To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution Reaffirming Contra Costa County as Welcoming to Refugees
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT the Resolution reaffirming Contra Costa County as welcoming to refugees
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20th. This date celebrates the resilience, courage, and contributions of refugees worldwide. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of forcibly displaced individuals and advocating for their rights, protection, and well-being. Every year, We Are All America (WAAA) invites local leaders, partners, and advocates to join a series of impactful actions and events aimed at celebrating our refugee communities, engaging local elected officials, and learning more about ways to support refugees and refugee resettlement such as passing welcoming resolutions.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
N/A
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF Reaffirming Contra Costa County as Welcoming to Refugees
WHEREAS, World Refugee Day on June 20th, 2024 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate contributions of refugees to our communities and to raise awareness about the challenges that refugees face, and
WHEREAS, refugees are people who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, war, or violence; and
WHEREAS, refugees have the right to protection and assistance under international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention; and
WHEREAS, refugees contribute to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our community and country; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County has a proud history of welcoming immigrants and refugees and supporting their integration and success; and
WHEREAS, the current global refugee crisis demands a response from all levels of government and society to address the needs of refugees and promote their well-being; and
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors expresses its support for refugees and commits to welcoming and integrating them into our community; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County will provide access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for refugees, and work with local organizations to provide housing, food, and other essential services for refugees, and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County will provide cultural orientation and language services to help refugees integrate into our community and advocate for policies and programs at the state and federal level that support refugees and promote their well-being
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has recognized June 20th as World Refugee Day and will work to raise awareness about the needs and experiences of refugees and promote a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents.
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