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Travel ban decision sets a dangerous precedent for America

When the travel ban was first implemented, protesters flooded airports across the U.S. Photo by Rhododendrites/Wikimedia Commons.

BOSTON, June 26, 2018 - Today the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Trump administration's travel ban, which forbids travel to the U.S. for the 150 million citizens of five Muslim-majority countries - Syria, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen - as well as North Korea, with very limited exceptions.

The 5-4 decision in Trump v. Hawaii rests on a broad definition of executive authority. Even in the face of extensive evidence of the President's anti-Muslim animus, the majority found, the ban must be upheld if it can be reasonably linked to "a justification independent of unconstitutional grounds."

Indeed, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, the few policies the Court has struck down in the past were found to be "divorced from any factual context... [showing] a relationship to legitimate state interests."

"Today's decision is deeply troubling and sets a dangerous precedent," said Eva A. Millona, executive director of MIRA. "What the Supreme Court said, in essence, is that no matter how obvious the President's racist and anti-Muslim motivations may be, if he can wrap the travel ban in the pretext of national security, it must stand."

Read more: Travel ban decision sets a dangerous precedent for America

Order to end family separations will only change how children are traumatized

BOSTON, June 20, 2018 - Today, the President signed an executive order to address the ongoing family separation crisis on the border. Unfortunately for the thousands of people seeking asylum in the U.S., his solution is simply to incarcerate families together, indefinitely, while continuing to blame Congress and the courts for the crisis that he created.

"This executive order does not reverse the 'zero tolerance' policy initiated by this administration," said MIRA Executive Director Eva A. Millona. "Rather, it seeks to treat persecuted families as criminals. This is a despicable act that is a debasement of American values."

In addition to continuing to detain and criminally prosecute people seeking refuge, the Executive Order calls on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to seek a modification of the settlement reached in Flores v Reno. The "Flores settlement" dictates that U.S. Department of Homeland Security keep children in custody in the "least restrictive conditions" possible, provide basic necessities such as medical care, and separate them from adults to whom they have no relation.

"In seeking to overturn Flores, in seeking to deny basic dignity to asylum-seekers, this administration is once again dehumanizing immigrants," Millona said. "We urge Congress to see these heinous actions for what they are and take immediate measures to truly protect children and families. They must stand up and show the world that the values of this administration do not represent the values of our great nation."

Give Liberty a Hand is MIRA's biggest fundraiser of the year and our celebration of champions for immigrants and refugees in our Commonwealth - leaders in government, business and advocacy who "give liberty a hand" by working to advance immigrant rights and integration.

Join us for an inspiring evening with MIRA members, partners and friends. All proceeds from the event will directly support MIRA's work across Massachusetts.

Why Give Liberty a Hand?

Family-based migration. Asylum and refugee resettlement. DACA and Temporary Protected Status. Even visas for high-skilled workers. Everything that makes America a land of hope and opportunity is under attack, and only we can protect it. MIRA is on the front lines, fighting tirelessly for the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees. This gala is a chance to honor those who are fighting alongside us and championing our communities - from Capitol Hill, to corporate board rooms, to the grassroots. It is also a vital source of funding for MIRA at this time of enormous need. Please help us ensure we have the resources to fulfill our urgent mission!

Honorees

United States Senator Edward J. Markey
Presented by Eva A. Millona, Executive Director and Bob Rivers, Event Committee Chai

Geralde Gabeau, Immigrant Family Services Institute and Haitian Americans United
Presented by Marty Martinez, Chief of Health and Human Services, City of Boston and Marion Davis, Communications Director, MIRA Coalition

Semyon Dukach & Eveline Buchatskiy, One Way Ventures
Presented by Jeffrey Goldman, Chair, Governor's Advisory Council on Refugees and Immigrants

Read about last year's gala ►

A crucial victory for immigrants and civil rights in the Mass. Senate budget

A group photo in the Senate chamber after a hard-fought victory: Arline Isaacson, Joel Rivera from MIRA, Cindy Rowe from JALSA, Amy Grunder and Eva Millona from MIRA, Senators Jamie Eldridge, Sonia Chang-Diaz and Sal DiDomenico, Gavi Wolfe and Laura Rótolo of the ACLU; Aaron Agulnek of JCRC, and Eldridge comms director Peter Missouri.

