JRS Ireland 30th anniversary

November 9, 2010 in General, News

jrs_01_0Thirty years ago, on 14 November 1980, Fr. Pedro Arrupe founded the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in response to the plight of the Boat People fleeing Vietnam. Since then the number of forcibly displaced persons worldwide has increased from 16 to 45 million. The JRS is now working with over half a million refugees in 51 countries. To mark the 30th anniversary here, JRS Ireland have invited John Dardis SJ, President of the Conference of European Jesuit Provincials, to give the keynote address for a panel discussion on ‘The Right to Dignity: Detention, Direct Provision and Destitution’ (Invite here). It will take place in Belvedere College Boardroom, 6.00-8.30pm, 16  November and all are welcome. The JRS accompanies, advocates and serves the cause of forcibly displaced persons worldwide, through education, emergency assistance, healthcare, and human rights advocacy.