'Call to Action' for Private Sector Engagement on the Global Refugee Crisis

More than 50 leading U.S. corporations pledge contributions aimed at creating durable solutions in support of refugees displaced overseas and in the U.S.


WASHINGTON Sept. 20 2016 -- USA for UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – is proud to join with President Obama at the White House announcement of commitments from more than 50 companies that responded to President Obama's Call to Action, which asked U.S. businesses to make new, measurable and significant commitments that will have a durable impact on refugees residing in countries on the frontlines of the global refugee crisis and in countries of resettlement, such as the United States. These commitments will provide support for refugees, increase employment opportunities, facilitate refugee children and young adults' education and increase humanitarian financing, strengthening infrastructure and access to resources needed for refugees to become self-reliant.

To facilitate these private sector commitments in response to the Call to Action, the White House created the Partnership for Refugees, an initiative established through collaboration between the State Department and USA for UNHCR, with significant support from Accenture Federal Services. The Partnership for Refugees provided guidance to American companies that wished to take action and has helped to ensure that their pledges are sustainable and responsive to refugees' needs.

"The current refugee crisis – unprecedented in scale since the end of WWII – has been met with a wave of private sector commitments and leadership to address the needs of the more than 65 million people displaced by war, violence and persecution", said Anne-Marie Grey, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR. "Today's announcement of new corporate commitments shows the power of private sector ingenuity, innovation and investments in creating durable solutions to this global crisis."

A number of existing USA for UNHCR partners count themselves among those standing with the Administration in responding to the Call to Action, including: Accenture, Airbnb, Autodesk, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Google, HP, IBM, Microsoft, UP, and Western Union. You can view a list of all companies and their detailed commitments here.

Added Grey: "Beyond the vital role of government, a crisis of this scale requires innovative private sector philanthropic investments and partnerships. As the only U.S.-based organization authorized to raise awareness and resources and advocate on behalf of UNHCR, we are well-positioned to catalyze private sector engagement to help refugees survive, recover and build a better future. Together, we can give refugees the hope they deserve, restore their dignity and help them rebuild their lives so that they once again become productive and active global citizens."

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