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• Rohingya Crises in Bangladesh and Burma [November 08, 2017]

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  "The Rohingya--a predominately Sunni Muslim minority of northern Rakhine State in Burma (Myanmar)--are facing several concurrent crises precipitated by the reported attack on August 25, 2017, on Burmese security facilities near the border with Bangladesh. The attacks, allegedly conducted by a relatively new and little known Rohingya nationalist group, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and an ensuing 'clearance operation' conducted by Burma's security forces have resulted in the rapid displacement of more than 600,000 Rohingya into makeshift camps in eastern Bangladesh, and the internal displacement of an unknown number of people within Rakhine State. These events have created two immediate humanitarian crises in Bangladesh and in Rakhine State. In addition, long-standing policies and attitudes in Burma regarding the Rohingya are creating major challenges to the possibility of their voluntary return. Starting in the 1960s under Burma's military juntas and continuing until today under a mixed civilian/military government, Burma's laws and policies have deprived most of the Rohingya of many of their human rights, including their citizenship. According to some observers, it is likely that many of the displaced Rohingya will not wish to return to Burma unless their safety can be secured, the discriminatory laws and policies are changed, and their human rights restored. If conditions in Burma are not suitable for repatriation, the international community may need to consider other assistance for the Rohingya, including longer-term accommodation in camps in Bangladesh and exploring local integration and resettlement options."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Martin, Michael F.; Margesson, Rhoda; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-

  2017-11-08
• Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Southeastern Africa: Humanitarian and Recovery Response in Brief [Updated May 1, 2019]

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  From the Document: "Cyclone Idai--a large and powerful Category 2 tropical storm--came ashore on March 14, 2019, at Beira, a low-lying port city in central Mozambique, causing widespread devastation in southeastern Africa. A second strong storm, Cyclone Kenneth, came ashore on April 25 just north of the coastal town of Pemba in far northern Mozambique. Cyclone Kenneth featured winds as strong as 140 miles per hour (mph) and was classified as a Category 4 storm. Although Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in an area of Mozambique where cyclones rarely come ashore, it was reportedly the strongest recorded tropical storm ever to hit the country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Cook, Nicolas

  2019-05-01
• The Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [Updated April 10, 2019]

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  From the Document: "Congress has demonstrated interest in the global migration crisis, particularly as a result of the recent flows of migrants and refugees to the United States from Central America and Mexico. In 2017 (latest data available) an estimated 232 million international migrants formed roughly 3% of the world's population. [...] In response to increasing numbers of people on the move, the U.N. General Assembly High-Level Plenary Summit on Refugees and Migrants in September 2016 adopted the 'New York Declaration,' which aims to save lives, protect rights, and share responsibility for refugees and migrants on a global scale. Building on this initiative, U.N. member states developed two global compacts--a Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and a Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). In December 2017, the Trump Administration withdrew the United States from the GCM negotiations. (In November 2018, it also withdrew U.S. participation in the GCR.) Refugees are distinct from migrants because of their specific status and protections under international law."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2019-04-10
• Cyclone Idai in Southern Africa: Humanitarian and Recovery Response in Brief [Updated April 12, 2019]

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  From the Document: "Cyclone Idai--a large and powerful tropical storm--came ashore on March 14, 2019, at Beira, a low-lying port city in central Mozambique, causing widespread devastation in southeastern Africa. The system dumped torrents of rain over large parts of Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, causing extensive flooding, mudslides, and at least one dam collapse. It also featured strong, sustained, and destructive winds, and caused widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, and crops. Cyclone Idai's impact was extensive, covering at least 1,200 square miles; it is among the worst recorded natural disasters to hit the region (see Figure 1). The storm displaced large numbers of people, many of whom are now in need of humanitarian assistance, as well as significant resources for recovery and reconstruction. Post-storm aid responses have been expanding. They have shifted from an initial focus on search and rescue to the provision of emergency food aid, shelter, and health care; efforts to enable access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and other humanitarian interventions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Cook, Nicolas

  2019-04-12
• Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Southeastern Africa: Humanitarian and Recovery Response in Brief [Updated May 10, 2019]

