiù destinati a quelli che vivono nei campi. Guidato dall'idea di p. Arrupe per il JRS, ovvero di andare là dove non c'è nessun'altro che vi lavori e servire i più derelitti, il JRS Thailandia si dedica al servizio, all'accompagnamento e all'advocacy in favore dei rifugiati urbani.

Costituito nel 1990, il Programma rifugiati urbani (URP) fa fronte alle necessità primarie di sopravvivenza dei richiedenti asilo presenti a Bangkok fornendo assistenza sociale individuale, counselling sociale, assistenza legale e sostegno di tipo comunitario. Numerosi sono i richiedenti asilo indirizzati all'URP dall'Agenzia delle NU per i rifugiati (UNHCR) durante il processo di registrazione.

Counselling

Tenuto conto che molti rifugiati hanno abbandonato il proprio paese per sfuggire alle violenze in atto, il JRS si dedica a fornire sostegno psicosociale a quanti hanno vissuto esperienze traumatiche e/o estremamente logoranti, in particolare se si tratta di donne e bambini. Nelle sedi del JRS, per quanto riguarda l'accesso al counselling, viene data precedenza ai nuovi arrivi in territorio thailandese e a coloro cui è stata respinta la domanda di reinsediamento.

Formazione attitudinale delle comunità

Con opera di avvicinamento e visite domiciliari, il JRS si prodiga a rendere autosufficienti i rifugiati urbani e i richiedenti asilo accrescendone le capacità attitudinali. Il JRS ha aiutato un gruppo di richiedenti asilo pakistani di etnia ahmadi a istituire un centro comunitario. Il gruppo è divenuto così in grado di organizzare eventi comunitari e provvedere all'istruzione informale di bambini e adulti tramite l'insegnamento della lingua inglese, della matematica e dell'espressione artistica. 

Nel 2011, il JRS ha contribuito a costituire quattro nuovi gruppi di sostegno, tra cui comunità di etnia hmong lao e srilankesi a Bangkok; ha inoltre visitato 144 case private per stabilire come far fronte alle più urgenti necessità di sopravvivenza dei rifugiati che versano in condizioni di vulnerabilità.

Assistenza materiale

Il team dell'URP fornisce assistenza materiale ed aiuti economici alle famiglie bisognose. Ad alcune di esse, il JRS riesce a fornire anche assistenza abitativa, aiuti alimentari, prodotti per l'igiene e aiuti economici per far fronte alle necessità primarie. Nel 2011, oltre 160 persone hanno beneficiato di forme di sostegno per il pagamento delle rette scolastiche, aiuti alimentari, contributi per le spese di trasporto e altre necessità urgenti. Il team dell'UPR cerca in ogni modo di rispondere puntualmente alle necessità dei richiedenti asilo che si trovano in situazioni di grande rischio o grave crisi.

Sostegno legale

Il JRS provvede alla rappresentanza e assistenza legale – necessità imprescindibili per i richiedenti asilo che vivono in aree urbane – a quanti chiedono all'UNHCR il riconoscimento dello status di rifugiato e mirano al reinsediamento in paesi terzi. Questo sostegno di carattere consultivo e di counselling viene fornito lungo tutto il processo. Ne hanno beneficiato nel solo 2011 178 persone, perlopiù donne, di cui 106 richiedenti asilo che hanno goduto di rappresentanza legale: in 20 erano eredità dell'anno precedente. Il JRS ha inoltre organizzato un breve corso informativo su questioni di ordine giuridico-legale.


Asia del Pacifico
Fr. Bambang A. Sipayung SJ
apdirector@jrs.or.th
+66 2 640 9590
http://www.jrsap.org

Il JRS Asia del Pacifico è una delle 10 aree geografiche del Servizio dei Gesuiti per i Rifugiati, un'organizzazione internazionale cattolica promossa dalla Compagnia di Gesù. Il JRS offre servizi umanitari e pastorali ai rifugiati e alle comunità che li ospitano attraverso una vasta gamma di attività di riabilitazione e assistenza. I servizi – che comprendono programmi di assistenza pastorale, istruzione per bambini e adulti, servizi sociali e centro d'ascolto e servizi sanitari- sono organizzati in modo di rispondere al meglio alle esigenze locali in base alle risorse disponibili. L'ufficio regionale assiste rifugiati e altri migranti forzati in Australia, Cambogia, Indonesia, Papua Nuova Guinea, Singapore, Tailandia e Timor Est.