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Overview of the Global Humanitarian and Displacement Crisis [Updated September 18, 2020]

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From the Document: "Even before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the global humanitarian and displacement crisis was unprecedented. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) anticipated that in 2020 more than 168 million people worldwide would require humanitarian assistance and protection due to conflict and disaster. The United States is the single largest donor, consistently providing nearly one-third (more than $9.5 billion in FY2020) of total humanitarian and emergency food assistance through global accounts."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda

2020-09-18
Venezuela Regional Humanitarian Crisis and COVID-19 [Updated September 2, 2020]

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From the Document: "The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Venezuela has elevated congressional concerns about the country, which remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro. Even before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Venezuelans were facing a lack of food, medicine and health, and access to social services. Political persecution, hyperinflation, loss of income, and oppressive poverty also contributed to a dire situation. According to household surveys, the percentage of Venezuelans living in poverty increased from 48.4% in 2014 to 96% in 2019 (80% in extreme poverty). Millions require humanitarian assistance, with pregnant and nursing women, those with chronic illnesses, indigenous people, migrants, children under five, and people with disabilities particularly in need. In February 2020, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) released an assessment showing that in 2019, 9.3 million Venezuelans were food insecure, with 2.3 million people at severe levels. Many Venezuelans reported that the price of food presented more of an obstacle than the availability of food. Many households did not have reliable access to potable water and reported interruptions in electrical service and gas supplies. With a collapsed health system, overall health indicators, particularly infant and maternal mortality rates, worsened. Previously eradicated diseases such as diphtheria and measles also became a major concern."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Seelke, Clare Ribando; Margesson, Rhoda

2020-09-02
Global Refugee Resettlement: Selected Issues and Questions [Updated September 1, 2020]

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From the Document: "As the number of refugees worldwide reached unprecedented levels in recent years, Congress has demonstrated a continued interest in refugee resettlement, although such opportunities are available to only a small percentage of the global refugee population. [...] On March 17, 2020, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced the suspension of global resettlement travel for refugees due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) travel bans. On June 18, 2020, they announced the resumption of resettlement departures for refugees, although many travel restrictions remained in place."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda

2020-09-01
Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [Updated September 1, 2020]

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From the Document: "Congress has demonstrated ongoing interest in the global migration crisis, particularly with recent flows of migrants and refugees to the United States from Central America and Mexico. In 2019 an estimated 272 million international migrants formed roughly 3.5% of the world's population. Although not formally defined under international law, many experts generally agree that an 'international migrant' is someone who changes his or her country of usual residence, temporarily or permanently, and for a variety of reasons. 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

2020-09-01
Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated August 26, 2020]

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From the Introduction: "This report provides an overview of the overlapping political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Venezuela, followed by an overview of U.S. policy toward Venezuela."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Seelke, Clare Ribando; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .

2020-08-26
Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [Updated March 27, 2020]

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From the Document: "Congress has demonstrated interest in the global migration crisis, particularly with recent flows of migrants and refugees to the United States from Central America and Mexico. In 2019 an estimated 272 million international migrants formed roughly 3.5% 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

2020-03-27
Global Refugee Resettlement: Selected Issues and Questions [Updated March 27, 2020]

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From the Document: "As the number of refugees worldwide reached unprecedented levels in recent years, Congress has demonstrated a continued interest in refugee 'resettlement,' although such opportunities are available to only a small percentage of the global refugee population. (For more information on the refugee 'admissions' process to the United States, see CRS Report RL31269, 'Refugee Admissions and Resettlement Policy.') On March 17, 2020, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced they were suspending global resettlement travel for refugees due to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] travel bans."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda

2020-03-27
Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated March 12, 2020]

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From the Document: "Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez (president, 1999-2013), began a second term on January 10, 2019, that is widely considered illegitimate. Since January 2019, Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela's democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly, has sought to form a transition government to serve until internationally observed elections can be held. The United States and 57 other countries recognize Guaidó as interim president, but he has been unable to wrest Maduro from power and has faced increased danger since returning home from a January-February 2020 tour, which included a meeting with President Trump. Some observers believe that National Assembly elections due this year might start an electoral path out of the current stalemate."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Seelke, Clare Ribando; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy); Margesson, Rhoda . . .

