Refugees International Applauds Congress on Passing Bill That Gives New Funding to Refugees

Washington, D.C. –Refugees International applauded Congress today for voicing concern that US money may be funding Pakistani security forces that have allegedly committed gross human rights violations. In the Combined Supplemental Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2010 that passed Tuesday July 27, 2010, Congress affirmed the US Governments commitment to monitor Pakistani security forces that receive U.S. funding . The bill also allocated essential funding to help refugees and internally displaced people in areas devastated by conflict and natural disasters.

“Refugees International has expressed serious concern to Congress that US law restricting assistance to security force units who are allegedly committing abuses, including extrajudicial killings in Pakistan, is not being implemented. This is not only morally wrong, but counter-productive to US interests,” said Craig Johnstone, President of Refugees International. “We are particularly pleased that Congress took the initiative to require that the US State Department to report on its procedures for implementation of the law in Pakistan.”

In addition, the bill requires the US government to work with the Pakistani military to open access for humanitarian organizations to work in areas affected by conflict. The humanitarian situation in Pakistan remains of concern with 1.2 million people displaced from conflict. Security concerns in certain areas prevent the humanitarian community from ensuring these populations receive food, water and shelter, and to assess the possibility for families to return home.

The bill increases FY 2010 funding for USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance through the International Disaster Assistance account by $460 million, which is more money than was requested by the President. Congress also allocated $165 million for the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration through the Migration and Refugee Assistance account, primarily to assist displaced and refugees in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia.

“The President did not request funding for refugees, but it is to Congress’ credit that it recognizes that you cannot just fund military operations in countries, without making provisions for the people affected by conflict,” said Craig Johnstone. “Many of these people don’t have access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate food. This money is essential, and will provide relief to people in desperate need.”

Refugees International is a Washington, DC-based organization that advocates to end refugee crises and receives no government or UN funding. www.refugeesinternational.org [1].

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For Immediate Release: July 28, 2010
Contact: Refugees International, Gabrielle Menezes
P: 202-828-0110 x225/ +1 347 260 1393 (mobile)
gabrielle@refugeesinternational.org [2]