Sudarshan Pyakurel

Honorary Delegate
Written By Aleia Mariel

Sudarshan Pyakurel
Honorary Delegate (Ohio)
Resettled Refugee from Bhutan

Sudarshan Pyakurel is a Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate from Ohio. He is a former refugee from Bhutan who came to the U.S. in 2010.

Sudarshan is the Executive Director of Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO), and community leader and advocate for social justice.

He actively works in the community for equity, advocacy, and empowerment of refugees and immigrants. He is a nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and a member of Trauma Responsive Care through the CARE Coalition. He is also on the steering committee for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) for Region 5 and a Migrant and Refugee Leadership Academy Fellow.

In 2018, Sudarshan was named to the State New American Advisory committee by Ohio Governor Kasich and was reappointed by Governor DeWine in 2021.

He has a master’s degree in English Literature and bachelor’s degree in Economics from India, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from The Ohio State University and an associate’s degree in Philosophy from Cuyahoga Community College. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work at The Ohio State University.

"No one was born a refugee, and anyone can become a refugee." 

In the News:

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Terminating Protections for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Another Cruel Offense Against People Seeking Safety
Terminating Protections for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans Another Cruel Offense Against People Seeking Safety

“Once again we remind the Trump administration that programs like CHNV humanitarian parole are successful, effective, legal, and lifesaving and must therefore be protected and expanded. We cannot continue to turn our backs on people in need, and shut the door on our most vulnerable neighbors and their families,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director. “Refugee Congress will continue to advocate for all forcibly displaced people, across all statuses. We need our elected leaders to stand for our collective values — to reject policies that separate families and deport neighbors who have helped rebuild our communities, and to instead embrace policies that welcome newcomers in safe and lawful ways.”

Celebrating the Leadership and Resilience of Refugee Women
Celebrating the Leadership and Resilience of Refugee Women

Women’s History Month is not only a time for reflection but also a call to recognize the resilience and impact of women who have shaped our lives and communities, both locally and globally. This month, we honor the refugee women who, despite unimaginable hardships, continue to inspire change, uplift their communities, and advocate for a more just and compassionate world. Their contributions remind us that the struggle for a better world is ongoing – and that we must continuously support policies that protect and empower displaced people.

Unlawful Detentions and Forced Removals Without Due Process Violate Rights, Endanger Refugees and U.S. Citizens
Unlawful Detentions and Forced Removals Without Due Process Violate Rights, Endanger Refugees and U.S. Citizens

“Unlawfully detaining and forcibly removing people without due process is a dangerous assault on fundamental rights that puts everyone at risk—not just those seeking refuge, but every person who calls the U.S. home,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director. “The Trump administration is bent on tearing families apart, destabilizing entire communities, and dismantling the very ideals of welcome and safety that define us as a nation. When longtime residents—and even U.S. citizens—are wrongfully detained or deported, it sends a chilling message that no one is safe. Our elected leaders must act immediately to stop these violations, defend due process, and uphold human dignity before more lives are devastated.”

45th Anniversary of Refugee Act of 1980 Calls for Action to Uphold U.S. Values of Welcoming and Safety
45th Anniversary of Refugee Act of 1980 Calls for Action to Uphold U.S. Values of Welcoming and Safety

While we celebrate and honor the 45th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, we recognize that recent executive orders and actions taken by the Trump administration have threatened our national legacy, endangering the lives of so many people seeking safety and even those who have already found refuge in the U.S. These targeted efforts aim to dismantle the system that protects our neighbors, and directly oppose our collective values of welcome and safety. Still, Americans have made it clear: refugees are welcome.

Now Accepting New Delegate Applications in 9 States
Now Accepting New Delegate Applications in 9 States

Refugee Congress seeks applications from committed community leaders who have experienced forced displacement to serve as the volunteer Delegate to Refugee Congress for a term of three years. We currently seek Delegates to join our active community  from the following states: Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Refugee Congress Decries Funding Cuts to Resettlement, Humanitarian Aid That Harm Communities in the U.S. and Globally
Refugee Congress Decries Funding Cuts to Resettlement, Humanitarian Aid That Harm Communities in the U.S. and Globally

Refugee Congress strongly denounces the administration’s decision to irresponsibly cut funding and critical support systems that millions of vulnerable populations around the world rely on. The United States has been a global leader in providing lifesaving care for people all over the world, and Americans have demonstrated an eagerness and commitment to welcome people seeking safety. These actions by the Trump administration go directly against the values and character that has historically made the United States a respected leader in humanitarian aid.

Refugee Congress Celebrates Ruling Blocking Efforts to Halt Refugee Resettlement
Refugee Congress Celebrates Ruling Blocking Efforts to Halt Refugee Resettlement

Refugee Congress celebrates the court ruling blocking the Trump administration’s refugee ban executive order. 

On Tuesday, federal judge Jamal Whitehead ruled that the executive order that indefinitely suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and withheld critical funding for refugee resettlement services was unlawful.

Rescinding TPS Disregards Humanitarian Concerns, Endangers People with Legal Protections
Rescinding TPS Disregards Humanitarian Concerns, Endangers People with Legal Protections

Refugee Congress condemns the Trump administration’s actions this month terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Venezuelans. These efforts to target communities that have arrived through legal pathways put hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in dangerous and uncertain circumstances.

Refugee leaders selected for Sparking Change project
Refugee leaders selected for Sparking Change project

USA for UNHCR announces our 2025 Sparking Change grantees in partnership with Refugee Congress and Welcoming America. This year’s cohort of grantees was chosen to support the creative, community-building solutions developed and delivered by refugees now residing in the United States.  

Refugee Congress Extremely Concerned with Escalating Violence Displacing Thousands in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Refugee Congress Extremely Concerned with Escalating Violence Displacing Thousands in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Refugee Congress is extremely concerned about the safety and protection of civilians and forcibly displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as armed conflict between the national military and the militia group M23 escalated over the weekend.

Do you want to invite Sudarshan to speak at an upcoming event?  Please fill out this contact form (reporters, please call 202-905-6238 for time-sensitive requests).

Aleia Mariel
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