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Human rights

Reaffirming US Leadership on Refugee Protection on World Refugee Day

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

On World Refugee Day (June 20), U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA-36) led a bipartisan effort to reintroduce a resolution reaffirming the importance of the United States' role in promoting the safety, health, and welfare of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. The resolution was cosponsored by 19 Senate colleagues, 50 House colleagues, and 17 prominent refugee advocacy and human rights organizations. The resolution aims to champion international humanitarian efforts and demonstrate global leadership in addressing the forced migration crisis, which has led to over 35 million men, women, and children becoming refugees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance to refugees, with over 108 million people displaced worldwide.
  • The resolution highlights the bravery and heroism of refugees and displaced people facing brutal conditions in conflicts in Syria, Burma, Sudan, and Ukraine, as well as natural disasters across Mozambique and the Horn of Africa.
  • The resolution emphasizes the need for the United States to double down on efforts to protect and affirm the human rights of displaced people worldwide, particularly in the face of rising democratic backsliding and authoritarianism.
  • The resolution celebrates the resilience and humanity of refugees and their contributions to communities, while also acknowledging the urgent need to uphold US leadership on refugee protection.
  • The resolution calls for the United States to lead the world in offering refuge to those who have fled persecution, protecting and welcoming refugees, and promoting freedom and safety for all.
  • The resolution emphasizes the importance of safeguarding protection pathways, including refugee resettlement and asylum, and engaging refugees and other forcibly displaced people in crafting solutions.
  • The resolution highlights the need to provide safety, dignity, and humanity to refugees, particularly those who are torture survivors and have experienced profound physical and psychological scars.
  • The resolution is supported by a broad coalition of refugee advocacy and human rights organizations, including Church World Service, HIAS, Jesuit Refugee Service USA, and International Rescue Committee.

Statistics:

  • 108 million people are displaced worldwide (as stated in the resolution).
  • 35 million men, women, and children have become refugees due to the forced migration crisis (as stated in the resolution).
  • The resolution highlights the need to provide humanitarian assistance to millions of refugees, citing the importance of access to food, shelter, and other lifesaving assistance.
  • The resolution emphasizes the urgent need for the United States to take action in addressing the forced migration crisis, which has led to devastating levels of forced displacement around the world.
  • Over 50 House colleagues cosponsored the resolution, highlighting the bipartisan support for refugee protection.

Sources:

  • Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA-36) Press Release, June 20, 2023
  • World Refugee Day Resolution, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, June 20, 2023
  • Church World Service, HIAS, Jesuit Refugee Service USA, International Rescue Committee, and other refugee advocacy and human rights organizations' statements and press releases, June 20, 2023

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