RSRI Statement on U.S. Executive Actions
The Trump administration’s recent series of executive orders has led to monumental shifts in the global aid landscape. What does this mean for the RSRI network and the self-reliance of refugees?
The Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative (RSRI) promotes policies, practices, and programming that provide refugees with practical pathways to independence, stability, and a better quality of life. Self-reliance for a refugee may look like safe shelter, a job, adequate healthcare and counseling, regular meals, or children enrolled in school. The RSRI advances self-reliance for refugees across the globe in part by advocating for and amplifying the critical work of our Community of Practice (CoP) members.
We recognize the vital role that our members play in preserving humanitarian protections and supporting displaced people’s ability to integrate and thrive in their communities. We also acknowledge the dramatic and immediate consequences the recent series of executive actions from the Trump administration may have on organizational operations and, most importantly, vulnerable refugees and other forcibly displaced populations. That is why the RSRI’s commitment to expanding self-reliance opportunities for refugees is stronger than ever.
In light of the U.S. funding freeze on foreign aid, the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), and other U.S. executive orders that halt humanitarian work and interrupt crucial pathways to self-reliance, the RSRI will be mapping the impact of these policies on the operations and programming of our CoP members and the affected populations they serve. The RSRI aims to support our global network of NGOs, refugee-led and community-based organizations, governments, funders, private sector institutions, academics, think tanks, UN agencies, and other multilateral actors during this unprecedented time by gathering, consolidating, and sharing insights on the effects of these broad-reaching measures on refugee self-reliance globally.
Together, we will continue to build bridges and connections that support and uplift forcibly displaced communities to become self-reliant and achieve their goals.
The RSRI is actively consulting with its CoP members to assess the implications of these policy changes and strengthen our collective efforts in advancing refugee self-reliance. Please stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
RELATED: RSRI Statement on 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Results
