JRS UK Office Launch

Even the cold, biting wind on the evening of 9th November could not ruin the JRS office launch party. We, weary travellers, were greeted with warm cups of tea or coffee and biscuits. After arming myself with the necessary refreshments, I began to mingle with the growing crowd, which varied from Jesuit priests to refugee workers. The JRS office reverberated with greetings between reunited friends or colleagues, sharing personal experiences and making new acquaintances.

With the atmosphere relaxed, we were asked to take our seats at the centre of the office and direct our attention to the power point presentation overseen by the director of JRS (UK), Louise Zanré. After officially welcoming the guests, Louise began to talk about the work JRS was involved with. We were told of how the primary focus of JRS is to defend the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people in over 50 countries. In the UK, this involves advocacy work, detention visits and accommodating the basic needs of asylum seekers from their arrival until they are satisfactorily settled. She went on to point out the disadvantage asylum seekers suffer in today’s society, where they are portrayed by the media and the government as economic migrants, who abuse the asylum system and so are considered as a burden to the community rather than as refugees in need of protection. JRS is strongly critical of this approach and campaigns for the rights of refugees.

We were then asked to make our way down the stairs to the dining hall (used by the homeless charity MANNA), where an assortment of Palestinian dishes, prepared by a refugee (see photo), awaited us. The food was delicious. I had the opportunity to sit with several refugees from countries ranging from Ivory Coast, Eritrea and Burundi. One of the topics of conversation was the influential role the African Union should play in preventing civil wars when possible or in resolving them before they escalate to damaging proportions, as this is one of the factors contributing to internally displaced persons.

On a personal level, I have come to realise that refugees should not be seen as a homogenous group but as individuals. They should be applauded for their struggle against the authoritarian figures in their own countries. Having met these former refugees, one cannot but help be inspired to champion their cause. I had a most enjoyable evening and would like to thank the JRS staff for their preparations for the launch party.

Caroline Barwa

Refugee Parties
Day of Solidarity with Refugees, 29 November 2003
National Justice and Peace Conference, 11-13 July 2003