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Foreign Policy and the State of the Union
Fri, 01/29/2010 - 13:08
President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address on Wednesday night at a time of disappointment and concern for the American people, largely centered on the slow pace of economic recovery and partisan gridlock in Congress. Thus, the bulk of the President's speech was devoted to domestic matters.
The Next Chapter is About to be Written
Wed, 01/27/2010 - 19:22
As you may have heard last Friday, I will be assuming the role of President of Refugees International on April 1. I am very excited to join the hard-working staff and board of RI and return to my true passion: public service.
Iraq is Not Yesterday’s War for the Millions of Displaced
Tue, 01/26/2010 - 17:47The international community’s new preferred narrative about Iraq is that the violence has been greatly reduced; the U.S. is drawing down its military; the humanitarian situation has stabilized; and now it is up to the Iraqi Government, assisted by UN development actors, to rebuild the country.
Yemen: Renewed Attention Can Bring Change
Thu, 01/21/2010 - 18:36
When it was revealed last month that the young Nigerian who attempted to blow up a Detroit-bound plane had trained in Yemen, the American media was immediately debating whether Yemen constituted a third front on the war on terror. (And also explaining where Yemen was, as comedian Jon Stewart humorously pointed out).
Burma: Rohingya A Year Later
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 17:31One year ago, the travails of Rohingya from Burma shocked people around the world. Boat after boat of refugees, fleeing abuse and oppression in Burma, were intercepted at sea by the Thai army, who then proceeded to detain them without trial. After days in outdoor detention, the Rohingya refugees were loaded back on to their boats, and the Thai army proceeded to tow them out to sea where they were abandoned with little food or water and no motors to power their boats.
Refugees International Statement on Haiti Earthquake
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 09:18The following statement was made by Acting President, Joel Charny, in response to the devastation created by the earthquake in Haiti on January 12.
United Arab Emirates: Nationality Matters
Tue, 01/12/2010 - 01:00
It’s been five years now since Refugees International first visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to better understand and then call for solutions on behalf of the country’s stateless population – the bidoon. Since mid-2008 there have been a number of media reports indicating that change was afoot, and that efforts were being made to tackle statelessness through a one-time only special registration process. So, when the possibility popped up of visiting the country last summer, we took it.
Sudan: Work for the Best, Plan for the Worst
Fri, 01/08/2010 - 01:00
The escalation of violence in south Sudan should serve as a wake-up
call at this critical point in time. Five years ago this week, the
government in Khartoum and rebel leaders in south Sudan ended a long
and bloody civil war with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement. Today, with one year left to go before a referendum on
southern independence in 2011, the outlook is grim. Last month, the
Khartoum government cracked down on protesters and detained senior
members of opposition parties.
Ten Humanitarian Headlines for 2010
Wed, 01/06/2010 - 15:16
It’s now standard to wrap up the year with lists of ten: best films; greatest sporting moments; most influential people. In the spirit of a hopeful start to the New Year and decade, I propose a different sort of list: ten events we’d like to see in the world of humanitarian action in 2010. None of the mock headlines below herald an era of global peace and harmony. But each of these headlines could plausibly appear in the coming year, and Refugees International will be doing everything in its power to make them happen.
A Year of Progress and Challenges
Mon, 01/04/2010 - 18:16
The crises and problems that Refugees International tackles are daunting. Yet, in 2009 progress was made that directly eases the burdens of people who are forced to flee their homes. Thanks to Refugees International’s work, new funding was made available to help refugees survive, policies were put in place that protected displaced people from further violence, and assistance programs more effectively reached the most vulnerable. While it’s important to look back on the new crises that emerged in 2009 and the people whose suffering continued, it is heartening to know that some positive changes occurred.
