Dispatches No. 324

Nimule, 20 September 2012 – The curtains finally came down on the Jesuit Refugee Service involvement in the education and peace building project in the border town of Nimule when the community joined together to ensure a fitting end to the project last month. The closing ceremony marked an important milestone in the history of JRS Eastern Africa, handing over full responsibility to the South Sudanese authorities and the local community.

JRS work on education and peace-building in the aftermath of the 20-year war in Sudan has helped provide a foundation from which the community can now build. For instance, JRS provided services and assistance in Nimule to more than 13,000 people in a range of activities, including school construction and teacher training.

Education (primary, secondary and adult) as a way of promoting peace and rebuilding the country has been a major focus for JRS in Nimule. The formation of peace clubs, training of catechists, and support for livelihoods through pastoral work have also strengthened the community.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, UN refugee agency field officer in Nimule, Charles Mogga Idra, urged the community to "grasp the opportunity and maintain the work started by JRS".

Mr Mogga called on investors to set up quality learning institutions for children and supplement efforts by NGOs and the government.

JRS first identified an unmet need in Nimule in 1997 when millions were displaced to other parts of Sudan or to neighbouring countries during the two-decade long war. After the close of the Adjumani project in northern Uganda in 2008, JRS accompanied refugees returning home to rebuild their lives.

The project in Nimule continued to expand to support the populations of returnees who came back from exile in neighbouring countries, such as Uganda and Kenya, after the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005.

However, infrastructure had been destroyed during the war and educational services were severely lacking in Nimule. In response, JRS stepped in to help build an education system and foster long-term peace among South Sudanese community members.

Sustainable progress. "JRS has trained peace facilitators to solve problems which may occur in the community. Creation of peace clubs has ensured the youth are not idle and has reduced conflict in the area", said a JRS peace facilitator, John Paul.

JRS also supported 25 primary schools and four secondary schools in Nimule in 2011. The impact of this educational support was clearly demonstrated earlier in 2012 when the results of the 2011 South Sudan Certificate in Secondary Education (SSCSE) were released.

The top performing school in South Sudan was JRS-supported Fulla Secondary School in Nimule. The tenth best-performing girl also hailed from Fulla Secondary School. The attendance of girls enrolled in school has risen as a result of JRS provision of hygiene packs and counselling support.

In addition, JRS addressed the importance of sustainable livelihoods through supplying ovens, agricultural seeds and tools to families which ensures further self-reliance after the JRS exit.

As the celebration drew to a close, the words and support of the Catholic Bishop of Torit Diocese, Akio Johnson Mutek, resonated with the audience. He sent his best wishes to JRS as the organisation looks to the future with confidence, turning its attention now to other projects in South Sudan where greater need is observed. These include educational, pastoral support and peace building projects in the communities of Lobone, Yei and Kajo Keji.

Bogota, 21 September 2012 – Hope clearly begins to breathe in Colombia after decades of open confrontation between armed groups. For 15 years, victims displaced from the Colombian conflict have longed to return to the homeland they were forced to leave. With the beginning of peace talks between the left-wing guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the government that hope may finally be realised.

When we asked one Colombian refugee woman in Venezuela what the word 'homeland' meant for her, she gasped, closed her eyelids to stop the tears rolling down her face, but said nothing. Surely now, she and many others expelled from Colombia wonder if their homeland that failed to protect their human rights has really changed.

More broadly, how will the recent government decision to begin peace talks affect the 460,000 forcibly displaced Colombians living outside the country, some as recognised refugees or asylum seekers, others living in a legal limbo, but all in need of international protection?

A war fed by internal and external factors. Throughout the past 50 years, violence in Colombia, causing the greatest number of internal displacement in the western hemisphere, has been fuelled by a number of internal and external factors. Internally it has been driven by competing land interests, regional autocracies and the violent momentum of some factions of powerful armed groups.

Externally, the narco-trafficking business and tensions between the US and emerging Latin American powers have played a crucial role in perpetuating conflict. In addition, changing patterns of international trade have meant that control of land in Colombia, particularly in the border regions, determines access to economic opportunities in both legal and illegal sectors.

More than peace, what gives encouragement at this moment is the end of the armed conflict. Peace negotiations will allow for the advancement of ample discussions inside the country over the structural factors underlying the violence and the necessity to include the diverse positions without fear of being criminalised as in the past.

As long as the war goes on, strengthening a state-of-emergency mind-set, many political decisions regarding the future of Colombia will continue to be taken without necessary consultation and respect for individual rights. The unanswered question is: what type of country was being built under the illusion of the war on terrorism?

A presidential initiative. Since the inauguration of President Juan Manuel Santos, his new administration has sought to rebuild diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, in particular Venezuela and Ecuador, strained by loudspeaker-type, aggressive stances taken by the Colombian government between 2002 and 2010.

