04/01/2004

Go to the RI 25th Anniversary Gala Page - Pictures from the event!


Dear valued friends of Refugees International;

The year 2004 marks the 25th anniversary of Refugees International. For nearly a quarter of a century, Refugees International has served as a leading humanitarian advocacy voice, speaking out for the human rights of displaced people around the world and promoting more effective ways for the international community to meet their needs.

From our humble beginnings as the dream of one woman, Sue Morton, through the expansion of our work from Southeast Asia to around the globe, and despite the great personal tragedy in 1999 of losing two of our close friends, David and Penny McCall, and our world-renowned advocate, Yvette Pierpaoli, Refugees International has never waived from our mission to give voice to the plight of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Our work over the years has taken us from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Our advocates were in Vietnam and Cambodia caring for the “boat people” and addressing the genocide. Almost single-handedly, President emeritus Lionel Rosenblatt generated support for Kurds in northern Iraq. In Sierra Leone, Refugees International was the first to document and call worldwide attention to the horrible mutilations. And our brave advocates were there in Rwanda, in Bosnia, and in Kosovo, generating cash, care, and concern from the international community.

After September 11 and the subsequent fall of the Taliban, Refugees International was one of the first organizations inside Afghanistan, a country we had already visited many times before and one that we continue to monitor. Our advocacy resulted in a $350 million aid package from the U.S. government. Most recently, we voiced concern before the war in Iraq, calling for stronger planning for the humanitarian consequences following the war.

We have expanded our areas of interest to include the issues that cause and surround displacement –landmines, HIV/AIDS, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, famine, and women’s access to reproductive health services. Women and children will always remain a key focus area.

We are able to continue our work because of concerned people like you. We are funded solely by individuals, foundations and corporations – we accept no government or UN funding. We become your independent eyes and ears, as well as you heart and soul, in addressing the heartbreaking situations of refugees and internally displaced people.

This year, please keep refugees in your heart and mind. For the last twenty-five years, Refugees International has been there to help. With your help, we will remain…

A Powerful Voice for Lifesaving Action

Sincerely,

James V. Kimsey, Chair and Kenneth H. Bacon, President