I rise today in support of H. Res. 426. recognizing 2007 as the Year of the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons in Colombia. and offering support for efforts to ensure that the internally displaced people of Colombia receive the assistance and protection they need to rebuild their lives successfully. This resolution recognizes the UN High Commissioner for Refugees finding that Colombias estimated 23 million internally displaced persons (IDP) ranks only second to Sudan as the worlds largest internally displaced population. As a close ally and strategic partner in Latin America. it is in the deep interest of the United States to assist Colombias IDPs in rebuilding their lives in a dignified. safe. and sustainable manner. The violence and poor economic situation in the country has disproportionately affected the AfroColombian community.
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Refugees