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  From the Overview: "Cyclone Idai--a large and powerful Category 2 tropical storm--came ashore on March 14, 2019, at Beira, a low-lying port city in central Mozambique, causing widespread devastation in southeastern Africa. A second strong storm, Cyclone Kenneth, came ashore on April 25 just north of the coastal town of Pemba in far northern Mozambique. Cyclone Kenneth featured winds as strong as 140 miles per hour (mph) and was classified as a Category 4 storm. Although Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in Cabo Delgado Province, a northern area where cyclones rarely come ashore, it was reportedly the strongest tropical storm on record ever to hit the country. Cyclone Idai dumped torrents of rain over large parts of Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, causing extensive flooding, mudslides, and at least one dam collapse. It also featured strong, sustained, and destructive winds, and caused widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, and crops. Cyclone Idai's impact was extensive, covering at least 1,200 square miles; it is among the worst natural disasters to hit the region. The storm displaced large numbers of people, many of whom are now in need of (1) humanitarian assistance, and (2) significant resources for recovery and reconstruction. Post-storm aid responses have been expanding. They have shifted from an initial focus on search and rescue to the provision of emergency food aid, shelter, and healthcare; efforts to enable access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and other humanitarian interventions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Cook, Nicolas; Margesson, Rhoda

  2019-05-10
• Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response [May 30, 2014]

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  "The ongoing conflict in Syria has created one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world. More than three years later, as of late May 2014, an estimated 9.3 million people inside Syria, nearly half the population, have been affected by the conflict, with nearly 6.5 million displaced. In addition, 2.8 million Syrians are displaced as refugees, with 97% fleeing to countries in the immediate surrounding region, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and other parts of North Africa. The situation is fluid and continues to worsen, while humanitarian needs are immense and increase daily. […] The United States has a critical voice regarding humanitarian access in Syria, the pace of humanitarian developments and contingency planning, support to neighboring countries that are hosting refugees, and burdensharing among donors. This report examines the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and the U.S. and international response and will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Chesser, Susan G.

  2014-05-30
• Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response [September 16, 2013]

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  "The use of chemical weapons in Syria on August 21, 2013, triggered an intense debate over possible U.S. military intervention. Chemical weapons use and limited military strikes in response have the potential to impact an already dire humanitarian situation. The ongoing conflict in Syria that began in March 2011 has created one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world. An estimated 6.8 million people in Syria, almost one-third of the population, have been affected by the conflict, including estimates of between 4.2 million and 5 million displaced inside Syria. On September 3, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that the number of Syrians displaced as refugees exceeded 2 million, with 97% fleeing to countries in the immediate surrounding region, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and other parts of North Africa. The situation is fluid and continues to worsen, while humanitarian needs are immense and increase daily. […] The United States is the largest donor of humanitarian assistance and is part of the massive, international humanitarian operation in parts of Syria and in neighboring countries. In FY2012 and as of mid-September 2013, the United States has allocated more than $1 billion to meet humanitarian needs using existing funding from global humanitarian accounts and some reprogrammed funding. U.S. humanitarian policy is guided by concerns about humanitarian access and protection within Syria; the large refugee flows out of the country that strain the resources of neighboring countries (and could negatively impact the overall stability of the region); and an already escalating and protracted humanitarian emergency."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Chesser, Susan G.

  2013-09-16
• Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response [March 13, 2014]

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  "The ongoing conflict that began in March 2011 in Syria has created one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world. Three years later, as of early March 2014, an estimated 9.3 million people inside Syria, nearly half the population, have been affected by the conflict. It is estimated that there are 6.5 million displaced persons inside Syria and 2.5 million Syrians displaced as refugees, with 97% fleeing to countries in the immediate surrounding region, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and other parts of North Africa. The situation is fluid and continues to worsen, while humanitarian needs are immense and increase daily. While internationally supervised disarmament of chemical weapons in Syria is proceeding, albeit with some difficulty, U.S. and international diplomatic efforts to negotiate a political end to the fighting in Syria opened on January 22, 2014, in Montreux, Switzerland. The 'Geneva II' talks include some members of the Syrian opposition, representatives of the Syrian government, and other government leaders. The first round of talks came to an end on January 31 and resumed February 10-15, but ended with little progress in efforts to end the civil war. The parties reportedly agreed to an agenda for a third round of talks. Many experts and observers hoped that a lasting agreement would have been reached on 'humanitarian pauses' to allow access and relief to thousands of civilians blockaded in towns and cities in Syria. On February 22, the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2139 (2014) to increase humanitarian access and aid delivery in Syria."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Chesser, Susan G.

