SENATE RESOLUTION

8627

BySenator Fortunato

WHEREAS, The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in a civil war since 1996 resulting in untold trauma and human rights abuses; and

WHEREAS, International observers have concluded over 4,000,000 people have lost their lives between 1998 and now, and more than 2,000,000 Congolese people have been displaced from their homes; and

WHEREAS, Few have been able to escape the conflict, survivors have experienced brutal violence, forced displacement, and economic and social destruction; and

WHEREAS, Washington State has warmly received these immigrants who number in the top 5 of resettled populations to our state and top 1 nationally; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 8,000 Congolese refugees live, work and call Washington state home, they are served by the Congolese Integration Network; and

WHEREAS, The Congolese Integration Network was founded 5 years ago to facilitate the social, economic, cultural, and spiritual integration of Congolese immigrants and refugees into American society by providing access to critical resources to empower this community; and

WHEREAS, The Congolese Integration Network continues to advocate for resources to support the refugee community in the construction of a Healing Center where those suffering from trauma can feel safe and recover from their mental, physical, and spiritual wounds;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the work of the Congolese Integration Network, their efforts to support refugees in Washington fleeing violence and oppression, and individuals working to alleviate their plight, fighting for justice and peace.