Good afternoon, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be here in Nairobi. My day has been incredibly productive, starting with a deeply moving ceremony at the old U.S. Mission site. This location holds a heavy significance as it reminds us of the tragic loss of over 200 Kenyan and American lives. For me personally, many of those within the U.S. Mission were not just colleagues, but friends from my time serving in Kenya from 1993 to 1996, prior to the 1998 bombing.
Following this solemn occasion, I had a valuable meeting with President Ruto. Our discussion spanned a range of critical regional challenges that Kenya is actively addressing – challenges that resonate deeply with my work on the Security Council. I expressed my gratitude for Kenya’s robust and supportive contributions during their two-year tenure on the Security Council, highlighting the strong partnership between our nations.
My itinerary also included a visit to an innovative electric motorcycle plant. This visit showcased the practical steps being taken to tackle environmental issues and demonstrated the powerful impact of commitment and innovation in sustainable solutions. It was an inspiring example of progress in action.
Reflecting on my earlier career, I recalled my time in 1989 as the U.S. Department of State’s resettlement officer for Africa. At that time, the U.S. refugee intake from Africa was capped at a mere 2,000 annually. I remember the deep disappointment of my first year, striving to reach that modest goal, yet falling short at 1,982. Those 18 individuals I couldn’t assist have remained a poignant reminder of the human impact of these numbers.
Recognizing the urgent need and our capacity to do more, we aimed to expand the refugee program. This led to my assignment as the refugee coordinator in Kenya from 1993 to 1996. Prior to this posting, I worked on initiatives to increase refugee intake. However, resource limitations presented a significant hurdle.
To overcome this, we sought collaboration with civil society organizations. Church World Service, present with us today, answered this call and became a crucial partner, then known as our JVA, or Joint Voluntary Agency. (Now referred to as RSC, Resettlement Support Center).
Upon arriving in Kenya as the regional refugee coordinator, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of these collaborative efforts. Church World Service established a local office, co-funding operations with us, which enabled a significant increase in refugee processing. During my tenure, we successfully increased the numbers to nearly 25,000.
Witnessing the profound difference resettlement made in the lives of these refugees was deeply impactful. The partnership with Church World Service, alongside the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR, was pivotal. These organizations played a vital role in vetting refugees, ensuring medical and documentation readiness, and preparing them for interviews with the then Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), now USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Today, nearly 30 years later, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Church World Service for their invaluable support. Our collaboration allowed us to progressively raise the refugee intake cap for African refugees. By 1999, the allocation for Africa reached 12,000, climbing to 20,000 by 2001, and reaching 40,000 in fiscal year 2023.
While this increase is a step forward, it remains a fraction of the vast need. Yet, it reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to providing refuge and hope.
Civil society, and Church World Service in particular, has been instrumental in this progress. They have transformed the lives of countless families escaping violence, disease, poverty, and hunger, and continue this vital work today.
Just recently, I had the privilege of meeting with refugees assisted by Church World Service, discussing their upcoming journey to the United States. Sharing my experiences and congratulating them on their resilience was deeply moving. Among them was a bright seven-year-old girl with her parents, and I told her she had the potential to be the next Ilhan Omar, herself an immigrant from Kenya and a former refugee.
These individuals are fleeing persecution and violence, and their relief at finally heading to the United States to build new lives was palpable.
Throughout my career, I’ve often been asked by Americans, “How can we help refugees?”. Today, we have a concrete answer: the Welcome Corps.
The Welcome Corps, a new State Department initiative, empowers everyday Americans to sponsor and welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. This innovative program expands refugee support by engaging private citizens in resettlement efforts. Just as we innovated by partnering with civil society 30 years ago, we are now broadening our approach to include individual citizens.
This is a proud moment, and we continue to rely on civil society. We have assembled a consortium of non-profit organizations, including Church World Service, with expertise in refugee reception, resettlement, and integration. These organizations will provide essential guidance and support to Americans participating in the Welcome Corps.
I urge anyone interested in making a direct difference to visit welcomecorps.org.
Now, I’ll hand it over to Nicole from Church World Service to elaborate on this exciting initiative. Following her remarks, we will take a few questions. Nicole, the floor is yours.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR IRUNGU: Thank you, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. We are honored to have you here in Nairobi and deeply appreciate your decades of dedication to this program and to African refugees in need of protection. I am Nicole Irungu, Deputy Director at Resettlement Support Center Africa, formerly the Joint Voluntary Agency, and I have been with Church World Service for 14 years.
Since 1990, CWS, in partnership with IOM and UNHCR, has facilitated the resettlement of nearly 325,000 refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States. For over 75 years, CWS has welcomed refugee families globally, offering friendship and support as they rebuild their lives in communities across the U.S.
CWS and the entire RSC Africa team are enthusiastic about supporting the Welcome Corps. We are thrilled that thousands of refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and other African nations will now have this expanded opportunity.
Community-driven resettlement is fundamental to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. As the U.S. government seeks to expand refugee resettlement, it is fitting to return to these roots by inviting everyday Americans to play a vital role in welcoming refugees to their new homes.
CWS is committed to the Welcome Corps launch, both domestically and internationally. RSC Africa will assist in matching initial refugees with Welcome Corps sponsor groups. Working with refugees in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is a privilege. They are among the most inspiring and resilient people one could meet.
As Americans become welcomers, RSC Africa will continue to prepare refugees for their journey and this life-changing opportunity. We are ready and excited for the future.
Thank you.
MODERATOR: We will now take a few questions, starting with Noe from African Intelligence.
QUESTION: Thank you, Ambassador. Last year, the U.S. committed over $250 million to assist Kenya and neighboring countries facing drought, significantly impacting migration. What is the current status, six or seven months later? What has been the impact and recovery progress?
AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: The current figure for Kenya alone is approximately $376 million, and for the Horn region, around $2.4 billion. Our efforts have been crucial in preventing famine, but the needs remain significant. We urge other nations to contribute to this global effort. The U.S. cannot address this alone, and international cooperation is essential. A key purpose of my trip is to highlight these needs and encourage further global action.
MODERATOR: Next, Daniel from the Daily Nation.
QUESTION: Thank you for coming. What is your perspective on the treatment of refugees in Kenya?
AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: Having worked on refugee issues in and out of Kenya since 1989, I’ve observed the evolving situation. My discussion with President Ruto today highlighted that many refugees have resided in Kenya for 30 years, with no home to return to. In many ways, they are integrated into Kenyan society. We are supporting initiatives to develop settlements that enable refugees to work, build livelihoods, contribute to Kenya’s economy, and improve their quality of life here.
MODERATOR: Julia from Reuters.
QUESTION: Ambassador, you have been vocal about the conflict in Ethiopia over the past two and a half years. What is your assessment of the current situation following the peace deal? Do you believe foreign troops, specifically Eritrean troops, have fully withdrawn from the Tigray region? And what is your assessment of the humanitarian response and reports of atrocities?
AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: We welcome the cessation of hostilities. The conflict has resulted in devastating loss of life. We have consistently called for the withdrawal of foreign troops, specifically Eritrean forces, from Ethiopia. Our understanding is that they have moved back to the border and have been requested to leave Ethiopia, which is crucial for maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring continued humanitarian access.
MODERATOR: That concludes our time for questions. Thank you all for your participation.
2023
By United States Mission to the United Nations | 28 January, 2023 | Topics: Highlights, Remarks and Highlights
