United States Mission Geneva

The United States agrees that protecting IDPs remains one of the greatest humanitarian challenges facing the international community today. We recognize the importance of the Representative’s visits to more than 20 countries with conflict-induced internal displacement, and we appreciate his work to highlight key concerns with these visits. The United States will continue to advocate for improved humanitarian access where it is unduly restricted by violence against humanitarian workers or bureaucratic red tape.

Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Eric P. Schwartz welcomed Filippo Grandi, recently appointed Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), to Washington DC on March 11, 2010, and announced that the U.S. will make an additional planned contribution of $55 million to UNRWA.

Development outcomes are greatly dependent on the degree to which women and girls are empowered to realize their potential and to benefit from, and contribute to, their society’s progress. USAID welcomes President Obama’s leadership in its efforts toward achieving women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Helping nations to grow and prosper is not only the moral obligation of a great nation; it is also in our national interest. The investments we make today are a bulwark against current and future threats – both seen and unseen – and a down payment for future peace and prosperity around the world.

In response to the earthquake in Chile and a request from the Chilean government, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is sending 18 satellite phones and a technician to assist with the dire need for communications equipment.

During a visit to the MAGIC Marketplace textile and apparel trade event in Las Vegas, NV, Ambassador Ron Kirk was joined by Haitian apparel manufacturer Richard Coles of Multitex, President of the U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) Julia K. Hughes, Jerry Cook, Vice President of Government and Trade Relations for Hanesbrands, Inc., and Senior Director at GAP Mark D’Sa as Ambassador Kirk announced a new initiative to assist post-earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti.

Thank you very much. It is, indeed, an honor to be here, to be part of this U.S.-Islamic World Forum. And I thank you for all of the kind words and good wishes for my husband, who is doing fine. He is in great shape. All is well, or I would not be here this evening. And he sends his best greetings to each and every one of you, and particularly to you, Your Highness. I told the Emir that, on my way to the airport today, the last instruction I received from my husband was to give his very best regards to you, Your Highness.

The United States announced today that it is making an initial contribution of $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support UNRWA’s regular budget and emergency programs in the West Bank and Gaza.

As in our humanitarian efforts now, and as we transition to reconstruction and rebuilding, the United States looks forward to working together with the international community and most importantly, with the government of Haiti to assist in its revitalization.