Asociatia Serviciul Iezuitilor pentru Refugiati din Romania

JRS Romania motto is: "Accompany, Serve, Advocate" and at JRS Romania, we believe that no one should be forced to flee their home without a place to turn for safety and dignity. Our mission is simple yet profound: to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced persons, ensuring that they are not only protected but also given the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Since 2000, we have been present in Romania, working side by side with those who have lost everything. We are not just an organization that provides services-we are a community of solidarity, compassion, and action. Our commitment is deeply rooted in the Jesuit... read more JRS Romania motto is: "Accompany, Serve, Advocate" and at JRS Romania, we believe that no one should be forced to flee their home without a place to turn for safety and dignity. Our mission is simple yet profound: to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced persons, ensuring that they are not only protected but also given the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Since 2000, we have been present in Romania, working side by side with those who have lost everything. We are not just an organization that provides services-we are a community of solidarity, compassion, and action. Our commitment is deeply rooted in the Jesuit tradition of walking alongside the most vulnerable, ensuring that no one is left behind. For us, accompaniment is more than just a word-it's a way of being. When a refugee arrives in Romania, they often face uncertainty, fear, and immense challenges. From the very first moment, we are there. We listen to their stories, we understand their struggles, and we stand with them as they take their first steps toward a new life. Whether it's helping them find a safe place to stay, navigating the asylum system and integration system, or simply offering a warm conversation over a cup of tea, we ensure that no one faces their journey alone. But accompaniment alone is not enough. We are also called to serve-not as distant providers of aid, but as partners in the process of rebuilding lives. Every day, we provide: *Housing and material support-because no one should have to sleep on the streets after fleeing war and persecution. *Legal and social counseling-because navigating a new country's laws and systems can be overwhelming. *Education and vocational training-because refugees deserve a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to their new communities. *Psychosocial support and well-being programs-because healing takes time, and no one should have to bear the burden of trauma alone. Yet, service without justice is incomplete. This is why advocacy is at the heart of what we do. We work tirelessly to ensure that refugees' voices are heard, that their rights are respected, and that the policies shaping their futures are fair and humane. We engage with government institutions, collaborate with international organizations, and challenge harmful narratives that fuel xenophobia and exclusion. Every day, we fight for a Romania that is more welcoming, more just, and more inclusive. Over time, we have advocated for the rights of individuals with tolerated status, ensuring their access to various fundamental rights. Additionally, we have contributed to the revision and improvement of legislation on asylum, foreign nationals, social rights, and employment. Furthermore, we have actively collaborated with other NGOs in advocacy initiatives and campaigns to promote these essential changes. Our vision is a Romania where refugees are not just tolerated but truly welcomed, protected, and empowered. A society where a Syrian family can find safety and start anew without fear. Where a Ukrainian mother can enroll her children in school without barriers. Where an Afghan student can dream of becoming a doctor and make that dream a reality. We dream of a future where refugees are seen not as "others" but as neighbors, colleagues, friends, and fellow citizens. Where diversity is celebrated, not feared. Where every person, regardless of their origin, is given the opportunity to live with dignity and contribute to the common good. At JRS Romania, we do not work for refugees-we work with them and a true example is that JRS Romania has hired more then 100 Ukrainians and other refuges (Syrian and Rwanda). Their resilience inspires us, their struggles push us forward, and their successes remind us why we do what we do.