LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for
Refugees upon the occasion of hosting its Annual World Refugee Day Cele-
bration on June 18, 2016

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 organiza-
tions 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 Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees upon the occasion of
hosting its Annual World Refugee Day Celebration, to be feted on Satur-
day, June 18, 2016, at Hanna Park, Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be comprised of a myriad of
events to celebrate World Refugee Day including an International Fashion
Show, musical and dance performances, various children's activities, as
well as a Citizenship Ceremony where 10 youths from the community will
be proudly naturalized to the United States; in addition, people can buy
food from vendors, and view traditional crafts and educational displays
about refugees and forced migration; and
WHEREAS, It is also 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 luminous leadership of Executive Director, Shelly
Callahan, the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees strives to
assist Refugees, Immigrants and Limited English Proficient (LEP) indi-
viduals throughout the integration process and helps them achieve inde-
pendence and self-sufficiency by developing products and services which
enable us to build community with many cultures; 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 2016 is dedicated to protecting refugees
and providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives in safety
and 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 Mohawk Valley, Oneida County and City of Utica, and its
people continue to welcome refugees and make resources available for
refugees and their families to lead dignified lives, and achieve securi-
ty in personhood and to follow life, liberty and the pursuit of happi-
ness; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees upon the occasion

of hosting its Annual World Refugee Day Celebration on June 18, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Shelly Callahan, Executive Producer, Mohawk Valley Center for
Refugees.