Remarks on World Refugee Day

There is also one such dedicated friend who we deeply miss -- Kolude Doherty. We were saddened greatly by his passing earlier this year. Kolude -- Michel’s predecessor as the UNHCR representative in Washington -- was gentle, principled, and tireless in serving the millions of refugees worldwide.

UNHCR is indispensable. It protects and aids refugees, and pursues durable solutions, such as helping refugees return home once conditions are safe -- or resettle permanently in a new country. The United States is proud to partner with UNHCR in its vital work. That is why we have, over the course of many decades, remained the largest supporter of refugee programs worldwide. I am pleased to announce today an additional $72 million contribution from the U.S. Government to UNHCR that will bring our 2007 total to nearly $290 million.

Working together, we have made considerable progress. For example:

• After years of work, we are seeing successful voluntary repatriations of Liberian and Angolan refugees to their home communities.
• Since the ouster of the Taliban, almost 5 million Afghan refugees have returned in the most successful voluntary repatriation in UNHCR’s history.
• In South Sudan, the peace agreement has made it possible for refugees to return after decades in exile, and we are helping to rebuild the communities of South Sudan.

Yet, we continue to face major challenges.

Approximately 2 million Iraqis have sought refuge in other countries in the region. Through increased contributions to UN and non-governmental organization programs, we are helping provide assistance to Iraqi refugees in those countries. We are committed to helping all displaced Iraqis. Our assistance totals more than $150 million, and includes educational and other essential programs.

We feel a moral obligation especially to help those Iraqis who have put themselves at risk in order to work with the U.S. Government. Congress recently passed legislation expanding the number of interpreters and translators eligible for special immigrant visas, and we are working closely with UNHCR and our Embassies to include thousands of vulnerable Iraqis in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

In Darfur, the conflict there has resulted in millions being uprooted from their homes. As the largest single donor to the people of Darfur, we are strongly supportive of the courageous efforts by UNHCR, and many other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, to protect and assist Darfur’s displaced persons. A peaceful, lasting resolution is imperative, and we must all pursue every effort to bring it about.

We are deeply concerned about the plight of refugees around the world, from Somalia, Bhutan, Burma, North Korea, and so many other places. Together with our international partners like UNHCR, we remain committed to assisting them wherever they may be.

In keeping with our heritage and values, America continues to be the world’s leader in welcoming refugees to our shores to start their lives anew. I am particularly pleased that the theme of this World Refugee Day is “A New Home, A New Life.” Since 1975, 2.6 million people have come here as refugees. They have overcome enormous challenges and have strengthened the fabric of this nation. I am proud to share the stage with two courageous men who faced tragedy in their youth and who have already contributed much here in the United States: Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier in Sierra Leone and now an author and advocate, and John Dau, a Sudanese refugee who has been pursuing studies and humanitarian causes.

It is also truly remarkable how Americans open their hearts to refugees from across the globe. That spirit is embodied by the legendary singer Tony Bennett and the inspiring work he does on behalf of refugees. It is most fitting that he is being honored today with the UNHCR Humanitarian Award -- congratulations.

All who have been displaced from their homes around the world demand our support and attention. As Secretary Rice has said, “Our responsibility is to the weakest and the most powerless members of mankind. . . . to those who cannot protect themselves. . . . And we must do what is necessary to honor our pledge.” Today, let us rededicate ourselves to meeting that challenge, and that promise. Thank you.