December 10, 2023
Press Release
As part of the worldwide community of human rights organizations, we are pleased to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this date by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Declaration codified a list of fundamental human rights that the signatories to the document are obliged to protect and defend. In the years following its adoption, other treaties and declarations have been made by the General Assembly improving the lives of millions but much work remains to be done.
Unprovoked invasions of neighboring countries, cross border terrorism, and other violations of human rights continue to plague mankind. For our part, Asylum International will continue to aid those most in need, helping to find safe harbors for victims of violence and oppression and we invite others to join us.
In 1998, the General Assembly passed the Declaration of Human Rights Defenders, calling upon civil societies everywhere to promote human rights and we will continue to do our best to support that cause.
ASYLUM INTERNATIONAL
November 28, 2023
Press Release
In response to the illegal and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine by military forces of the Russian Federation, Asylum International is calling upon the President of the United States to grant Temporary Protected Status to Russian defectors who have fled to other countries rather than fight for Vladimir Putin. Over 200,000 Russians have already died in this war and nearly 250,000 Russians have been wounded. Death and injury inflicted on tens of thousands of innocent Ukrainians compound the war crimes committed by Vladimir Putin, making him a fugitive from the International Criminal Court as well as a threat to his own people.
Anecdotal evidence shows that most Russian soldiers don’t want to be in Ukraine, but they are threatened with imprisonment or even execution if they refuse to follow orders. Death and injury being inflicted on both sides is a human tragedy not seen in Europe since 1945, a tragedy that no one thought would ever happen again.
As it was in the last World War, the United States is faced with a painful dilemma; step back and allow a ruthless dictator to conquer neighboring countries that are smaller and weaker than his own and wait for the inevitable outcome or step up now and stop the carnage before it reaches our own shores. One way that we can help is by diverting Russian soldiers from the battlefield. If we can interdict the supply of soldiers by offering them Temporary Protected Status in the United States, we can save lives on both sides of the conflict.
If we can sustain these defectors and inculcate them with our own values, they will make a critical difference in the ultimate rejuvenation of Russian democracy. They need our help, and in turn, they will help us too. A democratic Russia that values human life and respects its neighbors will be an asset to the entire world.
These are noble goals that can be advanced by granting Temporary Protected Status to Russian defectors. With a minimal cost to us, and a great advantage to them, we can undercut Vladimir Putin’s supply of soldiers and, at the same time, lay the foundation of a democratic society in Russia. Accordingly, we are asking the President to grant Temporary Protected Status to Russian defectors.
ASYLUM INTERNATIONAL
August 30, 2023
Press Release
In recognition of the ongoing turmoil in Venezuela and our longstanding commitment to promoting democracy in the region, Asylum International is calling upon the President of the United States to exercise his authority to extend Temporary Protected Status to refugees from Venezuela.
Protected Status had already been offered to more than 200,000 Venezuelans living in the United States. Without an extension, they could have been forced to return “en masse” to their homeland, causing an unpresented human tragedy.
In unison with other humanitarian organizations, Asylum International is calling upon the President to extend Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans.
ASYLUM INTERNATIONAL
March 22, 2022
Press Release
Thousands of Ukrainian civilians are fleeing from a brutal invasion launched from Russia. Neighboring countries, such as Poland and Romania, are taking as many people as they can. Mostly comprised of women and children, along with the elderly, this sudden influx of people is straining the resources of public and private agencies alike. The United States can help too by offering asylum to those most in need. The President of the United States has the authority to extend asylum protection to Ukrainians and should be urged to do so. Asylum International is asking for other humanitarian organizations to join with us in requesting asylum for Ukrainian refugees.