Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
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![Top: Afghan refugee boy; Middle: UNHCR worker; Bottom: Somali girl [State Dept. Photos]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090825013648im_/http://www.state.gov/cms_images/prm_one_150_600.jpg)
What is the Bureau's role?
The State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) provides aid and sustainable solutions for refugees, victims of conflict and stateless people around the world, through repatriation, local integration, and resettlement in the United States. PRM also promotes the United States' population and migration policies.
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has been forced from his or her home and crossed an international border for safety. He or she must have a well-founded fear of persecution in his or her native country, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
How does the Bureau deliver assistance?
The. U.S. government provides assistance largely through the multilateral system in order to maximize impact and minimize duplication. Our major partners include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East (UNRWA).
On the inaugural commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, Assistant Secretary Schwartz briefed about issues involving refugees and other victims of conflict around the world. -Full Text
Humanitarian Crisis in Pakistan
Assistant Secretary Schwartz (July 29): "Humanitarian workers from Pakistan and around the world are working tirelessly under difficult, and often dangerous, conditions to save lives. They have our admiration and our gratitude." -Testimony
Visit to Sri Lanka
Assistant Secretary Eric Schwartz travelled to the Manik Farm camp to meet with people displaced by recent fighting in eastern Sri Lanka. -Photo Essay | Assistant Secretary Schwartz gives press conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka (July 27)
Visit to Laos and Thailand
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Witten visited Laos and Thailand from July 27 – August 1, 2009. Mr. Witten’s visit followed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s meetings with senior Royal Thai Government officials on July 21-22, 2009, during which humanitarian issues were discussed in the context of Thailand’s historical generosity to persons fleeing conflict in neighboring countries. -Full Text
The Bureau welcomes our new Assistant Secretary, Eric P. Schwartz, pictured here at his informal swearing in on July 8, 2009.
-FY 2009 PRM Funding Opportunity Announcement for NGO Programs Addressing the Needs of DRC Refugees in Sudan
Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2009 at 12:00 noon (EDT)
-Congressional Presentation Document FY 2010 PDF 449 KB
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