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A Resolution recognizing June 20, 2022 as World Refugee Day in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, World Refugee Day falls each year on June 20 and is dedicated to refugees around the globe. World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time on June 20, 2001, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. It was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000; and
WHEREAS, World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees; and
WHEREAS, currently, there are more than 80 million displaced people around the world, including over 20 million refugees under the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN’s Refugee agency. Only a tiny percentage (often less than 1%) of those refugees who have fled their home countries are resettled in a third country like the United States. For many refugees, it can take decades to finally be resettled; and
WHEREAS, once referred by the UNHCR, a series of multi-agency vetting processes culminates in a refugee being assigned to a local resettlement agency; and
WHEREAS, in Nashville, there are 3 refugee resettlement agencies: Catholic Charities, the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE), and Inspiritus. These agencies provide direct services to refugees through the implementation of numerous government programs, as well as through a spectrum of wrap-around services designed to support refugees on their path to self-sufficiency. There are many other partner organizations in Nashville who provide significant support and resources to refugees through advocacy, legal services, healthcare, food assistance and more. These organizations include, but are not limited to, the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, Tennessee Resettlement Aid, Siloam Health, Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, the American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC), Nations Ministry Center, and the Office of the State Refugee Coordinator, the Tennessee Office for Refugees; and
WHEREAS, these organizations are celebrating World Refugee Day in 2022 through a live storytelling event, called Stories of Belonging, being held on Wednesday June 22nd at 6:00pm the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition Office; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, over 700 refugees from around the world were resettled in Nashville, including hundreds of evacuees from Afghanistan.; and
WHEREAS, as Nashville continues to grow, we are becoming an ever-greater hub for diverse communities. Each year, refugees contribute millions of dollars back into our local economy, and bring a richness of culture that helps Nashville thrive.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing June 20, 2022 as World Refugee Day in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.