BOSTON, May 23, 2018 - Last night, after a thoughtful and substantive debate, the Massachusetts Senate voted 25-13 to approve Sen. Jamie Eldridge's amendment #1147, which adds four key protections for immigrants to the state budget for FY2019.

In particular, the amendment bars police from asking about people's immigration status unless required by law; ends 287(g) contracts that deputize state and local law enforcement as ICE agents; requires that immigrants be notified of their due-process rights; and ensures that Massachusetts does not contribute to any registry based on religion, ethnicity, citizenship or other protected categories.

The Senate then voted 25-13 to reject an amendment that included the same provisions, but also would have authorized police to detain immigrants for ICE, undoing the gains of the Supreme Judicial Court's Lunn v. Commonwealth decision last year.

Read more: A crucial victory for immigrants and civil rights in the Mass. Senate budget

A show of strength - and a call to action at the State House

Alejandra St. Guillen, director of the Boston Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement, served as emcee. "Remember, this is your house," she said - regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

The 22nd annual Immigrants' Day at the State House was both a reckoning with the devastating impact of the Trump administration, and a reminder of the importance of state- and local-level action.
BOSTON, April 4, 2018 - The theme of the day was "Immigrants get the job done," and dozens of black-and-orange posters offered proof in numbers.

1 in 5 workers in Massachusetts is an immigrant; 1 in 5 entrepreneurs, too; 59% of medical and life scientists. Immigrants in our state pay $8.4 billion in federal taxes each year, and $3.5 billion in state and local taxes. 7,100 workers are Salvadorans or Haitians with Temporary Protected Status.

And that's just immigrants today. As Senate President Harriette Chandler put it, "Immigrants are not some other. Immigrants are us ... Massachusetts has been built on the backs of immigrants from across the globe."

Read more: A show of strength - and a call to action at the State House

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MIRA Coalition - Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition

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When the travel ban was first implemented, protesters flooded airports across the U.S. Photo by Rhododendrites /Wikimedia Commons. BOSTON, June 26, 2018 - Today the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Trump administration's travel ban, which forbids travel to the U.S.

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https://www.riacboston.org/#:~:text=Refugee%20%26%20Immigrant%20Assistance%20Center%20(RIAC)%20LOCATED%20IN%20BOSTON%2C,Massachusetts%20refugee%20and%20immigrant%20communities.

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RIAC Boston, Lynn, and Worcester | Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center

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Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC Boston, Lynn, and Worcester) - RIAC Boston, Lynn, and Worcester | Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Center

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Welcome Basket When refugees arrive in Boston we like to provide them with a welcome basket of basic household goods necessary for day to day life. This list is a [...]

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The coronavirus pandemic is much more than a health crisis. It is a human crisis that risks reversing decades of progress made in women's rights and equality. The crisis is taking an even higher toll on women and girls around the world who are facing an alarming surge in gender-based violence.

For the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (25 November - 10 December), the United Nations' call to "Orange the World" comes with the rallying cry to "Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect" - bridge the funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence, focus on prevention and collect the data that we need to adapt and improve life-saving services for women and girls.

And who is better placed to tell us what the needs on the ground are, than women on the front lines? This year we are handing over the mic to them.

Along with UN Women, our UN partners are working to end violence against women and girls. Hear from women leaders who are part of UN programmes from Kosovo to Kenya, who highlight what they need to stop the escalating violence, recover and rebuild after COVID-19.

Enforce an adequate criminal justice response

"We are going through a difficult situation. [Survivors of domestic violence] are not willing to report to the police because they are living in isolation, and sometimes in large families, with their husband's parents and other relatives in one house. Also, they know that the police would arrest the aggressor only for three hours and they would return home after this period.

