2025 -- H 6402

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LC003039

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING "WORLD REFUGEE DAY" AND RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF

DORCAS INTERNATIONAL OF PROVIDENCE ON JUNE 20TH OF 2025, IN THE STATE

OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Chippendale, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Knight,
Slater, Edwards, Handy, Felix, and Batista

     Date Introduced: June 10, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, World Refugee Day is an international observance designated by the United

Nations in order to honor and promote the well-being, resilience, and bravery of refugees and

displaced persons around the world; and

     WHEREAS, This year marks the 74th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention

relating to the Status of Refugees which defined the term "refugee" and outlined the rights of

refugees; and

     WHEREAS, World Refugee Day encourages awareness and action for the rights, needs,

and hopes of refugees, and is a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by refugees and

reaffirm the importance of providing them with protection, assistance, and integration

opportunities; and

     WHEREAS, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island has been providing services

and guidance to refugees and immigrants in Rhode Island for over 100 years; and

     WHEREAS, With programs including Refugee Resettlement, Citizenship and

Immigration Legal Services, employment services, English classes, unaccompanied youth

support, workforce development training, the Clothing Collaborative, Pinpoint Interpretation and

Translation Services, and case management and mental health services for many of our immigrant

and refugee neighbors, Dorcas House has demonstrated their deep commitment to creating an

inclusive community where all are welcome and have the opportunity to thrive; and

     WHEREAS, Most refugees integrate and quickly become self-sufficient members of the

community by joining the workforce, paying taxes, supporting local commerce, helping to

address labor demand in critical industries, and creating new jobs; and

     WHEREAS, Welcoming those who have been oppressed and persecuted is a tenant of the

founding of Rhode Island, which is now home to a diverse population of refugees and immigrants

who contribute to the economic strengths and cultural richness of our communities; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

commemorates and reaffirms the goals of "World Refugee Day" on June 20th of 2025, and

recognizes and thanks Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island for their commitment to

protecting refugees who live without adequate material, social, or legal protections; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Kathy Cloutier, CEO of Dorcas International

Institute of RI.

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