Ahead of World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 29 September, Jesuit Mission Australia is appealing for help for de facto refugees in Indonesia after a massive blow has been dealt to the more than 13,000 refugees in Indonesia who are not recognised under UN Law and who have been surviving in the most desperate and meagre circumstances.
Due to a severe shortage of funds and the need to prioritise other global crises, the United Nations is cutting funding for some of the most vulnerable refugees in Indonesia.
UN law only recognises refugees as those who are ‘persecuted because of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion’. It does not recognise women, men and children who have involuntarily fled their home countries to escape armed conflicts, poor economic policies or natural disasters.
Demands for support from organisations like ours are already increasing. We urgently need your help to respond.
Denied refugee status and the opportunity for permanent residency or citizenship, as well as permission to work and access to education, de facto refugees in Indonesia face the most extreme and challenging circumstances. Jesuit Mission Australia, in collaboration with Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Indonesia, is supporting people like Sophie (30) and her family, who are refused refugee status and are trapped in limbo.
Her family’s harrowing journey began in Myanmar when, after joining a peaceful uprising, the military pursued Sophie. Witnessing the military’s brutal violence, the family fled in fear for their lives, eventually reaching Indonesia.
From day one in Indonesia, the family lived on the streets in a makeshift ‘camp’, struggling to survive.
‘The United Nations has now confirmed they have substantially reduced their funding to UNHCR Indonesia, leaving 850 de facto refugees with no support from July, and another 380 from next year,’ said Fr Dam Febrianto SJ, Country Director of JRS Indonesia.
But with support from Australian donors and JRS Indonesia, Sophie’s family, along with around 1,000 de facto refugees each year, have been provided with food, health care, education and financial assistance for rent.
‘Demands for support from organisations like ours are already increasing. We urgently need your help to respond,’ said Fr Dam.
In his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2024, Pope Francis emphasises that ‘God walks with His people.’ Regardless of who we are, the Pope says, we are made in God’s image and likeness, all one family.
On arriving in Indonesia recently, Pope Francis immediately met with a group of refugees hosted by Jesuit Mission’s project partner JRS Indonesia, as well as other extremely vulnerable women, men and children. Pope Francis, a consistent advocate for migrants and refugees, described them as ‘close to my heart’.
Recently Sophie’s family received news that they may have the opportunity to resettle in Canada. Jesuit Mission and JRS Indonesia are working tirelessly to improve quality of life, give hope and advocate for the rights of de facto refugees.
Jesuit Mission Australia is appealing to Australians to make a tax-deductible donation to help support de facto refugees in Indonesia. Donate online or call 02 8918 4109.
Banner image: Sophie (right) her mum and uncle receiving food parcels and essential supplies. (Photo courtesy of Jesuit Mission Australia.)