2020-03-12
Global Refugee Resettlement: Selected Issues and Questions [Updated February 6, 2020]

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From the Document: "As the number of refugees worldwide reached unprecedented levels in recent years, Congress has demonstrated a continued interest in refugee 'resettlement', although such opportunities are available to only a small percentage of the global refugee population. This report does not discuss the refugee 'admissions' process to the United States."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda

2020-02-06
Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and U.S. Policy [Updated February 6, 2020]

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From the Document: "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. In July 2018, U.N. member states finalized the text of the GCM. Governments signed the compact at the U.N. Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 10-11, 2018, with 152 votes in favor, 5 against (Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Poland, United States), and 12 abstentions. The U.N. General Assembly adopted the GCM on December 19, 2018."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda

2020-02-06
Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated November 7, 2019]

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From the Document: "Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez (president, 1999-2013), began a second term on January 10, 2019, that most Venezuelans and much of the international community consider illegitimate. Since January, Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela's democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly, has sought to form an interim government to serve until internationally observed elections can be held. Although the United States and 56 other countries recognize Guaidó as interim president, he has been unable to wrest Maduro from power. With Norway-backed negotiations between Maduro and Guaidó suspended, prospects for a negotiated solution to the crisis are uncertain. Venezuela's economy has collapsed. The country is plagued by hyperinflation, severe shortages of food and medicine, and electricity blackouts that have worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis. In April 2019, United Nations officials estimated that some 90% of Venezuelans are living in poverty. Maduro has blamed U.S. sanctions for these problems, but most observers cite economic mismanagement and corruption for the crisis. U.N. agencies estimate that 4.5 million Venezuelans had fled the country as of October 2019, primarily to Latin American and Caribbean countries."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Seelke, Clare Ribando; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy); Margesson, Rhoda . . .

2019-11-07
Bahamas: Response to Hurricane Dorian [Updated October 1, 2019]

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From the Document: "On September 1-2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm with winds of 180 miles per hour and storm surges of up to 23 feet, caused widespread damage to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco in the northwestern Bahamas, a country of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States. [...] According to the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), 60% of the structures on Grand Bahama and Abaco were completely or severely damaged and 27% were moderately damaged. Among the areas suffering the most severe damage was Abaco's town of Marsh Harbour. Thousands of people from the two islands have relocated to other parts of the Bahamas, especially New Providence Island, where Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas is located; about 1,600 were residing in shelters as of September 23. According to press reports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintained that about 3,900 Bahamian evacuees had arrived in Florida as of September 13."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Margesson, Rhoda; Sullivan, Mark P.

2019-10-01
Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated June 4, 2019]

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From the Summary: "Venezuela remains in a deep political and economic crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez (president, 1999-2013), began a second term on January 10, 2019, that most Venezuelans and much of the international community consider illegitimate. Since January, Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela's democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly, has sought to form an interim government to serve until internationally observed elections can be held. Although the United States and 53 other countries recognize Guaidó as interim president, the military high command, supported by Russia and Cuba, has remained loyal to Maduro. Venezuela is in a political stalemate as conditions in the country deteriorate. Venezuela's economy has collapsed. It is plagued by hyperinflation, severe shortages of food and medicine, and electricity blackouts that have worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis. In April 2019, United Nations officials estimated that some 90% of Venezuelans are living in poverty and 7 million need humanitarian assistance. Maduro has blamed U.S. sanctions for these problems, but most observers cite economic mismanagement and corruption under Chávez and Maduro for the current crisis. U.N. agencies estimate that 3.7 million Venezuelans had fled the country as of March 2019, primarily to other Latin American and Caribbean countries."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Seelke, Clare Ribando; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .

2019-06-04
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
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
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
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
Europe's Refugee and Migration Flows [Updated March 20, 2019]

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From the Document: "Over the past several years, Europe has experienced significant refugee and migrant flows as people have fled conflict and poverty in bordering regions. Although 2015 is considered the height of the crisis, refugee and migrant arrivals have continued (see Table 1). The war in Syria has created millions of refugees in neighboring countries and driven some to leave for Europe. Other refugees and migrants originate from elsewhere in the Middle East, as well as Afghanistan, Africa, South Asia, and some Western Balkan countries. Experts characterize these flows as 'mixed migration', defined as different groups of people--such as economic migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, trafficked persons, and unaccompanied children-- who travel the same routes and use the same modes of transportation (see text box). Many of these individuals do not have the required documentation, such as passports and visas, and often use smugglers and unauthorized border crossings."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Archick, Kristin; Margesson, Rhoda

2019-03-20
Recent Migration to the United States from Central America: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated January 29, 2019]

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From the Document: "Over the last decade, migration to the United States from Central America--in particular from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (known collectively as the Northern Triangle)--has increased considerably. Families migrating from this region, many seeking asylum, have made up an increasing share of the migrants seeking admission to the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border. In the past year, news reports of migrant 'caravans' from the Northern Triangle traveling toward the United States have sparked intense interest and questions from Congress."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Wilson, Jill, 1974-; Bruno, Andorra; Elsea, Jennifer K. . . .

