A Message From Our Executive Director
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, after being adopted by the United Nations and ratified by the United States following World War II. The Declaration recognized for the first time certain human rights that should be universally protected.
Its passage led to the adoption of numerous human rights treaties, including those protecting refugees and those that underlie the asylum laws of the United States. This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on ways we are succeeding and failing to live the fundamental values of the Declaration.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are currently more than 114 million individuals who have been forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations. While we can celebrate universal laws and protections, we cannot ignore the root causes and the tragic impact of war and political violence on innocent people, families, and children who are subjected to the horrors of war across the globe.
“Our work helps people gain the safety and security of legal status through our immigration system, while we also engage in systemic advocacy to make those laws more just and humane.”
At ILAP, we see the impact of human rights abuses on the lives of our clients every day. Many have fled human rights abuses abroad, and some have suffered abuse committed by our own officials and policies at our border and within our immigration system. Our work helps people gain the safety and security of legal status through our immigration system, while we also engage in systemic advocacy to make those laws more just and humane.
As we reflect on these challenges and failures, at ILAP we are more inspired than ever to continue our advocacy for our clients and for a just immigration system. We hope the next milestone anniversary will celebrate a world that truly embraces the fundamental human rights for all people envisioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
To join our advocacy efforts and to stay informed on immigration news, sign up for our monthly “Golden Door” email newsletter and follow us @ilapmaine on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X.
Thank you for your support and solidarity.
SUE ROCHE
Executive Director