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Jesuit Refugee Service – Australia

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) - Australia is working with people in Papua New Guinea whose lives have been disrupted by environmental changes, conflict and insecurity.

Caritas has worked with JRS-Australia in Papua New Guinea since 2008 on the following projects:

Population Displacement in the Pacific Region

Many people from Papua New Guinea atolls are moving to the mainland, as local environments deteriorate, sea levels rise, and food supplies become unreliable. JRS is monitoring 1,400 people in the Carteret Islands, Bougainville who are either moving to the mainland or staying behind. JRS is assessing the impact on individuals and families which will guide future policy, planning and advocacy for environmental migrants in Papua New Guinea.

Refugees in Papua New Guinea

Conflict and human rights abuses in the Indonesian territory of West Papua has caused many residents to seek security across the border in Papua New Guinea. Caritas worked with JRS to provide an Information and Advocacy Worker to help the Diocese of Daru-Kiunga support West Papuan refugees’ rights and entitlements. The Information and Advocacy Worker has established a good network and working relationship with members of the refugee settlements, as well as representatives of the Church, government, and non-government organisations.