The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) stands with women and girls on World Refugee Day 2013

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) with its partners around the country joined many organizations, supporters, businesspeople and community friends to celebrate World Refugee Day on Thursday, June 20, 2013.

According to Lavinia Limon, President and Chief Executive Officer of USCRI, women and girl refugees face greater barriers in accessing education, healthcare and leading a dignified life. 

"Despite the risks and challenges that these women and girl refugees face every day, they demonstrate an enormous amount of courage and resilience. Today we recognize their bravery and untapped abilities," said Ms. Limon.

USCRI highlighted five refugee women that were resettled though our national network of local agencies.  Their stories were shared through social media and on USCRI's official Facebook page and institutional website.  USCRI wanted to share these inspirational stories so other women and girls can see they are not alone and be encouraged to follow suit.

USCRI supports Congressional Resolution introduced by Senator Boxer (D-CA) as it brings refugee women and girls issues to the forefront. The resolution reaffirms our nation's commitment to the protection, well-being, and self-reliance of refugee women and girls and their families in United States and celebrates the invaluable contributions that they make to their new communities.

This week, USCRI is holding events with six field offices located in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Iowa, and North Carolina. All events are focused on family fun by celebrating the cultures of refugees with food, art, entertainment, and sports.

About USCRI

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) has provided leadership for more than a century to protect the rights of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide. The organization advances humane and public policy, facilitates and provides direct professional services and promotes the full participation of migrants in community life. Learn more at www.refugees.org

Contact: Roberto Ponce | [email protected] | 703-310-1165 | Cell: 703-350-3934

SOURCE USCRI