wfn.org | Statement on the first International Refugee Day (June20)

[ENS@ecunet.org]

2001-159
 
Richard Parkins, executive director of Episcopal Migrations Ministries, released 
the following statement on the first International Refugee Day (June20):

     As the world refugee population reaches the staggering and tragic number of 
14.5 million, the challenge to all of us on this day committed to remembering the 
plight of refugees and their courage in seeking protection from persecution is 
enormous.  Behind these daunting statistics are the lives of individuals, each of 
whom has a story of devastation to tell.  As people of faith, we must never 
forget that suffering is personal and so is redemption. As we enter into the 
suffering of those whose lives have been brutally disrupted, let us also commit 
ourselves to creating possibilities of hope for these sisters and brothers.  

     On this special day, we are reminded that rescuing some number of refugees 
from a protracted stay in a camp is still our business.  As this church through 
Episcopal Migration Ministries and the many dioceses and parishes that partner 
with us sponsor around 3000 refugees every year, we are not only making 
resurrection happen for those whom we serve but also sending a message of hope to 
refugees everywhere.  Regrettably, far too many refugees remain in limbo, 
separated from family and friends, awaiting the chance for repatriation or 
resettlement.  The challenge is increasing possibilities worldwide for resettling 
a larger portion of the world refugee population or creating conditions for their 
safe repatriation. Reversing the trend toward lower admissions in the United 
States would be an important place to begin. The capacity and spirit for being 
more generous in receiving desperate newcomers is there.  

     The past year has seen a marked decline in contributions to the work of the 
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).  The result is a drastic 
reduction in the resources needed to protect refugees from hunger and violence 
and to facilitate either their repatriation or resettlement.  While the United 
States has been a strong contributor to the UNHCR, other parts of the Western 
world have curtailed support for the humanitarian assistance which the UNHCR 
provides.  If this trend continues, more refugees will find their so called 
flight to safety one of ongoing despair. 

     Over the past five years, we have experienced a shocking increase in the 
number of persons held in detention because they were so audacious as to seek 
freedom and justice on our shores.  With the passage of immigration control 
legislation in 1996, the US adopted some of the most restrictive asylum policies 
of any Western nation.  The record is replete with stories about persons who have 
fled persecution, only to have their pleas for safety greeted by a period of 
incarceration - sometimes of several months and even years.  Surely the quest for 
freedom and justice in a land which has historically proclaimed a commitment to 
both should not be prefaced by a prison stint. This year holds forth the 
possibility of legislation which will ameliorate some of the more egregious 
provisions of the 1996 law. We can all voice support for this urgently needed 
reform. 

     Invariably we encounter reminders that root causes need to be addressed so 
that an escalation of the worldwide refugee population will not continue.  The 
leadership role of our Church in seeking debt forgiveness and in providing 
resources to so many parts of the Anglican Communion as churches around the world 
attempt to alleviate suffering and build systems that bring relief and stability 
to impoverished brothers and sisters are examples of where avenues of hope have 
been opened up.  

     World Refugee Day is an occasion to commit ourselves to some form of 
engagement with the world refugee crisis. Service and advocacy opportunities 
abound.  This is also a good time to be reminded of the courage of refugees, 
their extraordinary contributions to our nation, and our individual and 
collective efforts to bring a modicum of hope to a part of the world which has 
not enjoyed the abundance and safety which for so many is a given.