Speech #1000145770

Mr. Speaker. recently Deputy Secretary of State John C. Whitehead addressed a conference of State Department personnel and voluntary agency representatives involved in our Indochinese Refugee Program. The Indochinese Refugee Program has been one of the most successful refugee assistance resettlement efforts in modern history. Prior to joining the State Department. Deputy Secretary Whitehead had a distinguished record of humanitarian service to refugees the world over. Indeed. over 30 years ago he began his longstanding involvement with people fleeing persecution. war. and famine when he joined the Board of the International Rescue Committee in response to the Hungarian refugee crisis. Mr. Whitehead. then as now. had a unique sensitivity to international refugee issues and to the need for quick action to protect lives and preserve regional stability. He believes not only in condemning persecution. but In aiding the victims of persecution. As his remarks to the State Department conference demonstrate. Mr. Whitehead understands what the basic humanitarian principles and democratic values which underscore why American foreign policy must require: "a renewed commitment to assist refugees. because they are fellow human beings In need. and because refugee assistance speaks to the heart of Americas humanitarian values." Mr. Speaker. this unflagging. continuing humanitarian commitment to our fellow man represents the crux of our refugee policy because It reflects the ideals and values for which America stands. and Is truly In our national Interest. We. like other responsible nations. must be ready to do our part In providing refuge for the repressed. help for the downtrodden. and food and shelter for the hungry and homeless. wherever they are. As the leading advocate of human rights and freedom. the United States must not waiver In condemning oppressive regimes or in supportIng the human rights of thousands of refugees who seek not only safety. shelter. and security but a chance to live in freedom. Mr. Whiteheads remarks capture the critical Importance of the U.S. role In seeking to preserve first asylum for those forced by repressive governments to flee their homelands. He articulates why the United States and the International community must continue to provide steady multiyear commitments of political support. economic assistance and. where necessary. resettlement assistance to the developing nations now sheltering refugees. so that the resources of these countries of first asylum are not unduly strapped by the strains of sheltering these desperate people. Mr. Speaker. because of the importance of an effective. humane U.S. refugee program and its contribution to our foreign policy and the promotion of regional stability. particularly In Southeast Asia. I ask that Deputy Secretary Whiteheads timely remarks on this subject be hope that his leadership and Interest in this program will help to reassure our friends and allies that the United States will continue to press every responsible nation to play its role in providing for the protection and care of refugees throughout the world. The adoption of the State Department and processing authodzation by the Congress this week which provides through the Migration and Refugee Account for refugees also contains language indicating the strong support of the Congress for the continuation of a humane and generous refugee assistance and aid program. particularly in Southeast Asia where countries of first asylum continue to receive new Influxes of those fleeing persecution in Vietnam. Laos and Cambodia.