STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FIVE
_____
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JUNE 20, 2025 AS WORLD
REFUGEE DAY IN MAINE
WHEREAS, World Refugee Day was launched by the United Nations in 2000 to honor
the bravery, strength and determination of refugees around the world who have been forced to
flee their home countries under threat of conflict, violence, persecution and natural disaster;
and
WHEREAS, more than 100 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from
their homes due to conflict, persecution, natural disasters and human rights violations; and
WHEREAS, refugees resettle across the welcoming state of Maine in hopes of finding
peace and safety for themselves and their families; and
WHEREAS, for over 45 years, refugees from diverse social, cultural, racial, ethnic and
religious backgrounds with a variety of skills, abilities and experiences have resettled in Maine
and have been woven into the fabric of Maine's vibrant cultural tapestry; and
WHEREAS, refugee-led organizations in Maine share with the State the work of
strengthening communities by engaging with and improving the lives of all Maine people
through fair and equitable access to education, health care and employment; and
WHEREAS, refugee-owned and immigrant-owned businesses are important contributors
to the economic and social vitality of communities across the State, supporting local economies
and employing local people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Legislature
now assembled in the First Special Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this
opportunity to recognize June 20, 2025 as World Refugee Day in Maine and the positive impact
and enduring contributions of refugee communities in the State.
Page 1 - 132LR2559(01)