Jesuit Refugee Service
Could you explain what JRS, the Jesuit Refugee Service, is and what it does?
Since 2001, JRS has been visiting administrative detention centres for migrants on a weekly basis. We also demonstrate that workable alternatives to detention do exist – something we have been proving for the past six years through our ‘Plan Together’ project. Finally, through our awareness-raising programme Change, we are active in numerous schools across Belgium.
You are a “Jesuit” organization. How does that distinguish you from other organizations working in the field?
We are indeed different from other NGOs. What sets us apart is that we have integrated elements of Ignatian spirituality into our work. We embrace the spiritual dimension of social work and put it into practice in concrete ways.
We are also ‘Ignatian’ in that we have defined ‘reconciliation’ as our core working method; in other words, we strive to build ‘right’ relationships in all dimensions of our work. This begins with ourselves and the migrants with and for whom we work, and extends to all stakeholders, including the Immigration Office (DVZ) and the government. In times of increasing polarization, this bridge-building role of JRS is particularly important.
An important part of your work involves visiting people in detention. Why is this so important? What difference can you make?
Administrative detention takes place at the margins of our society. We lock up those we do not want — a sad tradition in our civilization.
That is exactly where JRS seeks to be present: at the margins of our society. To accompany migrants in great need and despair along their journey, to walk alongside them. There is no one else there. It is a niche within migration policy, largely unknown to the general public and unattractive to other NGOs, as it is a political minefield and requires a great deal of explanation before one can even understand what it actually entails.
Going to a place where no one else goes – that, too, is Ignatian. That is where we make a difference, precisely because there is almost no one else there, and because it is of immense importance that an independent observer is present when people are detained: someone who can bring their suffering to light and allow them to speak for themselves.
We also make a difference for many migrants because we often act as the link between migrants, their lawyers, and, in some cases, specialist doctors, and because we make our voices heard. If we do not do it, no one else will.
You also place strong emphasis on alternatives to detention. You refer to these as community-based alternatives. Could you explain what that means?
We run a support programme for families with children who do not have a residence permit and are at risk of being detained. We are the only organization that provides support to these people in their own homes. This is important, as it represents a paradigm shift: otherwise, migrants are expected to come to an office in order to access a “service”.
We leave decisions about the continuation of the support process to the families themselves. They, and no one else, determine their own fate. We explain their administrative situation in a language they can understand, rather than in bureaucratic jargon. We find that very few families truly understand their own situation.
We discuss the remaining options with the families, after which they make a decision. If the family wishes – and this is usually the case – we also discuss their situation with the Immigration Office (DVZ). So far, we have always been able to find a solution that results in a win-win for everyone: for the family, but also for Belgian society. I am very proud of that.
Migration is part of who we are as human beings, and it will not simply disappear because we are tired of it. The debate about whether we are for or against migration is also exhausting and ultimately pointless. After all, we do not debate whether we are for or against rain.
Migration is a 'hot' topic, with policymakers practically tripping over each other to make the strongest statements. It is also a sensitive issue for many people. But what do you mainly see happening on the ground? Both in positive and negative terms?
Migration has indeed become a hot political issue. This is a direct consequence of the decades-long failure of European governments to develop a migration policy worthy of the name. The absence of such a policy is evident everywhere, and people are tired of it – there is a general sense of fatigue when it comes to migration issues.
Unfortunately, most political parties are shifting the blame for this uncertainty onto migrants. They believe they can gain political capital from the increasing criminalization of migration, the restriction of freedom of movement, the deliberate deterioration of migrants’ living conditions, and the growing use of detention and military border controls. Yet these measures fail to address the real underlying problems. Migrant detention is a good example here: more detention does not necessarily lead to more returns to countries of origin.
Of the approximately 3,000 people forcibly returned each year, more than 1,000 are transferred to another European country under the Dublin Regulation or bilateral agreements.
The remaining 2,000 are actually returned to their countries of origin. Two of the three most common countries of origin are Albania and Romania – countries with which we have visa-free travel arrangements or which are already members of the EU. It is a farce: these people will be back tomorrow.
Set against this “success” is an extremely costly detention system whose effectiveness has never been evaluated, while every NGO project is subjected to rigorous assessment by the government and/or donors. And that is without even taking into account the human cost that detention entails.
In short: no real solution to the problem on the one hand, but a huge drain on resources and immeasurable human suffering on the other.
The vast majority of so-called 'illegal migrants' originally entered our country legally, but lost that legal status for reasons beyond their control.
Like many other refugee organizations, JRS has found it increasingly difficult to continue its work, partly due to significantly reduced funding. What does this mean for you in practice? And why is it important that we continue to invest collectively in an organization such as JRS?
It is indeed becoming increasingly difficult to secure funding for our work. This is linked to the broader sense of fatigue in society around the issue of ‘migration’ – and that fatigue is, of course, also felt among donors and foundations.
But migration is part of who we are as human beings, and it will not simply disappear because we are tired of it. The debate about whether we are for or against migration is also exhausting and ultimately pointless. After all, we do not debate whether we are for or against rain. We are committed to helping people in need – full stop. Because no one else is doing it, because that need is often artificially created, and because we believe in doing what is right.
We also speak out against the hypocrisy in the public debate that claims, “we do not want illegal migrants”. Yet, the vast majority of this group originally entered our country legally, but often lost that legal status for reasons beyond their control.
On the other hand, our economy benefits from the exploitation of these people. There are approximately 120,000 irregular migrants in our country who are not entitled to social benefits. They often work for extremely low wages in private households, in the hospitality sector, in construction, agriculture, … Many also live in housing provided by Belgian landlords who shamelessly take advantage of their vulnerable situation.
Our organization is committed to fostering an open and honest discussion about migration. We do so in a spirit of reconciliation, without seeking confrontation. We are one of the few remaining Belgian organizations that is neither Flemish nor Walloon. There are not many voices like this left in the country…
What makes working for JRS so special for you? And what is your greatest wish for JRS?
I have been working for JRS for six years now. This is my mission, not just my job. Because we are different, and because I feel very comfortable in that difference. My greatest hope is that our example will be followed – moving away from confrontation, towards honest debate and bridge-building – with migrants. If this hope is realized, our society will no longer tolerate an injustice such as administrative detention.
Panel discussion on migration detention
On 2 June, UCSIA, in collaboration with MIGLOBA, is organizing the panel discussion What’s New? The New EU Pact and Its Impact on Migration Detention in Belgium. Ruben Bruynooghe, coordinator of the Detention Visitor Group at JRS Belgium, is one of the speakers. The discussion will take place in the Manresa Room (Koningstraat 2, Antwerp) and will be held in English. Participation is free of charge.
Benefit concert in support of JRS Belgium
On Friday 12 June at 8.00 p.m., the benefit concert HEAVEN & EARTH – Harmonische Hoogdagen will take place at the Begijnhof Church in Leuven. The programme offers a musical journey through 16th- and 17th-century England, featuring the ensemble La Couleur des Chaconnes, soprano Gloria Youkyung Song, and the vocal quartet VierStemmig. All proceeds will go entirely to JRS Belgium. Advance tickets: €14 | On the door: €20
