Refugee Council USA Urges President Trump to Uphold U.S. Commitments to International Human Rights and Refugee Treaties, Fully Restore Refugee and Asylum Protections

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) released a letter addressed to President Donald J. Trump, signed by the executives of 18 RCUSA member organizations, urging the administration to uphold, preserve, and strengthen international human rights and refugee law and treaties – and reject efforts to undo or undermine international legal norms.

The letter underscores that any attempt to withdraw from or circumvent international and domestic refugee law undermines U.S. global leadership and our respect for the rule of law — and does nothing to support our national security, economic, legal, or moral interests.

“In light of rising global displacement and protracted humanitarian crises, it has never been more important to reaffirm our moral and legal obligations – and serve our global security and economic interests-particularly under the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol.” The letter states.

RCUSA member organizations also urge the United States government to operate the U.S. refugee resettlement and asylum programs in good faith and fully restore access to humanitarian protections, regardless of nationality, race, or religion. It is imperative to reaffirm our global commitment to the protection of refugees and to the international frameworks that safeguard them.

Media Contact: Mariam Sayeed, msayeed@rcusa.org

RCUSA is a diverse coalition advocating for just and humane laws and policies, and the promotion of dialogue and communication among government, civil society, and those who need protection and welcome. Individual RCUSA members do not all address all refugee-related issues, nor do all individual members approach common refugee-related issues identically.

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