Accompany. Serve. Advocate.  

Inspired by the generous love and example of Jesus Christ, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of people seeking asylum, refugees, and other forcibly displaced peoples. Our work expresses the commitment of the Society of Jesus  (‘the Jesuits’) to stand with refugees around the world.

Our Vision

A world where refugees and other forcibly displaced people attain protection, opportunity, and participation.

Our Way

JRS believes that our journeying with refugees is the most important way for us to express our solidarity with them and our concern for their wellbeing. In a world where refugees are more than ever in need of welcome, protection, and justice, and yet are increasingly rejected, demonised, and denied their fundamental human rights, JRS offers accompaniment to refugees as a sign of hope and a way towards healing.  In even the most desperate of situations, we remain with refugees to assure them that the world has not forgotten them, and that they are not alone.

Our Strategy

In Australia, JRS’ work involves:

• Serving people in need: We offer dignity and hope to people in challenging or vulnerable situations. Key programs include  emergency assistance, a food bank, professional casework, community activities, employment support, school and community engagement, hosting legal clinics, and a project to empower women seeking asylum.
• Strong local and national alliances: We have a strong alliance with parishes, communities and schools across Australia. Our alliances also include religious orders, local and state governments, partner organisations, campaigns and coalitions. We work with other organisations in the community in the not for profit and education sectors. Learn more about communities who are taking action by working with JRS.
• A global presence: We have a presence on advisory forums in the Asia-Pacific region. At the global level, we participate in international campaigns and coalitions and contributing to UN forums.
• A voice for the rights of forcibly displaced people: JRS Australia conducts research, contributes to policy development, engages decision makers, and campaigns on issues affecting the human rights of forcibly displaced people, in collaboration with a range of partners. Our work is based in and is informed by the voices of refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants in vulnerable situations. Working alongside them as they strive for hope and dignity, we learn about the issues that most affect their lives.

You can read more about our Strategic Plan here.

Our impact. Each year, our direct support benefits thousands of people, and our systemic advocacy, many more. Read about our impact here.

COVID-19 response. The crisis has deeply impacted the lives of the people that we serve. Today, JRS Australia team provides critical forms of support to amongst the most marginalised people in Australia society. For many people, JRS Australia is the only safety net. Read more about our COVID-19 response here.