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Peacekeeping: RI Testifies on Capitol Hill
Thu, 07/30/2009 - 17:01Refugees International was back on Capitol Hill yesterday, as Peacekeeping Advocate Erin Weir testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the challenges currently facing peacekeeping and possible improvements to the operations, said committee chairman Rep. Howard Berman. A distinguished group of witnesses gathered for the hearing, including Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr.
Northern Uganda: Seizing this Moment of Peace
Tue, 07/28/2009 - 16:41
Since the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, Joseph Kony, refused to sign the Final Peace Agreement last fall, the international community has been debating the best way to bring an end to the decades-long violence by the LRA. However, while the focus has been on whether or not to pursue a military strategy, the crucial need for redevelopment in northern Uganda has slipped to the wayside. The Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009, which was introduced in Congress this past May, lays a good foundation for how the United States and the international community should approach this situation.
Sudan: Progress on Abyei
Fri, 07/24/2009 - 19:28Earlier this week a decision from The Hague determined the boundary between north and south Sudan around the town of Abyei. This particular decision stems from an agreement signed last year, but it marks a part of the peace process occuring in Sudan. Benchmark goals like an election in April of next year and a referendum in 2011 are part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) – a document that marked the end of 21 years of war.
Iran: Iranian authorities must free Shadi Sadr
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 16:03
Shadi Sadr, a remarkable Iranian women’s rights activist, was beaten and arrested on Friday July 17 and is being held in detention. I met Shadi at a conference last year and was struck by her courage and quiet determination that over time her work as a human rights lawyer and peaceful campaigner would bring more respect for women’s rights in Iran.
Iraq: Keeping Our Focus
Mon, 07/20/2009 - 18:51
While America’s attention has shifted to the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan, recent news reports about the targeting of Christian Iraqis have turned a few eyes back towards the violence within Iraq. The targeting of Iraqi Christians portends a return to the attacks on minorities and ethnic strife that led to the massive displacement of civilians from Iraq.
Afghanistan: Work in Progress
Fri, 07/17/2009 - 00:00The Obama administration is a much stronger supporter of the United Nations than the Bush administration was. But even for those who strongly believe in multilateralism -- and who want to see the UN play a larger role in international relations, humanitarian assistance and nation-building -- it can be difficult to understand the mandate and work of individual agencies and the cumbersome bureaucracy that sometimes prevents swift action.
Iraq: Don't Forget Displaced Women
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 00:00As a humanitarian talking with displaced Iraqis be prepared for a lot of anger. “You destroyed my country,” said one woman. “Those ruling have no place for us. What will you do?” Millions of people have been displaced inside and outside the country. Small numbers have returned home. For others, insecurity, plus the absence of the rule of law, infrastructure, employment prospects, or basic services like water, sanitation, education or health care prevent them from returning home.
Somalia: Learning to Expect the Worst
Tue, 07/14/2009 - 00:00I spent a night in Mogadishu this past March. It was less dramatic than it sounds. Two colleagues and I stayed at the base of the African Union peacekeeping force, AMISOM, which is reached by a back road directly from the airport. We didn’t dare venture into the city.
President's Corner: Amplifying Obama’s message to Africa
Mon, 07/13/2009 - 00:00President Obama could have amplified the impact of his speech in Africa last week, if he had invited two prominent Africans—Kofi Annan and Dr. Mo Ibrahim-- to Ghana with him. Both illustrate his central theme that “Africa’s future is up to Africans.”
Burma: Ban Ki-Moon Misses the Mark
Fri, 07/10/2009 - 00:00This past weekend, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon visited Burma for a second time. During his first trip there in May of 2008, he was highly successful in paving the way for humanitarian assistance to flow into the cylone-ravaged delta region. This second visit was less successful, and the only big “ask” made by Mr. Ban – to speak with imprisoned democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi – was denied. I believe that the key reason for his failure lies in his straying from a growing international consensus the best way to engage the Burmese government is to discuss to a broad range of issues, including humanitarian ones,instead of focusing solely on human rights.
President's Corner: Lionel Rosenblatt Honored with the Julia Taft Award
Wed, 07/08/2009 - 00:00
Tonight, at InterAction’s Forum 2009, I am honored to be introducing the former president of Refugees International, Lionel Rosenblatt, as he receives the prestigious Julia Taft Award. The award acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the humanitarian and development community, and it is difficult to think of anyone more deserving of this award than Lionel. The following is a transcript of my introduction:
Colombia: Fear Without Borders
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 15:44
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Ecuador and Venezuela to assess the conditions of Colombian refugees. And in one interview after the other, the accounts were both disturbing and similar to those I’ve heard from internally displaced people in Colombia.
Ante Up for Africa Does It Again
Fri, 07/03/2009 - 13:17
Las Vegas doesn’t seem a likely place for an event focused on the atrocities in a remote region of Sudan. And yet, the Ante Up for Africa tournament held yesterday in Las Vegas brought out hundreds of people -- celebrities, poker players, media and spectators – with the sole purpose of raising awareness and funding to end the crisis in Darfur and other conflicts in Africa.
