Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
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![Top: Afghan refugee boy; Middle: UNHCR worker; Bottom: Somali girl [State Dept. Photos]](http://www.state.gov/cms_images/prm_one_150_600.jpg)
What is the Bureau's role?
The State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) provides aid and sustainable solutions for refugees, victims of conflict and stateless people around the world, through repatriation, local integration, and resettlement in the United States. PRM also promotes the United States' population and migration policies.
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has been forced from his or her home and crossed an international border for safety. He or she must have a well-founded fear of persecution in his or her native country, on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
How does the Bureau deliver assistance?
The. U.S. government provides assistance largely through the multilateral system in order to maximize impact and minimize duplication. Our major partners include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East (UNRWA).
On November 4, 2009, Assistant Secretary Schwartz spoke at the Brookings Institute about The Role of Humanitarians in Government: Perspectives on Advocacy and Impact
The Role of Humanitarians in Government
At UNHCR’s 2009 Nansen Award Ceremony
Assistant Secretary Schwartz delivered remarks at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ 2009 Nansen Award, given posthumously to Senator Edward Kennedy. See this brief video that commemorates Sen. Kennedy’s efforts on behalf of refugees.
Protecting Stateless Persons: the Role of the U.S. Government
On October 30, 2009, Assistant Secretary Schwartz spoke about the United States’ responsibility to protect stateless persons worldwide at a conference on statelessness hosted by Refugee Council USA and Georgetown Law School’s Human Rights Institute. -Remarks
60th Anniversary of UNRWA
In New York City for the 64th annual United Nations General Assembly, Assistant Secretary Eric P. Schwartz spoke on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). -Full Text
U.S. Announces Record Level of Humanitarian Assistance to UN and other International Organizations in 2009
Assistant Secretary Schwartz (Sept. 24): "I am pleased to announce that ... the United States Government will have contributed well over $3 billion this year to the United Nations and other international organizations for the very specific purpose of providing humanitarian assistance, life-saving relief for refugees, for victims of conflict and natural disasters, for stateless people, and for vulnerable migrants. -Full Text
FY2010 Refugee Admissions Report
Learn about the Bureau’s plans for refugee resettlement in Fiscal Year 2010 in this year’s Proposed Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2010: Report to the Congress. See full PDF document.
Refugee Issues
On the inaugural commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, Assistant Secretary Schwartz briefed about issues involving refugees and other victims of conflict around the world. -Full Text
60th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions
White House General Counsel Gregory B. Craig delivered moving remarks on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. -Full Text
-Congressional Presentation Document FY 2010 PDF 449 KB
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