The fact that domestic violence is not a criminal offence in Kazakhstan is hurting women during COVID-19 crisis. If, for example, violation of a protection order by the aggressor immediately becomes a criminal offence with a longer sentence, I think that would make a difference."
Dina Smailova is known in Kazakhstan for her unwavering advocacy for justice for sexual violence survivors. She is leading the NeMolchi (Don't Keep Silent) movement, which started a public dialogue on sexual violence and is providing free legal support to survivors. She spoke to UN Women in April, soon after COVID-19 hit Kazakhstan.
Listen to women facing intersecting forms of discrimination

"As a woman with a disability and through my work, I see that the biggest problem for people with disabilities [during the pandemic] is access to information and having their basic needs met. People with certain conditions rely on their caregiver or family members, who may not be available or supportive... The majority of people whom we interviewed revealed that they had experienced violence and discrimination from their family and community."
Norberta V. Soares da Cruz is Interim Director at Community Based Rehabilitation Network Timor-Leste (CBRNTL), a Dili-based organization that advocates for health, rehabilitation, education and other services for people with disabilities. She is a volunteer member of the EU-UN funded Spotlight Initiative National Civil Society Reference Group in Timor-Leste. Vjosa Osmani is the first woman assembly president in Kosovo[1] and has been praised for her leadership during the COVID-19 crisis in the country. In June 2020, Ms. Osmani spoke to UN Women about the importance of women's leadership, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"[We must] bring the concerns and voices of people with disabilities to discussions in the community and in government. Our voices matter. We are all in this together and we will overcome this together."

Increase the number of women in leadership
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic locked them down, gender stereotypes locked many girls in, confining their future prospects, says UNICEF. Oumou Kalsoum Diop, 18, uses her camera to help young women and girls speak out against sexual harassment and other issues that they face. Diop has always dreamed of being a filmmaker, and now as a student at Summer Pencc, she has the tools and opportunity to showcase relevant issues that directly impact the wellbeing of girls around the world. To hear more from girls from around the world, visit Teen. Girl. Activist.
"Women leaders around the world have demonstrated successful management of the pandemic. When women participate in high-ranking political and state level circles they contribute to more balanced, gender-sensitive, environmentally considerate and forward-looking policies. It is only through such a policymaking approach that we stand a chance in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and in making this a genuine #DecadeOfAction and a #GenerationEquality."
Sarah Nyajuok Guk, 24, is South Sudanese refugee living at Kakuma camp in Kenya. She works for UNHCR partner, the Danish Refugee Council, as a gender-based violence counselor. As the risk of COVID-19 reached refugee camps, the need for safe spaces and services for women victims of domestic violence became even more urgent. Find out how UNHCR is working with refugee women and girls during the COVID-19 crisis.
Listen to girls, unlock the opportunities

"I have always dreamed to know the camera, because since I was little, I watched films but didn't know what was behind the camera. I have always been curious to know who was behind the camera and what they were doing to make those images." Oumou picks up her camera and takes to the streets, she trains her lens on issues she knows well. She leads group discussions with teens in her community. When a young man in the group warns women to dress conservatively so as not to provoke sexual violence, Oumou remains steady. "No matter what a woman is wearing, you have no right to rape her," she says.
Yousra, an Egyptian actor and singer, has been the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa since 2016. In her role, she focuses on advancing the AIDS response in the region, where some countries lack essential services for survivors of violence, especially in rural areas. Where services do exist, they do not always reach the people who need them, and the police and justice system often do not prioritize gender-based violence. UNAIDS is working to prevent gender-based violence, supporting survivors and raising awareness of the risks that women and girls face, and how to counter the gender-based violence.
More help for gender-based violence survivors
Maryna Saprykina is the Head of the Board for CSR Ukraine. UNFPA is working with partners such as CSR to continue advocacy and empowerment programmes for women and girls, amid the lockdowns.
"Back in my country [South Sudan], because of the culture we're governed by women were always looked down upon and no one hears their voice, so I decided I'll work hand in hand with any organization [supporting] women's rights and hearing their cries. The problem of domestic violence got much worse during lockdown. Clients tell us that their situation is more dangerous, that they are not safe because the perpetrators are always there. We are also receiving cases of forced marriages. Schools have been closed and parents don't want their daughters to stay at home so many girls are being forced back to their homeland for marriages. I think there should be more help for gender-based violence survivors, like women's centres."
Dildar Salamanca has worked as part of UNFPA's humanitarian team in Colombia. For the last five year, Salamanca has worked along the border between Colombia and Venezuala, where UNFPA provides dignity kits to migrants and aims to empower women migrants and preserve their rights and dignity.
Essential services must reach women living with HIV