  2014-03-13
• Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response [February 25, 2014]

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  "The ongoing conflict in Syria that began in March 2011 has created one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world. As of early February 2014, an estimated 9.3 million people in Syria, nearly half the population, have been affected by the conflict. This figure includes estimates of between 6.5 million displaced inside Syria and 2.4 million Syrians displaced as refugees, with 97% fleeing to countries in the immediate surrounding region, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and other parts of North Africa. The situation is fluid and continues to worsen, while humanitarian needs are immense and increase daily. While internationally supervised disarmament of chemical weapons in Syria is proceeding, albeit with some difficulty, U.S. and international diplomatic efforts to negotiate a political end to the fighting in Syria opened on January 22, 2014, in Montreux, Switzerland. The 'Geneva II' talks include some members of the Syrian opposition, representatives of the Syrian government, and other government leaders. The talks came to an end on January 31 and resumed February 10-15, 2014, but ended with little progress in efforts to end the civil war. The parties reportedly agreed to an agenda for the next round of talks. Many experts and observers hoped that a lasting agreement would have been reached on 'humanitarian pauses' to allow access and relief to thousands of civilians blockaded in towns and cities in Syria. On February 22, 2014, the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2139 (2014) to increase humanitarian access and aid delivery in Syria."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Chesser, Susan G.

  2014-02-25
• Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): U.S. and International Response to Philippines Disaster [Febrary 10, 2014]

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  "This report examines the impact of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which struck the central Philippines on November 8, 2013, and the U.S. and international response. Haiyan was one of the strongest typhoons to strike land on record. Over a 16 hour period, the 'super typhoon,' with a force equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane and sustained winds of up to 195 mph, directly swept through six provinces in the central Philippines. The disaster quickly created a humanitarian crisis. In some of the hardest hit areas, particularly in coastal communities in Leyte province and the southern tip of Eastern Samar, the storm knocked out power, telecommunications, and water supplies. The humanitarian relief operation was initially hampered by a number of significant obstacles, including a general lack of transportation, extremely limited communications systems, damaged infrastructure, and seriously disrupted government services. Despite the physical and logistical challenges, regular relief activities reportedly reached most of the worst-stricken areas within two weeks of the storm. Two and a half months after the typhoon struck, United Nations (U.N.) agencies reported that 14.1 million people had been affected, with more than 4.1 million displaced. Estimates of the number killed had risen to 6,201 with more than 1,785 missing. The number of injured was unknown. In addition, assessments revealed that an estimated 1.1 million houses had been damaged or destroyed and nearly 5.6 million people required food assistance."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-

  2014-02-10
• Horn of Africa: The Humanitarian Crisis and International Response [September 30, 2011]

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  "As a result of the worst drought in 60 years, regional conflicts, and conflict within states, a humanitarian emergency of massive proportion is unfolding in the Horn of Africa region with more than 13.3 million people affected, 750,000 of whom need food assistance in the near term to avoid death. Somalia has been hardest hit so far, creating population displacement within its borders and a refugee crisis of nearly 1 million people in the region, primarily in Kenya and Ethiopia. The international community is responding, and the humanitarian needs are expected to rise in the coming months and will likely demand sustained attention well into 2012. While life-saving assistance is the current priority, long-term responses may be needed to break the disaster cycle in the Horn. Though triggered by drought, the humanitarian emergency is further complicated by political and security pressures within, between, and among the various countries in the region. This report provides an overview of the current status of the crisis, a summary of the background on the region, a framework for the international and humanitarian response, and an analysis of some of the operational challenges."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Dagne, Theodore S.; Hanrahan, Charles

  2011-09-30
• United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: Background and Policy Issues [December 27, 2010]

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  "The United Nations (UN) has had an active presence in Afghanistan since 1988, and it is highly regarded by many Afghans for playing a brokering role in ending the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. As a result of the Bonn Agreement of December 2001, coordinating international donor activity and assistance have been tasked to a United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). However, there are other coordinating institutions tied to the Afghan government, and UNAMA has struggled to exercise its full mandate. The international recovery and reconstruction effort in Afghanistan is immense and complicated and, in coordination with the Afghan government, involves U.N. agencies, bilateral donors, international organizations, and local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The coordinated aid programs of the United States and its European allies focus on a wide range of activities, from strengthening the central and local governments of Afghanistan and its security forces to promoting civilian reconstruction, reducing corruption, and assisting with elections."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2010-12-27
• International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [April 14, 2011]