2019-01-29
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
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
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
Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [June 27, 2018]

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"Venezuela remains in a deep political crisis under the authoritarian rule of President Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). On May 20, 2018, Maduro defeated Henri Falcón, a former governor, in a presidential election boycotted by the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) of opposition parties and dismissed by the United States, the European Union, and 18 Western Hemisphere countries as illegitimate. Maduro, who was narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013), is unpopular. Nevertheless, he has used the courts, security forces, and electoral council to repress the opposition."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Seelke, Clare Ribando; Nelson, Rebecca M.; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy) . . .

2018-06-27
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
Kurds in Iraq and Syria: U.S. Partners Against the Islamic State [Updated December 28, 2016]

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From the Summary: "Since 2014, the United States and members of a coalition it leads have partnered with a politically diverse set of Kurdish groups to combat the Islamic State organization (IS, also known as ISIS/ISIL or by the Arabic acronym Da'esh). [...] Legal authorities enacted by Congress and the President permit the Administration to provide some arms and some Iraq/Syria anti-IS-related funding to Kurdish groups under certain conditions. In April 2016, the Defense Department announced that it would provide more than $400 million in assistance to pay and otherwise sustain Iraqi Kurdish fighters as part of an ongoing partnership that delivers U.S. assistance to Iraqi Kurds with the consent of the Iraqi national government. Some Members of Congress proposed legislation in the 114th Congress that would have extended or expanded U.S. cooperation with Kurdish groups under certain conditions."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Zanotti, Jim; Humud, Carla E.; Blanchard, Christopher M. . . .

2016-12-28
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
Counting Casualties in Syria and Iraq: Process and Challenges [April 12, 2016]

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"Casualty estimates for the conflicts in Iraq and Syria are inconsistent and unreliable because of a range of methodological challenges in conducting and reporting counts. Estimates of the number of people who have died during Syria's civil conflict since March 2011 range from 250,000 to 470,000. In Iraq, the estimated range is between 19,000 and 41,650 deaths since January 2014. This product discusses the difficulties of collecting war-related casualty data in both countries and provides an overview of some of the current estimated figures available through selected organizations. CRS [Congressional Research Service] is unable to independently track casualties in Syria and Iraq, and cannot verify the data presented."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Humud, Carla E.; Margesson, Rhoda

2016-04-12
Unaccompanied Children from Central America: Foreign Policy Considerations [April 11, 2016]

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"Since FY2011, the number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) traveling to the United States from the 'northern triangle' nations of Central America--El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras--has increased sharply. U.S. authorities encountered more than 52,000 unaccompanied minors from the region at the U.S. border in FY2014, a more than 1,200% increase compared to FY2011. This unexpected surge of children strained U.S. government resources and created a complex crisis with humanitarian implications. U.S. apprehensions of unaccompanied minors from the northern triangle declined by 45% in FY2015. They increased in the first five months of FY2016, however, and experts warn that significant migration flows will continue until policymakers in the countries of origin and the international community address the poor socioeconomic and security conditions driving Central Americans to leave their homes. The 2014 migration crisis led to renewed focus on Central America, a region with which the United States historically has shared close political, economic, and cultural ties. The United States engages with Central American countries through a variety of mechanisms, including a security assistance package known as the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) and the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Over the past two years, the Obama Administration has sought closer cooperation with Central American governments to dissuade children from making the journey to the United States, target smuggling networks, and repatriate unauthorized migrants."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meyer, Peter J.; Margesson, Rhoda; Seelke, Clare Ribando . . .

2016-04-11
International Crises and Disasters: U.S. Humanitarian Assistance Response Mechanisms [October 16, 2015]

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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 saving lives, promoting stability, and furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives. 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 114th Congress, international humanitarian and refugee assistance is expected to continue to have a strong measure of bipartisan interest, 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. […] This report examines U.S. humanitarian assistance in international crises and disaster situations. It considers the sources and types of U.S. government aid, the response mechanisms of key U.S. agencies and departments, and possible issues for Congress--including competing aid and budget priorities, burdensharing and donor-fatigue, the transparency and efficacy of U.S. humanitarian assistance, consequences of such assistance, and potential links to broader U.S. foreign policy goals."

United States. Department of Justice. Office of Legal Counsel

Margesson, Rhoda

2015-10-16

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