Over 13,000 “de facto” refugees in Indonesia, not recognised under UN Law, who have been surviving in the most desperate circumstances and meagre existence, have been dealt a massive blow.

The United Nations is cutting funding for some of the most vulnerable refugees in Indonesia, due to a severe shortage of funds and the need to prioritise other global crises.

Ahead of World Day of Migrants & Refugees on 29 September, Jesuit Mission Australia is appealing for help for de facto refugees in Indonesia. UN law only recognises refugees as those who are ‘persecuted because of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.’ It does not recognise women, men and children who have involuntarily fled their home countries to escape armed conflicts, poor economic policies or natural disasters.

Denied refugee status and the opportunity for permanent residency or citizenship, denied permission to work and denied access to education, de facto refugees in Indonesia face the most extreme and challenging lives. Jesuit Mission Australia in collaboration with Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Indonesia, is supporting individuals like Sophie (30), who along with her family, is not granted refugee status and is trapped in limbo.

Her family’s harrowing journey began in Myanmar when, after joining a peaceful uprising, the military sought Sophie. Witnessing the military’s brutal violence, the family fled in fear for their lives until they reached Indonesia.

From day one in Indonesia, the family lived on the streets in a makeshift ‘camp’ struggling to survive day to day.

“The United Nations has now confirmed they have substantially reduced their funding to UNHCR Indonesia leaving 850 de facto refugees with no support from July, and another 380 from next year,” said Fr Dam Febrianto SJ, Country Director of JRS Indonesia.

But with support from Australian donors and JRS Indonesia, Sophie’s family, and around 1,000 de facto refugees each year have been provided with food, healthcare, education and financial assistance for rent.

“Demands for support from organisations like ours are already increasing, we urgently need your help to respond,” said Fr Dam.

In his annual message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2024, Pope Francis emphasises, “God walks with His people,” regardless of who we are, we are made in God’s image and likeness, as one family.

On arriving in Indonesia recently, Pope Francis immediately met with a group of refugees hosted by Jesuit Mission’s project partner JRS Indonesia and other extremely vulnerable women, men and children.

“They are close to my heart,” said Pope Francis – a consistent advocate on behalf of migrants and refugees.

Recently Sophie’s family received news that they may have the opportunity to resettle in Canada. Jesuit Mission and JRS Indonesia are working tirelessly to Improve quality of life, give hope and advocate for the rights of de facto refugees.

With UN funding cuts and demands increasing, Jesuit Mission Australia is appealing to Australians to make a tax-deductible donation to help support de facto refugees in Indonesia.