[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 89 (Thursday, June 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMEMORATING WORLD REFUGEE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2013

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate World Refugee Day 
and recognize the more than 43 million forcibly displaced people around 
the world, a number of whom--in search of a better life in America--
have resettled in Michigan's Macomb and Oakland counties, which I 
proudly represent.
  World Refugee Day is observed June 20 of each year and is dedicated 
to raising awareness of the plight of the millions of refugees and 
internally displaced persons who have been forced to flee their homes 
due to conflict, persecution, and strife. This day serves as a special 
reminder of the courage of these resilient individuals and provides us 
the opportunity to draw attention to their struggle.
  The United States is by far the largest donor to the UN Refugee 
Agency (UNHCR), and this commitment from the American people has helped 
deliver critical humanitarian aid to the world's most vulnerable 
populations. U.S.-supported work of the UNHCR includes providing safe 
food, clean drinking water, shelter, education, security in dangerous 
situations, and ultimately durable placement options--voluntary 
repatriation, local integration, or resettlement.
  Today is also a time to recognize the positive contributions of 
refugees who have created new lives in this country. Due to America's 
historic commitment to welcoming and resettling victims of persecution 
from around the world, communities all over the country have benefited 
from refugees' enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, and sense of civic 
engagement.
  Over the last ten years, thousands of Iraqi refugees have resettled 
in my district--a development that has had a positive impact on the 
region. I value their contributions and am proud to support the work of 
local resettlement organizations to integrate new arrivals into 
American society. This past April, I had the opportunity to visit with 
the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity at their food bank and home 
goods warehouse. There I met a young Iraqi mother and her son, both of 
whom had recently arrived in the United States and resettled in Metro 
Detroit. The efforts of the established Chaldean community to assist 
recent refugees were truly impressive, and I was struck by how grateful 
the mother was for the opportunity to start a new life for her family 
in the United States.
  Today, as we mark World Refugee Day, I urge my colleagues to renew 
their commitment to providing humanitarian aid and resettlement 
assistance to victims of ethnic, religious and political persecution as 
well as other vulnerable people who have been forced to flee their 
homes due to natural or man-made disasters.

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