Today is International Human Rights Day!

Did you know that every year war, famine, political and civil unrest displaces millions of people around the world. Others flee their countries in order to escape the risk of death and torture at the hands of persecutors. According to the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) in 2007, there were an estimated 67 million refugees and internally displaced persons throughout the world. For many years, my career gave me an opportunity to work with recently arriving refugees. I came to realize that, like all of us, refugees are individuals, each with their unique strengths and unique challenges. More importantly, I am aware of the commonalities amongst these people. While they may arrive in our country from nations as disparate as Laos, Iran, Chile, Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq or Afghanistan almost all refugees are eager to take advantage of opportunities that allow them live in peace and work toward building better futures for their families. The generosity and graciousness of people who have experienced so much is constantly humbling. If you are interested in learning more about refugees (and/or possibly making a donation) please take a minute to visit my link to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.