This process began with improvements in commercial relations after Venezuela began paying off debts to Colombian exporters. Subsequent discussion moved on to border policies, military cooperation, among others. Finally, issues related to migration found their way onto the agenda at these bilateral meetings.

Initially, Ecuador dropped the entry requirement for Colombians to be in possession of a document issued by the security and immigration services, Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad, indicating whether or not they had a criminal record. Later, Venezuela removed visa requirements for Colombians entering the country. All these initiatives made it easier for refugees to gain access to safety in neighbouring states.

The Colombian government responded to these moves by offering a small contribution, 500,000 US dollars, for refugee support in Ecuador. It was the first time the Colombian government had recognised the hardship faced by victims of armed conflict forced to seek asylum abroad and the efforts made by neighbouring states assisting these populations.

The presentation of the Victims and Restitution of Lands bill to the Colombia lower parliament in late 2011 was another sign of the government moving in the direction of peace, repatriation and reconciliation. For the first time it opened debate on the framework for addressing the situation of victims living outside Colombia.

The issue of refugee reparation had been largely ignored by the government. That said, during the first six months of 2012, progress was made as the institutions responsible for the registration of and compensation to victims, such as the return of stolen land, consulted with agencies and organisations working outside of Colombia.

Safe return to Colombia. One of the major future challenges facing forcibly displaced Colombians is the possibility of their safe return home. Before this can take place, refugees should be provided with adequate information on the human rights situation in Colombia. Notwithstanding this, all decisions regarding their repatriation should be made voluntarily.

Contrary to popular belief, the conflict in Colombia has not ended and certain populations are still at risk of fundamental human rights violations. The armed groups – successors of the right-wing paramilitary groups – still maintain control over vast tracts of land, and even in the midst of peace negotiations, armed clashes persist. Moreover, the left-wing guerrilla group, the national liberation army (ELN), has not formally begun peace negotiations with the government.

Under the 1984 Cartagena Declaration on Refugees, states are obliged to consider 'generalised violence' as grounds for granting asylum within their territories. To put this in perspective, until Colombia is a safe country for its citizens they should continue to enjoy asylum in neighbouring states. Yet their absence from Colombia should not exclude all forcibly displaced Colombians – regardless of their migration status– from being part of the debate on the future of the country, particularly on issues related to reparation and justice.

Luis Fernando Gómez, Regional Advocacy coordinator for Latin America and Caribbean (JRS LAC)

Masisi, 14 September 2012 – Few activities in the world are as effective as sports in bridging differences, building community, or educating young people about peace. The JRS inter-school football tournament, 'Pamoja Tutashinda', or 'together we'll win' in Kiswahili, allowed for students, referees and spectators to forget about divisions between the local and displaced populations, about ethnic differences, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The football competition sent a clear message to the population: a united community is a stronger community.

The tournament. Over a period of four months, from March to July, 54 teams from as many secondary schools weathered muddy pitches throughout the Masisi district giving life to intense games. Despite a few inevitable objections from one team or another, the motto of the competition was fair play and honesty among students on the field.

In the weeks prior to the tournament, JRS staff offered training to coaches, referees and linesmen not only on tactics and offside rules but also on enforcing discipline and promoting fairness among players.

JRS provided uniforms, flags and whistles to the more than 50 referees and linesmen who presided over the more than 105 matches, in which 310 goals were scored and 26 red and 176 yellow cards were shown.

The winners wore orange jerseys of Côte d'Ivoire national team while their opponents wore the black and white of the renowned Congolese team, Tout Puissant Mazembe.

The referee. Sixteen-year-old girl Sifa Papay refereed the match with impeccable judgement that was applauded by players, coaches and the fans present.

"I am very happy with my refereeing and with having tried something so different. What was the thing that struck me the most? Feeling that men respected me and held me in esteem as a woman", said Sifa after the match.

Breaking down barriers. Afterwards, local authorities, including Gabriel Bahati, the representative from the national ministry of education (Ecole Primaire Secondaire Professionel EPSP), were invited to the awards ceremony.

"This tournament has given students from various ethnic groups in displaced and local communities to come together and feel like brothers from one community. It is an example of how sport can break down barriers which divide our peoples. These activities also help the displaced put thoughts of the war and suffering in the back of their minds for a while", said Mr Bahati.

Now I can relate to you. Bursting with joy after his team won the tournament, the captain of Birega, Innocent, was nominated as best player of the competition. Speakin after the match, he was eager to emphasise the influence the tournament has had on building community.

"Until yesterday a boy from another school or ethnic group was a stranger to me, a foreigner. Now I know we can live and play together, that we have so much to share and we are all part of the same family".

Parish priest, Théodore Mbuleki, was also keen to underline the importance of organising activities which bring eastern Congolese populations together while promoting integration of and respect towards the displaced.