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  "In the past three decades, the U.S. government and international community have increasingly recognized violence against women (hereinafter VAW) as a human rights problem with far reaching consequences. Prior to the 1970s, many in the international community viewed VAW as a private matter to be dealt with among individuals and not a public matter that merited a national or international response. In the late 1970s and 1980s, however, the international community began to focus on VAW as a global health problem and violation of human rights. This shift was driven, in part, by an increasingly effective and well-organized grassroots movement of local, national, and international women's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that brought international attention to the plight of VAW victims and created a more public forum for discussion of the issue. [...] This report identifies types of VAW and the direct and indirect consequences of these acts of violence. It provides examples of completed and ongoing U.S. government programs that--in whole or in part--work to reduce or eliminate international violence against women. It does not assess the scope of individual programs or a program's success in achieving its goal. The report also outlines possible policy considerations for the 112th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of current U.S. programs, further integrating VAW prevention and treatment into U.S. foreign assistance programs, coordinating among U.S. executive branch agencies and departments, and U.S. funding of international anti-VAW programs."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Blanchfield, Luisa

  2011-04-14
• Dominican Republic: Update on Citizenship and Humanitarian Issues [April 27, 2016]

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  "The Dominican government has long been criticized for its treatment of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent. The government is sensitive to such criticism because it touches on race and nationality issues. After sustained international criticism of a 2013 court ruling, Dominican President Danilo Medina has taken steps to address the citizenship status and rights of people of Haitian descent and undocumented individuals living in the Dominican Republic through implementation of a naturalization law and regularization plan. Medina is favored to win a second term in elections scheduled for May 15, 2016. He is unlikely to take further steps on behalf of people born in the Dominican Republic who are undocumented until after the elections."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Margesson, Rhoda

  2016-04-27
• United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: Background and Policy Issues [December 14, 2009]

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  "The most serious challenge facing Afghans and Afghanistan today remains the lack of security. Recent moves by the Taliban and other insurgents to reestablish control of some areas of the country have slowed the pace and extent of economic development and the expansion of the Afghan government, an essential part of the peacebuilding process in Afghanistan. On December 1, 2009, the Obama Administration laid out its strategy for Afghanistan in response to a battlefield assessment from General McCrystal and reemphasized an earlier commitment to civilian efforts in cooperation with the United Nations. The December 1 policy announcement was a follow-on to a March 2009 Obama Administration statement that identified Afghanistan as a top national security priority. It also highlighted the unsatisfactory status of progress to date and need to find a way forward. Congress has focused on Afghanistan as a critical concern during the first session of the 111th Congress. The United Nations has had an active presence in Afghanistan since 1988. Since the Bonn Agreement of December 2001, international donor activity and assistance has been coordinated primarily through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), though there are other coordinating institutions tied to the Afghan government. Most observers agree that continued, substantial, long-term development is key, as is the need for international support, but questions have been raised about aid effectiveness (funds required, priorities established, impact received) and the coordination necessary to achieve sufficient improvement throughout the country. […] This report examines the central role of UNAMA in Afghanistan. It discusses the obstacles the organization faces in coordinating international efforts and explores related policy issues and considerations for the 111th Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2009-12-14
• United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: Background and Policy Issues [July 30, 2009]

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  "One of the most serious challenges facing Afghans and Afghanistan today remains the lack of security. Recent moves by the Taliban and other insurgents to reestablish control of some areas of the country have slowed the pace and extent of economic development and the expansion of the Afghan government, an essential part of the peacebuilding process in Afghanistan. The United Nations has had an active presence in Afghanistan since 1988. Since the Bonn Agreement of December 2001, international donor activity and assistance has been coordinated primarily through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), though there are other coordinating institutions tied to the Afghan government. Most observers agree that continued, substantial, long-term development is key, as is the need for international support, but questions have been raised about aid effectiveness (funds required, priorities established, impact received) and the coordination necessary to achieve sufficient improvement throughout the country. In March 2009, the Obama Administration unveiled its overall strategy for Afghanistan as a top national security priority and highlighted the unsatisfactory status of progress to date and need to find a way forward. Congress has focused on Afghanistan as a critical concern during the first six months of the 111th Congress. […] This report examines the central role of UNAMA in Afghanistan. It discusses the obstacles the organization faces in coordinating international efforts and explores related policy issues and considerations for the 111th Congress. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2009-07-30
• Venezuela Regional Migration Crisis [November 27, 2018]

