The refugee crisis in Europe multiplied from one day to the next. Images of people rushing through train stations as they seek asylum, have been seen around the world. For years now, groups like the Jesuit Refugee Service have been helping families like these, move forward.
AMAYA VALCARCEL
Jesuit Refugee Service
'We provide access to education, also psychological help because many of these refugees have mental traumas from war. We also have a service for victims of torture and legal assistance to help them go through the asylum process.â?
Amaya Valcarcel works in Rome's Jesuit Refugee Service. She says it's a misconception to describe these people as migrants seeking economic profit. First and foremost, she says, they are refugees.
AMAYA VALCARCEL
Jesuit Refugee Service
'They are refugees who are escaping from armed conflicts, persecution and violence. They don't have any other alternatives, but to flee their hometown.â?
The journey through land and sea is dangerous. For some, even life threatening. Valcarcel says, European countries should give out humanitarian visas before, so that refugees can go from one point to the other, safely.
Another critical point, she says, is having countries within the European Union commit to receiving a certain number of refugees, depending on their capabilities.
AMAYA VALCARCEL
Jesuit Refugee Service
'Countries are closing their borders or they've decided they are not going to let people pass through. This is a violation of the 1951 Geneva Convention.â?
With offices in Syria and Afghanistan, the Jesuit Refugee Service, states the violence and the reach of ISIS is a real threat. Helping those in need is more than just and act of mercy, they say. At this point, it's a responsibility.
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