G20: JRS calls for focus on refugees

This week, the leaders of the G20 nations are gathering in Mexico, where they will make difficult decisions regarding the stability of the global economy. The Jesuit Refugee Service is urging world leaders to place social cohesion at the core of their decision-making process, and not lose sight of the needs of more than 45 million forcibly displaced migrants worldwide. JRS International Director, Peter Balleis SJ, says, “Forced migrants are concrete examples of what happens to societies pushed beyond the limit: conflict, human rights violations, displacement.” Fr. Balleis goes on to say, “The G20 summit is an opportunity to take preventative action,” adding that it also provides opportiunities, “to reduce economic instability by promoting holistic refugee protection, enhancing livelihood opportunities for marginalised communities and strengthening inclusive social protection systems.”

In the midst of economic crisis, the fragile value of hospitality ought to be nurtured. “Our message is simple,” says Fr. Balleis, SJ “Encourage hospitality and cooperation. Hospitality is a door that opens the way to other possibilities, such as access to rights and services.” He points out that refugees have human resources, skills and energy. “It's important,” says Fr. Balleis, SJ, “to let them do something for their new communities,” concluding, “governments would do well to follow these examples of solidarity, rather than seek short-term solutions, creating further problems for the future.” Listen to Chris Altieri’s interview with JRS Communications Coordinator, James Stapleton: