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We continue to work and dream of a time when our laughter at babies struggling to crawl would mean pure delight at their growing strength moving onwards to this hope-filled future.

Forced displacement in Myanmar and Afghanistan gripped our hearts in 2021. At the end of the year, there were more than 1M displacements from each country. Most remained internally displaced while thousands of refugees fled to border countries in the region. More than half of the displaced are women and children. Their grief and aspirations guided our response. Our emergency service quadrupled.

We invite all of you to continue journeying with us in our mission with the forcibly displaced people. May you be blessed in all that you do this year.

Accompaniment is the foundational charism of JRS—to be with, as a companion of refugees—that deepens our service and advocacy. It is fitting to publish our final issue of 2021 on refugee accompaniment to mark the close of our 40th anniversary commemoration.

This 2020 Annual Report reflects how JRS mission adapted to the challenges of a “new normal”, seeking to be responsive, agile and present to refugee lives and struggles. Safety, solidarity, service—these were three core principles that guided JRS mission during this pandemic.

As we read the testimony of refugees and staff in this issue, we recognize the human and spiritual sources of this compassion. It comes from the support we receive from those around and among us.