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Blog Posts by Michel Gabaudan

In Memoriam: Congressman Donald Payne
March 06, 2012 Michel Gabaudan

Today Refugees International mourns the loss of Congressman Donald Payne, a true humanitarian. Famous for his courageous work on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable people, his dedicated service as chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights was remarkable for its breadth and the undaunted manner in which he pursued it.

Letter to the White House in Advance of President Obama's 2012 State of the Union Address
January 24, 2012 Michel Gabaudan Ethiopia - Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, U.S. Administration


Barack H. Obama
President
United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.  20500

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of Refugees International, I write to highlight the ongoing displacement crisis in the Horn of Africa and urge you, in your upcoming State of the Union Address, to showcase U.S. leadership on this issue and the need for sustained, high-level attention to the plight of those impacted by drought and famine.
16 Days: To End Violence Against Women, Enlist the Men
December 09, 2011 Michel Gabaudan Afghanistan, Africa, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Americas, Asia, Middle East, Women & Children

For the last two weeks, my colleagues have reflected on global efforts to combat violence against women and girls, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. Today, I want to examine a vital and practical solution to the problem of gender violence: the engagement of men and boys. 

Breaking Somalia’s Displacement Cycle
November 08, 2011 Michel Gabaudan Africa, Ethiopia - Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia

I spent two weeks in the Horn of Africa last month, and what I learned there was sobering: The recent influx of Somali refugees has swollen camps in Kenya and Ethiopia to critical levels. Kenya’s Dadaab camp now plays host to half a million people, while the population of Dolo camp in Ethiopia has tripled to 120,000. And the many small graves I saw in Ethiopia’s Kobe camp spoke to the heartbreaking price Somalis are paying more than three months into a devastating famine.

A Revolution’s Endgame
August 24, 2011 Michel Gabaudan Africa, Libya, Humanitarian Response

Yesterday, I watched the images of Libyans celebrating in Tripoli’s Green Square as opposition forces took control of large parts of the city. After six months of intense fighting, it seems as though the regime of Moammar Gaddafi is coming to an end. As I witnessed the pure joy on the faces of those celebrating in Green Square, I was reminded of those I met during my own recent visit to the region.