[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 91 (Thursday, June 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1307-E1308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNITION OF WORLD REFUGEE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY J. HYDE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2003

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize World Refugee Day, 
declared on June, 20, 2000 and every year thereafter by a special UN 
General Assembly Resolution. The adoption of this resolution marked an 
expression of solidarity with Africa, which hosts the

[[Page E1308]]

most refugees and has extended help generously in the past. This year, 
World Refugee Day renews a commitment to explore all means possible to 
encourage cooperation among nations in seeking permanent and durable 
humanitarian solutions for refugees.
  On World Refugee Day, the UNHCR celebrates the many contributions of 
refugees around the globe, as well as highlights their particular 
vulnerabilities and ongoing need for protection and assistance. This 
year, World Refugee Day is dedicated to refugee youth. In Central 
Africa alone, 57 percent of refugees are under age 18. Young people 
between the ages of 12 and 24 represent about 35 percent of all 
refugees. Deprived of the protection of their homes and communities, 
young people are vulnerable to abuses including forced labor; military 
or terrorist recruitment; and sexual exploitation.
  This year, we recognize the governments of Kenya, Tanzania, and 
Zambia in honor of World Refugee Day. Tanzania is home to Africa's 
largest refugee population, primarily from Burundi and Congo-Kinshasa. 
According to Refugees International, 700,000 refugees have found safe 
haven in Tanzania. The Republic of Kenya continues to provide sanctuary 
for refugees and displaced persons from Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, 
Somalia, Somaliland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, 
Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti. The new leadership is moving forward in a 
positive and receptive direction. Over 250,000 refugees continue to 
seek refuge there. The peaceful transition in Angola and the innovative 
burden-sharing arrangement by the Zambian government, as host to 
Angolan refugees, also deserves praise. There is much to be learned 
from their example. We encourage these and other governments in their 
continued hospitality and promotion of humanitarian assistance to 
refugees and displaced persons.

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