Assembly Resolution No. 688

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMENDING The Center upon the occasion of hosting
its Annual World Refugee Day Celebration

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
commend The Center upon the occasion of hosting its Annual World Refugee
Day Celebration; and

WHEREAS, World Refugee Day is a time to recognize the contributions
of refugees in Utica, and observe the plight of 60 million individuals,
1 in 22 persons, globally that are refugees or in refugee-like
situations; to date, close to 16,000 refugees have resettled and come to
call the Mohawk Valley their home; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Executive Director Shelly
Callahan, The Center strives to assist refugees, immigrants and Limited
English Proficient (LEP) individuals throughout the integration process,
and helps them achieve independence and self-sufficiency by developing
products and services; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to lead and
coordinate international action to protect refugees and find solutions
to refugee problems worldwide; and

WHEREAS, It is important to recognize that the United States has a
long history of helping and protecting refugees, and is signatory to the
1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and
its 1967 Protocol; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a
resolution on December 4, 2000, naming June 20th of every year as World
Refugee Day, bringing attention to the plight of the world's refugees
and to extend to them encouragement, support and respect; and

WHEREAS, World Refugee Day 2022 is dedicated to protecting refugees
and providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives safely and
with dignity; this year, World Refugee Day also marks a key moment for
the public to show support for families and individuals forced to flee;
and

WHEREAS, The communities of the Mohawk Valley, Oneida County and the
City of Utica continue to both welcome refugees and make resources
available to them and their families to lead dignified lives, and
achieve security in personhood and to follow life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Center upon the occasion of hosting its Annual World Refugee
Day Celebration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shelly Callahan, Executive Producer, The Center.