About JRS

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international, Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels, with the support of a regional office in Brussels, and an international office in Rome. Founded in November 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Fr Pedro Arrupe, who was Father General at the time, was deeply moved by the plight of the Vietnamese boat people. JRS was born as a reponse to this crisis.

 JRS now works in 56 countries, providing assistance to refugees in camps and cities; individuals displaced within their own countries; and to those held in detention centres. The main areas of work are in the field of education, emergency assistance, healthcare, livelihood activities and social services. In 2018, JRS served 680,000 people all over the world.

Read more about Our History

Read more about JRS in Malta

Read more about Our Services

Read more about our Projects

NGO Statement on the Human Rights Bill approved by Parliamentary Committee

We are extremely disappointed that the Equality Minister’s first decision was to wholly ignore human rights NGOs. The Bill to strengthen Malta’s human rights regime and establish a much-needed human rights institution was rushed through Parliament, despite our...

Open letter calls on EP President to condemn shameful scenes in parliament

ILGA-Europe have drafted a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola following last week’s shameful scenes at the European Parliament on the occasion of the adoption of the Return Regulation, calling on her to publicly condemn the chanting of the MEPs,...

JRS Malta welcomes volunteers from Boston University

For a couple of weeks in June the JRS offices had the pleasure of welcoming a group of volunteers from the Boston University. The students participated in job shadowing, received training and joined in on different activities with staff members. As part of our ongoing...

Child unlawfully detained by Malta gets €5,000 compensation

The government of Malta was ordered to pay €5,000 to a teenage asylum seeker for breaching his fundamental rights. Judge Giovanni Grixti ruled that Ayoubah Fona was unlawfully detained as a minor in poor conditions. Lawyer Neil Falzon from aditus foundation, together...

Standing together, with refugees

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to thank you for continuing to walk this journey with us, a journey alongside countless refugees and displaced families who long for safety, peace, and a place to belong. Unfortunately, just when the needs are greatest, devastating...

NGO response to the Joint Statement to the Conference of Ministers of Justice of the Council of Europe

We are deeply concerned at Malta’s statement urging the Council of Europe to explore how to restrict the fundamental human rights of migrants. Packaged as national security measures, the proposals will result in a dramatic lowering of human rights standards in over...

JRS issues call for Researcher

JRS Malta is launching a Call for a Service Contract for the provision of research studies into the lived experiences of asylum seekers and the legal and policy framework regulating access to healthcare for different categories of migrants. This task is part of the...

Run for JRS at the LifeStar Malta Marathon 2026

JRS Malta is teaming up with Jesuits & Friends to launch the latest in a series of our fundraising efforts. This time, we are calling on all running enthusiasts to join the Jesuits & Friends Team at the LifeStar Malta Marathon and help raise funds for JRS in...

JRS Malta report sheds light on The Human Cost of Legal Precarity and Labour Exploitation in Malta

A new JRS Malta report uncovers shocking levels of exploitation and mistreatment among migrant workers in Malta, including withholding of wages, firing people without due cause, violations of health and safety regulations, and numerous instances of bullying,...

Join us for ‘Under the Stars’ – A Night of Music, Food & Solidarity

On Friday, 12th September, we invite you to gather with us at St Aloysius College, B’Kara, for our annual fundraising celebration, Under the Stars. Doors open at 7pm. This year’s event is all about celebrating community – with live music, delicious food, and a raffle...