WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 55/76, designated June 20th as World Refugee Day to honor the courage, resilience, and determination of millions of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters; and

WHEREAS, the global refugee crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time, with millions of people being uprooted from their communities, leaving behind everything they know and love, and seeking safety and a better future for themselves and their families; and

WHEREAS, World Refugee Day provides an opportunity for us to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and to express solidarity with them, recognizing their contributions to our societies and reaffirming our commitment to protecting their rights and ensuring their well-being; and

WHEREAS, there are over 65,000 refugees in Utah, almost all of them residing in the Salt Lake Valley. Last year we welcomed an additional 1,575 refugees and are expecting to match that number again this year; and

WHEREAS, there are over 80 refugee community groups working to better the lives of refugees and all in our community; and

WHEREAS, we also recognize the remarkable efforts of humanitarian organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals who provide life-saving assistance, protection, and support to refugees, often at great personal sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office has over 68 partners actively working to support and improve the lives of refugees who live here; and

WHEREAS, Know Your Neighbor has matched 607 Volunteers for a total of 19,000+ volunteer hours. Almost 800 refugees were supported by the program in the last year; and 

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City acknowledges that every refugee has a unique story and that their experiences, skills, and perspectives enrich our diverse societies and contribute to our collective progress; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial to address the root causes of forced displacement, promote peace, stability, and respect for human rights, and work towards durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement, in collaboration with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City is a Welcoming City to all refugees and supports integration efforts through the Know Your Neighbor Program, a partnership between the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office and Refugee Services Office, connecting local volunteers with refugees in Utah to assist with a variety of needs and create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim June 20, 2023, as:

World Refugee Day in Salt Lake City

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation, click here.