But changing conditions, such as the increase in environmental and investment-induced displacement, has necessitated a flexible approach by JRS. 'Because the definition of a refugee is broad, we need to think broadly. People are coming in who can't live, humanely, in their own countries,' says Fr Arputhasamy. 'If you ask refugees what they want, many will say, 'I want to go home'. But that's if it's secure at home.'

JRS will continue 'as long as is necessary' with education projects in Thai refugee camps, which are home to some 20, 000 refugees. Along with food assistance and the accompaniment of asylum seekers, JRS also engages with Thailand's government. 'We try, by building goodwill with the government, to do some policy advocacy.'

In Cambodia, where JRS has partnered with the UNHCR, the removal of landmines, and dealing with their devastating consequences, remain a priority. The JRS office in Singapore works in advocating against the country's stockpiling of landmines, as well as lobbying the government to sign the anti-landmine treaty. 'We want to raise awareness amongst the Singaporean community on landmine and refugee issues', says Fr Arputhasamy.

JRS continues to assist returning refugees in East Timor, where, says Fr Arputhasamy, the problem is complex and long-term. 'On the micro level things are happening, but the broad picture is still volatile.' The chief goal of JRS is to help East Timorese manage their own lives, resolve land and housing ownership disputes and promote reconciliation. 'There are so many international agencies in East Timor. How can their presence truly help develop East Timor as a nation? At the moment they're still very dependent on external aid.'

Post- tsunami work in the Indonesian province of Aceh was completed last December, and JRS is now in the midst of a three-year disaster risk reduction programme in the area, with the aim of keeping communities together and fortifying them against displacement.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma, JRS Asia Pacific successfully coordinated relief, channelling funding and technical support to the Jesuits in Burma. 'Our strategy was important because of the complexities in Burma', says Fr Arputhasamy. Jesuits and locals continue to work on a small scale, keeping a low profile and using local capacity. 'If we go big-scale, we're sure to attract attention. Our goal is to reach out to as many people as possible. A lot depends on what are allowed to do and how we do it.'

JRS is also planning to open an office in Papua New Guinea, where 10 000 West Papuan refugees live in border camps. Controversial mining and logging activities in West Papua have displaced large numbers of West Papuans, and the church, says Fr Arputhasamy, is the only organisation currently addressing their needs.

The Asia Pacific region presents a number of seemingly intractable problems for organisations such as JRS, and Fr Arputhasamy believes that good studies need to be done to determine the root causes of the phenomenon of forced migration. 'The vision is to close down JRS, but that's not going to happen, unfortunately.' In the meantime, JRS will provide a quality service for as long as it's needed. 'Our work is about being closely present with people, throwing our lot in with them, accompanying them through their suffering in a way that's hopeful and life-giving."