Good afternoon, everyone. I am Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, and it’s a pleasure to speak with you today from Nairobi, Kenya. My visit here has been incredibly productive, focusing on the strong partnership between the United States and Kenya, particularly in addressing regional challenges and humanitarian issues.
Alt text: U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, addressing the press in Nairobi, Kenya, discussing US-Kenya cooperation.
My day began with a deeply moving ceremony at the site of the former U.S. Embassy, commemorating the lives lost in the 1998 bombing. This event was particularly poignant for me as I served in Kenya from 1993 to 1996, and many of those affected were my friends and colleagues. This personal connection underscores the enduring bond between our nations and the shared tragedies we remember.
Following this solemn occasion, I had a valuable meeting with President Ruto. Our discussion centered on the critical regional challenges that Kenya is actively working to address – challenges that resonate deeply with the work I undertake at the Security Council. I expressed my gratitude to President Ruto for Kenya’s significant and constructive role during its two-year tenure on the Security Council. Kenya’s leadership on the global stage is vital, and their contributions to international peace and security are highly appreciated.
Alt text: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss regional security and US-Kenya partnership.
In the afternoon, I visited a pioneering plant manufacturing electric motorcycles. This visit was a powerful demonstration of innovative solutions to environmental concerns. It showcased the commitment of Kenyan businesses to sustainability and offered a compelling example of how private sector initiatives can drive positive change in addressing climate change.
Historical Perspective: US Engagement with Refugees in Africa
Reflecting on my career, I recalled my time in 1989 as the U.S. resettlement officer for Africa. At that time, the U.S. refugee program for Africa had a cap of just 2,000 people annually. It was disheartening to remember struggling to even meet this limited quota. This experience fueled my determination to expand opportunities for African refugees seeking safety and a new beginning.
From 1993 to 1996, I served as the refugee coordinator in Kenya. Prior to this assignment, I worked on initiatives to increase refugee intake, recognizing the urgent need to do more. A significant hurdle was the lack of resources to effectively process a larger number of cases. To overcome this, we forged a crucial partnership with civil society, notably Church World Service (CWS).
Alt text: Nicole Irungu, Deputy Director of Resettlement Support Center Africa, speaking about the partnership with the US Refugee Admissions Program.
CWS stepped forward as a Joint Voluntary Agency (JVA), now known as a Resettlement Support Center (RSC). Their commitment was transformative. CWS not only established an office in Kenya but also generously co-funded the operation, enabling us to significantly increase our processing capacity. Thanks to this collaboration, we were able to raise the number of African refugees resettled in the U.S. to nearly 25,000 during my tenure.
The Impact of Resettlement and the Welcome Corps Initiative
Witnessing firsthand the profound impact of resettlement on refugees’ lives was deeply moving. The opportunity to resettle in the United States offered them not just safety, but a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities. The collaborative efforts of CWS, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and UNHCR were instrumental in this process. These organizations played a vital role in vetting refugees, ensuring medical and document compliance, and preparing them for interviews with U.S. immigration officials.
It is with immense gratitude that, after almost 30 years, I acknowledge and thank Church World Service for their pivotal role in expanding the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Their support was crucial in increasing the refugee cap for Africa, from 12,000 in 1999 to 20,000 in 2001, and reaching 40,000 in 2023. While acknowledging that this is still a fraction of the global need, it represents a significant commitment from the United States to providing refuge and hope.
Civil society organizations like CWS have been the driving force behind transforming the lives of countless families fleeing persecution, violence, and hardship. This commitment continues today, and I recently had the privilege of meeting with refugees being assisted by CWS, individuals on the cusp of beginning their journey to the United States. Among them was a bright seven-year-old girl, whom I encouraged to follow in the footsteps of inspiring figures like Ilhan Omar, a former refugee from Kenya who has made significant contributions in the U.S.
To further expand and strengthen our commitment to refugees, the U.S. Department of State is launching the Welcome Corps. This innovative program empowers everyday Americans to directly sponsor and welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Building on the successful model of civil society partnerships, the Welcome Corps invites private citizens to play a direct role in refugee resettlement, offering community support and friendship as refugees build new lives in the United States.
Alt text: Welcome Corps logo, a US Department of State program empowering Americans to sponsor refugees.
This initiative is a source of great pride and represents the continued evolution of our refugee support system. We are partnering with a consortium of non-profit organizations, including Church World Service, to provide expert guidance and resources to Americans participating in the Welcome Corps. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, I encourage you to visit welcomecorps.org.
Addressing Regional Challenges: Drought and Refugee Treatment in Kenya
In response to questions from the press, I addressed the ongoing drought crisis in Kenya and the Horn of Africa. The United States has committed significant resources – over $376 million for Kenya alone and $2.4 billion for the region – to avert famine and provide critical humanitarian assistance. While we have made progress in preventing famine, the needs remain immense, and we are urging other nations to join in this global effort.
Regarding the treatment of refugees in Kenya, I acknowledged the long-standing presence of refugee populations in the country, some for as long as 30 years. Recognizing that many refugees have no home to return to, we are supporting Kenya’s efforts to create settlements that allow refugees to work, build livelihoods, contribute to the Kenyan economy, and improve their quality of life within Kenya.
Finally, I addressed the situation in Ethiopia, welcoming the cessation of hostilities. We have consistently called for the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ethiopia and understand that they have moved back to the border. Ensuring the departure of foreign forces is crucial for maintaining the ceasefire and facilitating the continued flow of humanitarian aid.
Thank you.