"This place is full of people who have been displaced by the war. It is essential they don't feel abandoned and are aware that someone will take care of them. Seeing so many people of all ethnic groups participate in this tournament, seeing the fair play and friendship between students who live in the camps has not only filled me with enthusiasm, it pushes me to think we need to repeat the experience as much as possible", said the parish priest.

Formal education in Masisi. The Pamoja Tutashinda competition was organised as part of the JRS formal education project in Masisi and in cooperation with the provincial directorate of EPSP. Initiated in 2010, this JRS project includes the construction and restoration of secondary schools, teacher and management training, and the distribution of educational materials. The project seeks to guarantee access to education, particularly for girls, and the integration of displaced students into the local school population.

Danilo Giannese, JRS Great Lakes Advocacy and Communications Officer

Amman, 12 September 2012 – As the heat of summer fades and the school year recommences, the fate of displaced Syrians remains undecided. During the summer months, as fighting reached unprecedented levels, authorities allowed for tens of thousands of Syrians to take shelter inside schools. Now that the school year is upon us again, the question of what to do with displaced homeless people is on everyone's minds.

Many Syrians also seek refuge in public parks. However, neither schools nor parks are sustainable solutions, particularly for such large numbers, as they lack adequate amenities for survival.

Despite the emergency support JRS currently offers, the question of the ability of the organisation to provide adequate shelter in the coming months remains unanswered as the destruction of homes and basic infrastructure continues unabated.

Aleppo. Daily life in Aleppo is extremely precarious with regular food and fuel shortages, as well as electricity, telephone, and internet blackouts. Fighting takes place day and night, both via land and air. Therefore, there are very few safe places for people to take shelter and many are isolated from any support.

An estimated 60,000 people are believed to have found refuge in schools, mosques, and the Aleppo University campus.

Last month, JRS managed eleven schools in Aleppo that provided shelter for displaced persons. This month JRS has limited its services and caretaker responsibility to six schools, housing a total of 4,000 people. In addition, JRS provides internally displaced persons (IDPs) in five other schools with food baskets, non-food items and cash assistance.

JRS staff has continued to support 8,000 IDPs from Idlib and Homs by granting them food and household goods over the past three months. Most of these 8,000 had found their own accommodation in Aleppo, but due to the violence many have been forced to relocate again. Consequently, JRS has lost contact with many families and is in the process of re-connecting to follow-up on their present conditions.

The latest JRS emergency service is the field kitchen which ensures 5,000 people receive one hot meal and a basic food bag for breakfast and dinner each day. The food is distributed in JRS-supported schools, mosques, and other distribution points. The Syrian Red Crescent is also responsible for the distribution of food, but delivery is not always assured due to limited access to distribution points and the exceptional high demand. The World Food Programme has restarted their services after suspending them due to the violence in Aleppo.

Damascus. Shelling continues in neighbourhoods close to the two JRS centres. Recent bomb blasts occurred in Jaramana, a religious and socially mixed neighbourhood where many JRS- supported IDPs live.

Owing to the unpredictability of the violence, JRS has been regularly forced to close its centres temporarily, but as long as they can operate safely, they remain open. At the moment, up to 67 children attend the educational activities offered at the JRS centre in Dwelaa.

There is also a high demand for food support in Damascus leading to increasedlevels of fear and stress.

Homs. Recently there was a bombing close to the neighbourhood of Boustan al Diwan where the Jesuit residency is located.

Al Moukales and Al Waer centres inside Homs provide educational and psychosocial support for 800 children, including 15 young people with disabilities.

Al Ard Jesuit centre, outside of Homs, has become more isolated. Both the main road and back roads to Al Ard are increasingly dangerous and Al Ard is frequently targeted by rockets. Fifty people are currently living there, but at the end of September Al Ard will only offer shelter for short-term emergency purposes.

Jordan. While many people focus their attention on the 26,000 refugees in Za'atari, more than 50,000 refugees outside of the camp have registered with UN refugee agency (UNHCR). According to UNHCR, there are another nearly 75,000 refugees not registered with the agency.

Refugees living in local communities outside of the camps are also in need of support. JRS Jordan is conducting assessments to fill the gaps outside of the recently established Za'atari refugee camp in northern Jordan. In Amman, Syrian refugees comprise 25 percent of JRS services, including: informal education, family visits, and needs assessments conducted daily.

How you can help? As winter approaches, JRS is preparing to provide the necessary support, especially clothes and household goods, to displaced families. The average temperature in Syria drops to ten degrees Centigrade in winter, with rainfall and harsh winds. Many families have lost all their possessions and only own clothing suited for summer months.

Given the gravity of the situation on the ground, JRS hopes to establish a second field kitchen in Aleppo with your financial support.