Refugee Congress Deeply Concerned About Potential for Mass Displacement in Ukraine
Refugee Congress Deeply Concerned About Potential for Mass Displacement in Ukraine
For Immediate Release: February 25, 2022
WASHINGTON--Refugee Congress is horrified by Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the humanitarian consequences. The war that has been brewing for years has already produced more that 850,000 internally displaced persons and is poised to produce millions more internally displaced people and refugees.
“We are deeply concerned about people fleeing violence and persecution in Ukraine,” said Lourena Gboeah, Chair of the Refugee Congress Board of Directors. “The safety of civilians is paramount. We know that war takes a devastating toll on civilians and is particularly hard on children, seniors and other vulnerable populations.”
As an organization built and led by former refugees, asylees and other vulnerable migrants who fled violence and persecution, we are devastated to watch the events unfolding in Ukraine. Ukraine also hosts refugees from other countries, including Afghanistan, and our hearts go out to families and children who may be forced once again to leave everything behind as they flee for their lives.
“It is deeply disturbing to see the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine, with thousands of people at risk of having to flee their homes. As the world continues to reach new record highs of global displacement, this is a stark reminder of the millions of refugees and asylees across the globe in need of protection. We strongly urge all countries to make available pathways to safety for Ukrainians in need,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director of Refugee Congress.
Refugee Congress applauds the United Nation Secretary General’s call to protect civilians as outlined in international humanitarian law, and calls on neighboring countries to provide safe haven for people fleeing the violence.
“My heart goes out to the Ukrainian nation,” said Jessi Calzado-Esponda, Refugee Congress Delegate for the District of Columbia. “Now more than ever, we need to show support to those who have been displaced and those whose lives and dreams have been shattered by the violence acts of the attacks. No one wants, nor expects, to be a refugee. The way we support these refugees is by accepting them like the strong supporters of freedom that we are.”
“We know that war and hate can destroy people and today in Ukraine, DRC, Burma, Syria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Haiti, Venezuela and many other places in the world lives, dreams and childhoods are being destroyed,” said Ayda Zugay, Refugee Congress Delegate for Massachusetts. “I hope the heightened awareness of aggression and violence doesn't start and end only in these times when it is too late. Let’s always support those that are forced by senseless conflicts to be survivors.”
“As someone with lived experience, I urge our leaders and the United Nation to do everything within their disposal to stop the horrific humanitarian crisis that is currently unfolding in Ukraine. In all your deliberations, think about the vulnerable population, pregnant women, elderly, disables, children etc. for so many home will never be the same again,” said Dauda Sesay, Vice Chair of the Refugee Congress Board of Directors.
We call for the U.S. government to designate a new Temporary Protected Status for eligible Ukrainians in the U.S. and prepare to meet the humanitarian needs of those fleeing as refugees.
“Ukraine is currently undergoing violence, and its people are being forcibly displaced. It’s imperative that the U.S. continue to uphold our global obligation by extending the same compassion, aid and welcome to Ukranians as we have to other refugees, regardless of their country of origin. Humanitarian relief and protections must be provided for all humans in crisis,” said Nga Vương-Sandoval, Refugee Congress Delegate for Colorado.
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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
