Recognizing U.S. Leadership in Protecting Refugees and Celebrating the Contributions of Refugees to their New Communities in the U.S.
Adopted at the 82nd Annual Meeting in 2014
WHEREAS, World Refugee Day is observed on the 20th of June each year; and
WHEREAS, more than 45 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes and their countries due to persecution, conflict and violence; and
WHEREAS, refugees are persons in need of protection because they have been persecuted for their political opinion, religious belief, race, nationality or membership in a particular social group; and
WHEREAS, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in carrying out its mandate to protect, assist and find durable solutions for refugees, relies on the steadfast support and leadership of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the United States has since its inception been a beacon of hope for those seeking peace and protection from persecution, and has generously opened its doors to some 3 million refugees over the past four decades; and
WHEREAS, the United States refugee resettlement program, led by the Department of State and the Department of Health and Human Services, is a unique and robust public-private partnership of the federal government, state and local governments, non-profit agencies and countless individuals; and
WHEREAS, the generosity of states, counties, cities, and towns across the United States is essential to improving the lives of these refugees arriving in the United States - providing them with the opportunity to find new homes, to reunite with families and to rebuild their lives; and
WHEREAS, refugees arriving in the United States have contributed their talents, knowledge, cultures, and entrepreneurship to enrich and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the communities that have welcomed them; and
WHEREAS, refugees and their children have become citizens of the United States, and have gone on to make significant contributions to science and the arts, public and military service, education and academia, business and industry, medicine and health care, entertainment and sports,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports efforts of the federal government to ensure that the United States resettlement program remains responsive to the needs of refugees and of the communities who host them; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges its members to facilitate the meaningful participation of refugees in discussions when issues or actions that affect refugees are being considered; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors continues to promote the welcome and integration of refugees into their new communities in the United States; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors expresses its solidarity with the mayors of cities and towns around the world who are providing protection, shelter and aid to millions of refugees and displaced persons; and encourages the continued efforts of the United States, the UNHCR and the international community to help these vulnerable individuals and families, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors thus recognizes June 20th 2014, as World Refugee Day.