WHEREAS, World Refugee Day was launched by the United Nations in 2001 to honor the bravery, strength, and determination of refugees around the world who have been forced to flee their home country under threat of conflict, violence, persecution, and natural disaster; and

WHEREAS, for decades, refugees from diverse social, cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds have resettled in Maine in the hope of finding peace and safety for themselves and their families, adding to the vibrancy of our communities; and

WHEREAS, refugee-led organizations in Maine share the priority of our state to strengthen communities by engaging with and improving the lives of all Maine people through fair and equitable access to education, health care, and employment; and

WHEREAS, refugee and immigrant-owned businesses are important contributors to the economic and social vitality of communities across our state, supporting local economies and employing local people; and

WHEREAS, Maine commits to protect the rights of all people who call our beautiful state home;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the great State of Maine, do hereby proclaim June 20, 2024 as

World Refugee Day

throughout the State of Maine and I urge all citizens to recognize the positive impact and enduring contributions of refugee communities seeking peace, freedom, and opportunity within Maine’s borders.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this seventh day of June Two Thousand Twenty-Four