June 20, 2021 - On this day 70 years ago, in Geneva, Switzerland, the United Nations adopted a momentous document: the 1951 Refugee Convention. It was a key legal document that set the global framework for the rights of refugees.
The Refugee Convention’s anniversary is commemorated every year as World Refugee Day. This is the day to take action in solidarity with all people who’ve sought refuge - globally and in our local communities.
At RIT, we see how this legacy of welcoming refugees has manifested in a culturally rich and diverse Bay Area. While honoring the courage and fundamental dignity of all who have sought refuge, we recognize that many have been forced to flee their beloved homes due to extremely painful and unjust circumstances. This includes circumstances not yet recognized by the 1951 Refugee Convention, such as climate change and economic dispossession.
For us, “welcoming” means seeing the full story of seeking refuge, and supporting community members’ safety and wellbeing. Here locally, newcomers continue to face systemic barriers and inequalities as they adjust to life in the Bay Area.
During the covid crisis, people who’ve sought refuge in the U.S. have been on the frontlines. Many are essential workers, preparing food, delivering groceries, taking care of elders, and providing other critical services. That has often entailed increased covid risk, low pay, and uncertainty if the work would be there tomorrow. Some of the essential workers have been school-age refugee and immigrant youth, who have had to prioritize work over school due to covid-related family hardship.
Last year, our community raised $30,000+ for RIT’s Relief Fund. It provided critical financial support to families who were experiencing hardship, and were not eligible for other forms of assistance. RIT’s Relief Fund addresses this systemic gap that persists today.
On World Refugee Day, please consider contributing to RIT’s Relief Fund for refugee and immigrant community members. Please write “Relief fund” in the donation form, so that we know it’s for the relief fund. Thank you!
AMPLIFY ON SOCIAL MEDIA/EMAIL: June 20 is World Refugee Day! Please contribute to Refugee & Immigrant Transitions' Relief Fund for community members who've sought refuge in the U.S. Many in the community, including essential workers, have been struggling during covid, and unable to access financial relief. Join RIT in providing direct financial assistance to families: reftrans.org/give (please write Relief fund in the donation form).