The International Rescue Committee in Arizona lead a Refugee Town Hall in honor of World Refugee Day (WRD) where community members and elected officials came together to raise concerns and share success stories from our refugee communities. Over one hundred community members, including refugee, migrant & immigrant community leaders and 20 refugee serving organizations gathered in the gym of the Valencia Newcomer School.  

 

The elected officials in attendance included Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, State Senator Flavio Bravo, Glendale Council Member Lupe Conchas and Phoenix Council Members Betty Guardado and Kesha Hodge Washington. 

Each year, June marks World Refugee Day (WRD), the international day to honor people who have been forced to flee. WRD 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 thrive. This year, it felt especially important to gather in community to show support and solidarity, and to hear directly from our refugee neighbors.  

 

The areas of concern raised by community members included the following: 

Meheria Habibi, Deputy Director of IRC Arizona, reflected "As someone coming from the refugee community and working with refugees, I felt empowered, heard, and not alone to know our elected officials to come together and listen to all the speakers, and as always felt inspired by the courage of our refugees, and refugee community leaders to come forward and be the voice of so many that are afraid to come forward."

Community members also shared success stories that reflected the hard work, tenacity and courage that refugees bring with them to restart their lives. We heard stories of learning English, securing employment, pursuing advanced education … all while overcoming barriers unique to these families. We also heard pride and gratitude shared about the privilege to live in Arizona and the United States.  

 

“In a powerful show of unity, resilience, and civic strength, refugee, migrant, and immigrant community members gathered for a transformative Town Hall to speak directly to their elected officials from multiple levels of government. They spoke of success and contribution, but also of barriers and fear in an increasingly hostile political climate. But this was not an event just to air challenges—it was an invitation for partnership to co-create solutions -rooted in the belief that democracy is strongest when all voices are heard and the leadership, expertise and agency of refugee communities are recognized.” said Melanie Reyes, IRC’s Senior Manager for Community Engagement and Advocacy.  

 

We are grateful to the community and elected officials who came together to listen and share. Together, we can champion refugee & immigrants’ right to seek safety, build support for their economic and social inclusion, and advocate for solutions to the challenges they face.  

To get involved with the work of the International Rescue Committee, please contact Phoenix@Rescue.org.