Refugees International Japan

Refugees International Japan
国際難民支援団体
Abbreviation RIJ
Formation 1979
Founded at Tokyo, Japan
Type Non-profit organization
Focus Humanitarian Refugees
Location
  • Tokyo, Japan
Official language
Japanese, English
Website https://rij-npo.org/

Refugees International Japan (RJ) is a non-profit organization based in Tokyo, Japan that was formed in 1979. As of January 2016, RIJ has supported over 830 projects in 50 countries.

History

In early 1979 many foreign residents in Tokyo came together out of mutual concern for refugees in South East Asia.[1] By the end of 1979, they had joined with other individuals in Tokyo who were raising money and collecting supplies for refugees in Thailand and Refugees International Japan was formed.

The organization started as an advocacy group until branching into local community projects around the globe.

The diversity of organizations to which RIJ contributes has grown. RIJ has been diligent in funding groups with worthy projects, regardless of whether they are large international NGOs or small local ones. The projects funded have varied from new mothers with essential items for their babies,[2] to basic education for refugees[3] and human rights training,[4] and providing empowerment[5] and resources for displaced people to live better lives.[6] The aim is to ensure rights that every person receives education, proper health services, and good nutrition.

Mission Statement

To provide the basic needs of life to refugees and internally displaced people so, they can regain their self-respect in order to overcome despair and trauma. The organization aims to create opportunities for refugees to recover and rediscover or learn new skills to build a future.

Transparency

The organization operates with a strict code of accountability and transparency. Recipients of funds must provide references, audited accounts and written reports. The organization also undertakes field visits to assess situations first hand.[7]

The approach to selecting projects emphasizes on community and sustainability. Community involvement is essential to ensure that projects effectively address specific needs of each community.

Overview of main activities

Refugees International Japan provides funding to community-based groups supporting people as they rebuild their lives and work towards returning home. The projects RIJ funds vary from environmental conservation in Kitgum, Uganda to Human Rights and Law training in Colombia.

Project funding

Amount of funding provided to each category in the years 2007-2015:[8]

Health programs $673,856 - 33%

Skills training $448,378 - 33%

Resettlement $265,706 - 13%

General Education $268,193 - 13%

Women’s Empowerment $148,913 – 7%

Child rearing $143,878 – 7%

Environment $102,870 – 5%

  1. ↑ "History". Refugees International Japan. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Baby kits and women's health". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  3. ↑ "Educational Support for Karenni Further Studies Program". Refugees International Japan. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Human Rights and Law Training". Refugees International Japan. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Mobilising, Organising and Empowering Young Refugees in Nairobi". Refugees International Japan. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Relief Support for Syrian and Palestinian Syrian refugee families". Refugees International Japan. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  7. ↑ "RIJ Values". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  8. ↑ "RIJ Annual Review 2014-2015" (PDF). Refugees International Japan. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
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