"COVID-19 has showed us that global solidarity is possible, that we can win the battle against stigma and violence together. Violence against women and girls is a crime and a human rights violation. Many marginalized women, including women living with HIV, who experience violence cannot report the violence or ask for help. We all have a duty to check on anyone who might be at risk of gender-based violence."
is a transgender activist from Viet Nam, who dreams of organizing a pride parade in the community where she grew up. Together with the United Nations in Viet Nam, she works towards a world where everyone can live their life truthfully with recognition and respect.
More partnerships to empower women

"CSR Ukraine works to achieve gender equality in Ukraine [by] increasing the number of girls in STEM professions, engaging businesses in gender equality issues, and preventing domestic violence... Our work is of critical importance now when pandemic lockdowns and quarantines affect girls' and women's wellbeing. To change the situation, we need more partnerships - between businesses, public agencies, non-governmental organizations, and [among] countries - [so that] gender equality becomes a new norm in our life and business.
Samanta Carreras Martinez is a girl advocate from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. She has participated in webinars with UN Women around engaging girls in gender equality, and in the Heart to Heart conversation with UN Women Executive Director for International Day of the Girl 2020. [1] All references to Kosovo on this website shall be understood to be in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
Ensure migrant women's health and dignity

"One of the first things a woman loses when she migrates irregularly is the access to [sanitation]... such as a shower and toiletries. These conditions have worsened due to the COVID-19 health emergency... women must prioritize access to food and water over personal care items. Elements provided in the dignity kits, such as sanitary pads, are key elements for migrant women, so they can cope with dignity in the harshest conditions and guarantee their self-care. Migration in the region has become a phenomenon that keeps causing pain to many women... I once witnessed that a girl in the border in one of the migrant shelters did not get out of bed, which made me think she had a disability condition... later, I realized that the girl had her period, and could not get up because she had no sanitary towels and was sitting on top of a plastic bag that her mother had placed to collect the blood flow."

Respect diverse identities, now and always

"Everyone denied my identity and with that, my existence. I remember everything vividly. When my manager, out of pity, pulled out a VND 50,000 bill on International Women's Day when other women in the company would be honored with a crisp VND 500,000 bill. It was when I had to share a room and live with 12 strange men at a job. It was when I was touched inappropriately because they couldn't figure out whether I was a boy or a girl. The more people refuse to accept me, the more I want to be myself. Even though every day I still have to face stigma and violence, I would still have to continue to fight for the rights of transgender people like myself."

Enforce laws to stop child marriage

"During the pandemic child marriages have increased in my country, Dominican Republic. I see girls like myself being married out to men who double and triple their age. In most cases, this is the way to escape from abusive family environments and from poverty. Girls believe that if they refuse to get married or if they leave the man, their life conditions will worsen. We are already witnessing the consequences of this form of violence: teen pregnancies and girls being out of school. We need laws banning child marriages and severe sentences to those who violate the law, as well as support to girls from institutions and education programmes. Otherwise, we will not be able to stop this cycle of violence and poverty that girls are trapped in."

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hand over the mic-compilation-on the front lines of covid-19

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Hand over the mic: Women on the front lines of violence against women during COVID-19

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Along with UN Women, our UN partners are working to end violence against women and girls. Hear from women leaders who are part of UN programmes from Kosovo to Kenya, who highlight what they need to stop the escalating violence, recover and rebuild after COVID-19.

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World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Find out how countries around the globe celebrate World Refugee Day this year and read our 2021 World Refugee Day Live Blog or select a country from the drop-down:

2021 World Refugee Day theme: Together we heal, learn and shine

People who have been forced to flee often struggle to find a doctor when they are sick. Far from home, they struggle to find schools for their children or even a place for them to run around and play.

