Speech #970018441

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of Senate Joint Resolution 61 designating April 9. 1981. as "African Refugee Relief Day." Nearly 1 million Africans are now located in 32 refugee camps with an additional 3 million in 27 locations on the continent of Africa. They are suffering from the lack of food. shelter and the necessary resources to sustain themselves. These refugees are totally dependent on international relief effort if they are to survive. As the Organization for African Unity and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees convene in Geneva on April 9 and 10 to develop a plan of action. I feel it is most fitting that we designate April 9. 1981 as African Refugee Relief Day. Through massive public awareness programs we can make the difference between life and death for the millions of refugees now suffering in Africa. I feel that once the American people are informed of the conditions now existing in Africa. made aware of the facts and become knowledgeable as to what success could be achieved in overcoming this situation with their assistance. they will respond to the needs of the African refugees as they did with Cambodian relief.e