New York, NY, February 1, 2017 — Responding to the confirmation of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State:
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said:
"We welcome Secretary Tillerson to his new role, and look forward to engaging with him and his staff on matters of pressing global importance.
Rex Tillerson will take on the mantle of Secretary of State during a time of unprecedented global upheaval. More than a dozen conflicts have either erupted or have continued to burn since 2010, from Afghanistan to South Sudan. In Syria, half of the country’s population has fled and at least 500,000 have died in civil war of matchless brutality. Protracted conflict, violence targeted against civilians and a total disregard for the laws of war have driven 65 million people - the most since the Second World War - from their homes.
The strategic direction Secretary Tillerson takes in his first days in office, and America's global leadership writ large, will be critical to tackling the global displacement -- the defining challenge of our time. An “America First” foreign policy should mean more, and better aid - not less - to address the causes and symptoms of global instability that threaten the security of America and its allies.
Continued U.S. foreign assistance - via robust FY2017 and FY2018 International Affairs budgets - will be an essential first step toward recognizing the importance of alleviating humanitarian suffering abroad and fostering long-term development. As Secretary of State, Tillerson can shepherd much-needed reform of the humanitarian system - making every dollar count in its reach, efficiency, and impact - and ensuring meaningful economic support to fragile states, many of whom bear the brunt of the global displacement crisis by hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees.
The US must double-down on, not draw back from, its commitment to international engagement. Beyond an expression of its long-held values, these are clearly in the U.S. economic and strategic interest. We need American leadership more than ever as we face extraordinary humanitarian and security challenges."