Jesuit Refugee Service urges nations to ban landmines

Fr. Bernard Arputhasamy, S.J., Regional Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Asia Pacific, notes that the campaign to ban landmines is a priority for Jesuit Refugee Service.

Global adherence to the Mine Ban Treaty and Convention on Cluster Munitions is the only effective way to stop the use of antipersonnel landmines and cluster munitions, and to fully address the humanitarian consequences of past use of these weapons, the Nobel Peace Laureate International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) says.

Raising awareness on landmines and explosive remnants of war is essential, but it is not enough, said the ICBLs Executive Director Sylvie Brigot. Those who only pay lip service to dealing with these inhumane weapons need to get serious. Unless and until all countries in the world join the treaties banning landmines and cluster munitions, these weapons will continue to claim the lives and limbs of innocent civilians.

The mission of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA is to accompany, serve and defend the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, witnessing to Gods presence in vulnerable and often forgotten people driven from their homes by conflict, natural disaster, economic injustice, or violation of their human rights. As one of the ten geographic regions of the Jesuit Refugee Service, JRS/USA serves as the major refugee outreach arm of U.S. Jesuits and their institutional ministries, mobilizing their response to refugee situations in the U.S. and abroad. Through our advocacy and fund raising efforts, JRS/USA also provides support for the work of JRS throughout the world.

JRS/USA gives help, hope, ear and voice to vulnerable people on the move by being present to and bearing witness to their plight; by relieving their human suffering and restoring hope; by addressing the root causes of their displacement and improving international responses to refugee situations. In addition, JRS/USA inspires the Ignatian family and others to respond together to the needs of refugees and displaced persons worldwide and forges strong partnerships with like-minded institutions and agencies devoted to the cause of refugees and displaced persons.

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