We work together with refugees every day to help them access these services and build better futures -and we need your help to achieve this!

Why is World Refugee Day important?

World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees.

When is World Refugee Day? When did World Refugee Day start?

World Refugee Day falls each year on June 20 and is dedicated to refugees around the globe. World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time on June 20, 2001, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. It was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000.

What happens on World Refugee Day?

Each year, World Refugee Day is marked by a variety of events in many countries around the globe in support of refugees. These activities are led by or involve refugees themselves, government officials, host communities, companies, celebrities, school children and the general public, among others. Read our World Refugee Day Live Blog to discover some of the activities that took place in 2021.

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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World Refugee Day is an international day to honour refugees. It falls each year on June 20. On World Refugee Day, we celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

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International Women's Day 2024 campaign theme: #InspireInclusion

For International Women's Day 2024 and beyond, let's Inspire Inclusion.

When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.

And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.

The aim of the IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion campaign is to collectively forge a more inclusive world for women.

Committing to inspire inclusion

When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?"

When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.

When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action.

And we must do this each time, every time.

Everyone can inspire inclusion

Organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide can all play a part - in the community, at work, at home, and beyond.

To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavour.

How will you inspire inclusion?

On an individual basis, it's important to understand, value and seek out the inclusion of women and girls. Additionally, sharing this knowledge, support and encouragement with others is key.

On an organizational or group basis, there are many ways to ensure the needs, interests and aspirations of women and girls are valued and included. Organizations and groups can #InspireInclusion through action in areas such as:

forging women's economic empowerment

recruiting, retaining and developing female talent

supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM

designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls

helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health

involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security

providing women and girls with access to quality education and training

elevating women and girl's participation and achievement in sport

promoting creative and artistic talent of women and girls

addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls

Looking to submit #InspireInclusion resources?

Interested in providing relevant professional resources that support the #InspireInclusion campaign in any of the above areas?

Submissions are invited from suitable partners worldwide for white papers, articles, reports, tools, resources, projects, campaigns, activities, artistic creations, videos and more that support the #InspireInclusion campaign as useful references, to be co-published on the International Women's Day website. Help others #InspireInclusion through your resources.

Further details and specifications are available upon request.

Strike the #InspireInclusion pose

Are you in? Will you inspire inclusion?

Strike the #InspireInclusion pose to show solidarity. When we truly value difference, inclusion comes from the heart.

Inspire others to help forge an inclusive world by sharing your #InspireInclusion image across social media using #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion.

Submit an #InspireInclusion image and statement here.

Who can participate in IWD?

Remember, all IWD activity is valid (see some 2023 examples here). Collectively, we can all fight the good fight. That's what makes IWD so inclusive, not exclusive.

Founded in 1911, IWD belongs to no one country, group or organization. Everyone everywhere can build on IWD's century-plus history to help forge positive change for women and girls.

Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist reportedly once explained: "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

Step forward in solidarity

Collectively, let's #InspireInclusion for women and girls everywhere.

Show commitment to inspiring inclusion

Send in your #InspireInclusion images.

Want to reflect on the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme? Click here.

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International Women's Day 2024 campaign theme: #InspireInclusion

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IWD 2024 campaign theme is #InspireInclusion

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We create opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, career advancement and pathways to citizenship. IINE: BOSTON 2 Boylston Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02116 617-695-9990 Follow us on social

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USCRI Statement on the President's Report to Congress on the Proposed Refugee Admission for FY2021

ARLINGTON, VA -The President's Report to Congress on the Proposed Refugee Ceiling for FY 2021 calling for a maximum of...
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Statement on the Conditions at the Irwin County Detention Center

Media reports on conditions at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia paint a picture of neglect, mistreatment and...
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USCRI Statement on the COVID-19 Pandemic

ARLINGTON, VA - The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) expresses its solidarity with our global community in their...
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ARLINGTON, VA -The President's Report to Congress on the Proposed Refugee Ceiling for FY 2021 calling for a maximum of... READ FULL STORY Media reports on conditions at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia paint a picture of neglect, mistreatment and... READ FULL STORY ARLINGTON, VA - The U.S.