Humanitarian Priorities for the 117th Congress Webinar

March 8, 2021

As a new legislative session is underway, Congress faces challenges on the domestic and international humanitarian front. Global refugee resettlement numbers have shrunk in recent years. The COVID-19 global pandemic has exacerbated underlying vulnerabilities of displaced populations, including for women and girls. Asylum seekers, refugees, and internally displaced people (IDPs) often face enormous obstacles in gaining access to lifesaving assistance and protection. Additional support and attention are needed for the more than 80 million people displaced globally as a result of persecution, conflict, and violations of human rights.

United States Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, President of Refugees International Eric Schwartz, and Chairperson of Refugee Congress Board of Directors Lourena Gboeah discussed the role of the United States Congress in humanitarian support for displaced populations.