The millions of people displaced from their homes, regions and even countries will be the central focus of a congressional hearing set for Thursday, July 9 by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), chairman of the Africa and global human rights subcommittee. The U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development and two human rights non-government organizations (NGOs) will testify.

     "Due to conflict, poor governance and economic desperation, the countries of Africa are experiencing the highest-ever levels of internally displaced persons and refugees," said Chairman Chris Smith (NJ-04). "This has stretched the limits of what donors and international agencies can do to help.  This hearing will examine the extent of Africa's displaced persons problem and the options our government has to respond to the continent's crises and help alleviate the suffering of millions of people."

WHAT:           Congressional hearing entitled “Africa’s Displaced People.”

WHO:             Smith, members of the Subcommittee on Africa and global human rights, and witnesses: 

• Catherine Wiesner, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, U.S. Department of State

• Thomas H. Staal, Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development

• John Stauffer, President, The America Team for Displaced Eritreans, Ms. Ann Hollingsworth Senior Advocate for Government Relations, Refugees International

• Natalie Eisenbarth, Policy & Advocacy Officer, International Rescue Committee

WHEN:          Thursday, July 9 at 2 p.m.

WHERE:        Room 2200 in the Rayburn House Office Building (second floor).

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