Women’s Refugee Commission on the Inauguration of President Biden, Vice President Harris

NEW YORK, NY – Following the inauguration today of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Sarah Costa, executive director of the Women’s Refugee Commission, issued the following statement:

“The Women’s Refugee Commission congratulates President Biden and Vice President Harris. Today marks a new chapter for the United States and our role in advancing the rights of marginalized people at home and around the world.

“We fully appreciate the significant work that lies ahead for the Biden administration and we look forward to working with the new administration to set a new course for U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian assistance.

“It is vital for the Biden administration to move quickly to restore global U.S. leadership and reset U.S. priorities. The first 100 days will be critical in course correcting.

“We urge the Biden administration to immediately increase funding for humanitarian assistance, renew the U.S. commitment to gender equality, prioritize addressing gender-based violence in humanitarian settings, advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls globally, and dismantle the inhumane policies that targeted families seeking safety at the U.S. border.

“There is much work that lies ahead for all of us committed to human rights and justice. The Women’s Refugee Commission welcomes a robust partnership with both the administration and Congress in the first 100 days, and over the next four years. Together, we can set an agenda that proactively advances the rights and protections of displaced persons around the world.”

Click here for the Women’s Refugee Commission’s detailed priorities for the Biden administration’s first 100 days.