Proposed House COVID-19 Bill Fails the World’s Most Vulnerable

Please see below statement from Refugees International President Eric Schwartz:

“We are deeply disappointed by the failure of the House of Representatives to include any international assistance funds in the latest COVID-19 supplemental package, which was introduced on May 12. There are more than 70 million forcibly displaced people around the world who are at great risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any effective response needs to take these uniquely vulnerable populations into account. 

 Of course, the U.S. government’s primary and fundamental responsibility is to its own citizens, but how do we explain that a three trillion dollar package of assistance includes not a penny to help in the global humanitarian response? 

The Congress has historically been very supportive of international humanitarian aid, and must not now turn its back on the most vulnerable populations around the world. This omission of international funding represents a flight from global leadership at a moment when it is most needed.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Sarah Sheffer at ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org or 202 540 7029.