Speech #990024935

I am in strong support of the Hamilton measure. which combines humanitarian aid with a sound approach to U.S. foreign policy in Central America. The International Red Cross and the U.N. High Commission on Refugees are universally respected as a humanitarian aid organizations. The UNHCR provides protection and support services to refugees of conflicts throughout the world. There are now more than 25.400 refugees in Honduras and several thousand in Costa Rica who have fled the conflict in Nicaragua. In Honduras. many of these refugees were at first received at the Mocoron Refugee Reception Center and then were transferred to smaller communities under the protection of the U.N. High Commission on Refugees [UNHCR]. The UNHCR has protection officers present in the refugee camps and has contracted out services through the World Relief Organization. In Costa Rica the Socorro Internacional Organization has also done a fine Job in providing services to several thousand refugees. Including many Miskito. Sumo. and Rama who have fled the conflict. Individuals. such as Kennith Serapio. a Miskito doctor who continues to provide services to his people inside the refugee camps. deserve our support and encouragement. Mr. Speaker. the UNHCR has been very careful to focus its support services in a way that avoids ideological preferences.