Speech #1020032762

Mr. Chairman. the dramatic Increase in refugees since last year has created an urgent challenge for the Congress and the American people. The current suffering of refugees from Iraq as a result of Saddam Husseins persecution of his own people has underlined the plight of the worlds 18 million refugees. During the past year. the deprivations of war and domestic repression. sometimes compounded by natural calamities. have prompted massive flights of refugees and discouraged their return home. Greater than anticipated flows of refugees justify the $109.4 million or 22.3 percent increase in the authorization for refugee assistance above the amount requested by the administration. Our humanitarian interests and world leadership role require the substantial U.S. response signified by this augmented authorization for migration and refugee assistance. In addition to Iraqi refugees needs. this bill anticipates an increase in humanitarian needs of Palestinians from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait along with new refugees from Afghanistan and the slower repatriation of earlier Afghan refugees. This increased authorization also would provide for slower than anticipated repatriation of Nicaraguan and El Salvadoran refugees. the heightened number and burden on first asylum countries of refugees from Liberia. Somalia. and Sudan and the continued plight of refugees from Cambodia and Burma. It would also authorize more funding for voluntary private agencies to transport. resettle. and absorb Soviet. other East European and Ethiopian refugees within Israels pre1967 borders. The road toward establishing a more democratic and humane world order is beset with obstacles and frustration which the United States must squarely face if its objective is to be achieved. The interest of the United States in upholding human rights around the world carries with it a corresponding humanitarian commitment to extend a helping hand to those refugees who have been the victims of human rights abuses. This authorization for migration and refugee assistance would demonstrate substantive as well as principled support for those people whose denial of human rights has forced them to become refugees.