Forum for Refugees Japan (FRJ) is a network organization of groups supporting refugees who have fled to Japan. It was founded on April 8, 2004, and has 26 full member organizations (as of June 2023).
It coordinates the services offered by individual member organizations, such as legal advice related to refugee applications and provisional release, counseling and assistance on daily life and health care, educational support, capacity building and counseling in detention facilities, so that comprehensive help reaches people in need. It also cooperates with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Its main activities are coordinating support and services for individual asylum seekers and refugees, promoting information exchange and cooperation among those involved in support, holding discussions on support, and public relations. It also deepens information sharing and cooperation with NGOs overseas and belongs to networks such as the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN). Its website also gathers and shares announcements from member organizations, including training and scholarship information.
Key points
- A network of organizations supporting refugees who have fled to Japan (26 full member organizations as of June 2023)
- Coordinates member organizations' services, such as legal advice, counseling on daily life and health, and educational support
- Works with UNHCR and overseas NGOs to share information and cooperate
Why this organization deserves attention
Support for refugees covers many areas, including legal procedures, daily life, health care and education. A distinctive feature is that organizations with different strengths work together to deliver comprehensive support to those who need it.
Its website gathers announcements from member organizations, such as training and scholarships, so you can find information on refugee support in one place.
Editor's comment
What supports the daily lives of refugees living in Japan is cooperation among many organizations. FRJ seems to widen that circle of support as a "connector."
The official website also has a page for first-time visitors. Why not take a look as a first step in learning about refugee support?