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  "The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Venezuela has elevated congressional concerns about the country, which remains in a deep political and economic crisis under the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro. Even as Venezuela has experienced hyperinflation (the highest in the world), a rapid contraction of its economy, and severe shortages of food and medicine, President Maduro has refused to accept international humanitarian assistance. As conditions in the country deteriorate, increasing numbers of Venezuelans continue to leave for urgent reasons, including lack of food, medicine, and access to social services; political persecution; insecurity; and loss of income. As the pace of arrivals from Venezuela has quickened, neighboring countries, particularly Colombia, are straining to absorb a population that is often malnourished and in poor health."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Seelke, Clare Ribando

  2018-11-27
• Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [October 16, 2018]

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  "Numerous Members of the 115th Congress have demonstrated interest in the global migration crisis, particularly as a result of the recent flows of migrants and refugees to the United States from Central America and Mexico. In 2017, an estimated 232 million international migrants formed roughly 3% of the world's population. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines a migrant as 'any individual who has temporarily or permanently crossed an international border and is no longer residing in his/her country of origin/habitual residence.' The decision to move is usually made out of a choice related to livelihood, improved economic circumstances, or family ties. However, as discussed below, certain factors may force individuals to leave involuntarily."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Able-Thomas, Catherine L.

  2018-10-16
• Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [Updated January 8, 2019]

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  "Congress has demonstrated interest in the global migration crisis, particularly as a result of the recent flows of migrants and refugees to the United States from Central America and Mexico. In 2017, an estimated 232 million international migrants formed roughly 3% of the world's population. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines a migrant as 'any individual who has temporarily or permanently crossed an international border and is no longer residing in his/her country of origin/habitual residence.' The decision to move is usually made out of a choice related to livelihood, improved economic circumstances, or family ties. However, as discussed below, certain factors may force individuals to leave involuntarily."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2019-01-08
• Global Refugee Resettlement: Selected Issues and Questions [Updated January 11, 2019]

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  "The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) anticipates that in 2019 more than 132 million people worldwide will require humanitarian assistance and protection as a result of conflict and disaster. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR, see text box) reported in 2018 that more than 68.5 million were forcibly displaced worldwide due to armed conflict, widespread or indiscriminate violence, or human rights violations. Those displaced included 25.4 million refugees, 3.1 million asylum seekers, and 40 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2019-01-11
• International Crises and Disasters: U.S. Humanitarian Assistance Response Mechanisms [May 24, 2013]

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  "The majority of humanitarian emergencies worldwide stem from natural disasters or from conflicts. Congress has consistently supported humanitarian efforts as a means of responding to crises in the short term, taking the lead, and promoting a U.S. presence. Intervention results in varying amounts of relief and recovery assistance and can have an important impact not only on the relief operation itself but on broader foreign policy issues. In the 113th Congress, international humanitarian and refugee assistance is expected to continue to have a strong measure of bipartisan support, with key policy issues focused on budget priorities, levels and types of funding, the sources of other support available worldwide, and the ways in which operational assistance is delivered. Factors that may impact decision-making include the type of humanitarian assistance required, the impact of conflict and refugee flows on stability in the region in question, and the role of neighboring countries in contributing to the relief effort. Examples of issues likely to remain of congressional interest include competing aid and budget priorities, reimbursing U.S. government agencies for their expenditures (to replenish the emergency accounts or other accounts that have been used to provide assistance), and civilian and military coordination, including the evolving role of the Department of Defense in humanitarian assistance. Other priorities may include an examination of the disparity between numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees worldwide and the available funding for these groups; physical protection of refugees and other vulnerable populations in addition to the protection of human rights; programs to address gender based violence; and the creation of durable solutions for displaced populations."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2013-05-24
• Syria: Overview of the Humanitarian Response [September 4, 2013]

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  "The ongoing conflict in Syria has created one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world. An estimated 6.8 million people in Syria, almost one-third of the population, have been affected by the conflict, including more than 4.2 million displaced inside Syria (estimate as of August 15, 2013). On September 3, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that the number of Syrians displaced as refugees exceeded 2 million, with 97% fleeing to countries in the immediate surrounding region, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and other parts of North Africa. The situation is fluid and continues to worsen, while humanitarian needs are immense and increase daily."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Chesser, Susan G.

