Refugees International

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, legislation that would?grant the incoming president unprecedented power to target non-profits like ours. The purpose of this new bill is simply to suppress political dissent. Organizations like ours serve a critical role in U.S. society and in the international community as a vital watchdog for rights, and as a counterweight to anti-refugee rhetoric from political leaders. At Refugees International, we know our bold advocacy for the rights of displaced people around the world – from civilians in Gaza to people fleeing persecution at the U.S. southern border – will make us a target of the incoming administration. At times like this, our independence – and decision not to accept any government funding – is critical.?It also means we depend on support from individuals like you to sustain our work. Please?CALL your members of Congress?today to push back against this radical bill – and please consider a?donation?to Refugees International as we prepare for these fights in the years to come. https://lnkd.in/eACGH8ey

Refugees International is now on Bluesky Social! We hope you will join us. Follow us @refugeesintl.bsky.social. https://lnkd.in/e8PmpbGE

I joined BBC World Service today to discuss our new joint scorecard assessing Israel’s failure to meet *any* of the USG demands on humanitarian progress in Gaza. Long past time for the USG to uphold US law and halt arms transfers.? Interview starts at 33:45 https://lnkd.in/e2YnxVyG Full scorecard here:? https://lnkd.in/ehTizS9A

On October 13, the U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense issued a letter to #Israel demanding progress within 30 days on concrete measures to reverse the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in #Gaza. On the deadline for compliance, today, Tuesday, November 12, eight humanitarian organizations have released a scorecard assessing progress against these measures over the past 30 days, concluding that Israel has failed to comply with its ally’s demands – at enormous human cost for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The facts are clear: the humanitarian situation in Gaza is now at its worst point since the war began in October 2023. We are calling on the U.S. government to make an immediate determination that Israel is in violation of its assurances under National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) and Section 620i of the Foreign Assistance Act. https://lnkd.in/eP5w-pmH

The landmark Cartagena Declaration broadened the definition of a refugee in Latin America and significantly influenced how governments, civil society, and the United Nations approach protection. Forty years after its initial signing, significant new challenges have emerged in the region. The Cartagena +40 process offers a crucial opportunity for the region to assess these evolving challenges and build upon the Cartagena Declaration’s principles. Join Refugees International, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), The Latin America Working Group, and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) for a discussion on these challenges and innovative solutions. The event will be conducted in Spanish, with English and Portuguese interpretation. Nota: Visita nuestro sitio web para obtener más información en espa?ol. Nota: Visite nosso site para mais informa??es em português.

As we all digest last night’s election results, we face many uncertainties about what is to come –?but we remain unified and steadfast in our shared commitment to rights and refuge for people forced from their homes. There is no sugarcoating it: this will be a challenging time for forcibly displaced people worldwide. Yet we hold on to hope, even as we are clear-eyed about the daunting struggles ahead. Refugees International stands in solidarity with refugees and displaced people, and their allies, both here and abroad.?We affirm and uplift the inspiring activism of leaders in refugee and displaced communities. And as we do under any presidential administration, we will work tirelessly with all of you to defend and advance the rights, protection, and well-being of all people forced to flee their homes. There will be dark days ahead. But our mission, voice, and values will seek to be a beacon in that darkness. As a fully independent humanitarian organization that speaks truth to power no matter who wields it, our unique platform has never been more vital or necessary than it is now. We urge you to join us in this fight for our shared humanity. https://lnkd.in/ggjeykWt

?? NEW REPORT: Localizing Climate Adaptation Planning in Kenya’s?Refugee-Hosting?Counties #Kenya sits at the nexus of two of the most profound challenges of our time: climate change and #displacement. The East African country faces some of the most significant impacts of climate change while hosting nearly 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers. ? Kenya has already missed an opportunity to consult with refugees and displaced people in its National Adaptation Plan; however, it is not too late to right that wrong as the plan is implemented at the local level. ? Our latest report from Jocelyn Perry outlines clear recommendations on how Kenya’s national and local governments, donors, and humanitarian agencies can support refugee-led adaptation to #climate change. Read more. https://lnkd.in/eQdtjyn7

Americans are divided unlike ever before, with the future of the country sitting on a knife's edge. But a piece of polling we just did with Data for Progress at the The Refugee Advocacy Lab and Refugees International is giving me a bit of hope that we can find our way back to one another when given the chance— We asked likely voters about their support for the U.S. refugee resettlement program, access to asylum at the border, and a legislative proposal that would reduce wait times for asylum seekers to access work permits.?We also asked if they know someone personally who is a refugee. Public support for more welcoming policies completely transforms when you personally know someone who has been forced to leave their home... We saw: 63% general public support ?? 80% support for refugee resettlement among people who know a refugee 52% general public support ?? 64% for support for access to asylum at the border among people who know a refugee 60% general public support ?? 80% support for faster work permits for asylum seekers among people who know a refugee My takeaway: when we really get to know one another and understand the policies that affect each other's lives, the more support we'll see. https://lnkd.in/dUEYmp4U

Israel's indiscriminate use of U.S.-supplied weapons have already killed thousands of civilians in #Gaza. We join 110+ partners in urging the Senate to pass the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval on arms sales to #Israel. The joint resolutions of disapproval would suspend particular transfers of types of weapons that the Israeli government has used in strikes that have killed thousands of civilians, including aid workers and journalists, in #Gaza over the last year. Read the full letter ? https://lnkd.in/gHzMWeGT

? Come find us in New York City on November 12! Join Jeremy Konyndyk and David Rothkopf for a critical conversation that will explore displacement issues in light of U.S. election outcomes. Tickets are $150. Buy your ticket now! https://lnkd.in/eStZ3Axn