[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           WORLD REFUGEE DAY

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                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on 
Keeping the Flame of Hope Alive.
  Throughout their long and daunting journey from oppression and 
persecution to asylum and protection, and eventually to a place they 
can call home, refugees show incredible strength, courage and 
determination. Their journey is a dangerous and arduous one and every 
day spent in exile is a day too long.
  But in every step of their journey refugees carry with them an 
unshakable, unrelenting hope. By hanging on to their hopes for basic 
survival, sustenance and protection, and for the chance to one day 
rebuild their lives, refugees defy all odds. The U.N. Refugee Agency 
must continue to be impressed by the tenacious hopefulness of refugees 
which, in turn, motivates us to leave no stone unturned in the 
fulfillment of our mandate, to protect them and to find durable 
solutions to their plight.
  On World Refugee Day, we ask you to remember the millions of refugees 
under U.N. care who are trying to pick up the pieces of once-peaceful 
lives. As different as they are from each other, one thing connects 
them all: hope for a better future and a chance to restore lasting 
peace to their lives.
  Help us keep that flame of hope alive!
  Latest Statistics: 20.8 million
  Latest statistics indicate that of the 20.8 million people of 
concern:
  8.4 million are refugees who have fled their countries due to civil 
wars and ethnic, tribal and religious violence and who cannot return 
home
  6.6 million are internally displaced persons--people forced to flee 
their homes, but who have not crossed a border
  2.4 million are stateless people
  1.6 million are returnees
  773,000 are asylum seekers
  960,000 are others of concern




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