  2013-09-04
• Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): U.S. and International Response to Philippines Disaster [November 25, 2013]

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  "This report examines the impact of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which struck the central Philippines on November 8, 2013, and the U.S. and international response. Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) was one of the strongest typhoons (cyclones) to strike land on record. Over a 16 hour period, the 'super typhoon,' with a force equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane and sustained winds of up to 195 mph, directly swept through six provinces and affected over 10% of the nation's population of 105 million people. The areas damaged by the typhoon were some of the poorest parts of the Philippines. Congressional concerns related to the storm and its aftermath include the immediate U.S. and international humanitarian response, the impact on the U.S. foreign aid budget, the long-term U.S. foreign aid strategy for the Philippines, and how the U.S. response to the disaster may impact the U.S.-Philippines relationship as well as regional geopolitical dynamics. […] The involvement of U.S. military forces in Haiyan relief efforts has come at a time of growing U.S.-Philippine security cooperation. The United States and the Philippines maintain close ties stemming from the U.S. colonial period (1898-1946), a security alliance, and common strategic and economic interests. Other pillars of the bilateral bond include shared democratic values and extensive people-to-people contacts. U.S. military forces engage in regular joint exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The United States also has an ongoing, limited, nonpermanent military presence in the country engaged in counterterrorism and humanitarian activities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lum, Thomas G. (Thomas Gong), 1961-; Margesson, Rhoda

  2013-11-25
• Dominican Republic: Tensions with Haiti over Citizenship and Migration Issues [July 15, 2015]

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  "A serious dispute between the Dominican Republic and Haiti regarding the citizenship status of some 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian descent, as well as undocumented migrants in the Dominican Republic, threatens to exacerbate tensions between the two neighbors. In 2013, a Dominican Constitutional Tribunal ruling called into question the legal status of people of Haitian descent who were born in the Dominican Republic to undocumented parents. […] At issue is how the Dominican government will determine the status of those affected by the ruling, whether individuals will be rendered stateless (not considered to be a citizen of any state under national law), and when and if the Dominican government will deport those affected to Haiti, a country ill-equipped to receive large numbers of displaced people. International organizations and human rights groups assert that protection of, and assistance to, those affected are critical priorities. The situation involves a complex mix of discrimination in nationality legislation and migration policies and lack of birth registration in the Dominican Republic combined with conflicting nationality laws between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Due to these policy discrepancies and a great deal of uncertainty, tens of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent have relocated to Haiti. It is unclear whether they decided to leave the Dominican Republic voluntarily or out of intimidation and fear."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Seelke, Clare Ribando; Margesson, Rhoda; Taft-Morales, Maureen

  2015-07-15
• International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues [March 31, 2008]

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  "In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized international violence against women (VAW) as a significant human rights and global health issue. VAW, which can include both random acts of violence as well as sustained abuse over time, can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. Studies have found that VAW occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and economic classes, with some surveys showing that women in developing countries experience higher rates of violence than those in developed countries. Many experts view VAW as a symptom of the historically unequal power relationship between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence. […] This report addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It also outlines possible policy considerations for the 110th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of current U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; strengthening U.S. government coordination of international anti-VAW activities; and collaborating with international organizations such as the United Nations on anti- VAW efforts. This report will be updated as events warrant."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchfield, Luisa; Margesson, Rhoda; Seelke, Clare Ribando . . .

  2008-03-31
• U.S. Assistance to Women in Afghanistan and Iraq: Challenges and Issues for Congress [January 5, 2006]

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  "This report reviews U.S. funding for programs directed toward women in Afghanistan and Iraq. Women in these two countries have faced particularly difficult conditions under the Taliban and Baathist regimes. Although there have been notable improvements since the ouster of these regimes in 2001 and 2003, respectively, women still face real challenges in the areas of education, health care, political participation, and, in many cases, basic human rights. The national and international response to the plight of Afghan and Iraqi women may have an important impact not only on the women being directly assisted, but also on their countries as a whole, in terms of more widespread access to education, health care, and political and economic participation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Kronenfeld, Daniel

