WORLD REFUGEE DAY: U.S. Reaffirms Refugee Protection

By Janet Ekstract. NEW YORK – On World Refugee Day, June 20, in a formal statement from U.S. President Joe Biden, he reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the “safety, dignity and protection of refugees and forcibly displaced persons worldwide.” Biden’s statement reiterated:  “On this day, we reaffirm our solidarity with refugees. We also express our profound appreciation for the United Nations and the many humanitarian organizations and workers who provide and workers who provide refugees with life-saving assistance. We recognize the special challenges faced by countries hosting large numbers of refugees and applaud governments that have welcomed refugees and given them opportunities to integrate into and contribute to local communities.” The statement further noted: “The United States is proud to be a global leader in responding to the needs of refugees and displaced people worldwide. We are the largest donor of humanitarian assistance globally, providing those in need with lifesaving food, water, shelter, and medical care. Our commitment to refugee protection extends to doing more to address the root causes of displacement, including to resolve conflicts and oppression in troubled parts of the world.”  To conclude, the statement read: “This Administration has also led an historic expansion of lawful pathways so migrants do not put themselves and their families at grave risk undertaking perilous journeys.”