  2006-01-05
• Earthquake in South Asia: Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Operations [Updated March 24, 2006]

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  "On October 8, 2005, a powerful earthquake struck northern Pakistan and India, killing at least 74,000 people and injuring over 70,000 more. The earthquake damaged the homes of millions of people, forcing more than 2.8 million to search for alternative means of shelter. The full extent of the destruction is now being revealed as government authorities and relief organizations are able to access some of the remote locations. The United States government (USG) has pledged $510 million toward the relief effort, almost all of it to assisting Pakistan, which remains a key U.S. ally in the war against terror. Because of the heavy USG military and development presence in neighboring Afghanistan, the logistics of bringing resources into Pakistan have been relatively straightforward. The USG, Government of Pakistan, and NATO, among others, operated daily relief flights to ferry supplies, personnel, and victims to and from the region. The earthquake struck a region that lies along the southern reaches of the Himalayan Mountains. While delivering humanitarian assistance and gaining full access was critical, one of the main humanitarian priorities early on was ensuring that the estimated three million people who lost their homes had adequate protection from winter weather and diseases. Extensive preparation and coordinated relief efforts helped greatly to mitigate against the impact of winter. Aid agencies continue to provide much needed assistance and are now planning for the transition from relief to reconstruction, which is scheduled to take place in April."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Kronenfeld, Daniel

  2006-03-24
• Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami: Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Operations [Updated February 10, 2005]

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  "On December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, unleashed a tsunami that affected more than 12 countries throughout south and southeast Asia and stretched as far as the northeastern African coast. Current official estimates indicate that more than 160,000 people are dead and millions of others are affected, including those injured, missing, or displaced, making this the deadliest tsunami on record. News reports suggest that the death toll may be well above 200,000. Sections of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand have suffered the worst devastation. Eighteen Americans are confirmed dead, with another sixteen presumed dead, and 153 remain unaccounted for. In response, the United Nations, the United States, and other donor nations have organized what some have called the worlds largest relief and recovery operation to date. President Bush pledged $350 million in aid and mobilized the U.S. military to provide logistical and other assistance...This report summarizes the extent of the disaster and relief effort and includes descriptions of the U.S. and international assistance efforts. It also examines protection mechanisms for children and separated orphans. A section is devoted to the situation in each of the affected countries followed by an analysis of selected issues for Congress. A Most Recent Developments section at the beginning of the report is updated through February 10, 2005. The rest of the report is updated through January 21, 2005."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda

  2005-02-10
• Earthquake in South Asia: Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Operations [December 12, 2005]

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  "On October 8, 2005, a powerful earthquake struck northern Pakistan and India, killing at least 74,500 people and injuring over 130,000 more. The earthquake damaged the homes of as many as three million people, forcing many of them to search for alternative means of shelter. The full extent of the destruction remains unknown because government authorities and relief organizations continue to have difficulty accessing some remote locations. As of the date of this report, the United States government (USG) has pledged $410 million toward the relief effort, almost all of it to assisting Pakistan, which remains a key U.S. ally in the war against terror. So far, about 35% of this pledge has been committed. Because of the heavy USG military and development presence in neighboring Afghanistan, the logistics of bringing resources into Pakistan has been relatively straightforward. The USG, Government of Pakistan, and NATO, among others, are operating daily relief flights to ferry supplies, personnel, and victims to and from the region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Kronenfeld, Daniel

  2005-12-12
• East Timor: Internal Strife, Political Turmoil, and Reconstruction [April 26, 2007]

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  "The situation in East Timor has changed dramatically over the past year. Prior to 2006 the international community's main concern focused on possible tensions in East Timor's relations with Indonesia. Now the main threat to East Timor is internal strife resulting from weak, or collapsed, state institutions, rivalries among elites, a poor economy, unemployment, and east-west tensions within the country. The reintroduction of peacekeeping troops and a United Nations mission, the flow of revenue from hydrocarbon resources in the Timor Sea, and upcoming elections may help East Timor move towards more effective and democratic government. East Timor could potentially gain significant wealth from energy resources beneath the Timor Sea. Experts say a key challenge for East Timor will be to create enough political stability to focus on building state capacity with resources from the Timor Sea and prevent them from being squandered by corrupt practices."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Margesson, Rhoda; Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-

  2007-04-26