Some Successes to Report about the Mandaean Emergency Campaign
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Dr. Nashi, the leader of the Mandaean Society of America, has written me about what has happened in Washington, D.C. last week when he went to lobby for the Mandaeans with the State Department, UNHCR, the US Refugee Council, and those on the Hill.
He reports that the State Department and UNHCR are resistant to the recommendation that the Mandaeans be considered as a group for refugee status. So cases will still be handled on an individual by individual basis.
However, three positive steps have been achieved from his visit and lobby:
Please, if you haven't already, I urge you to send letters to Washington. Click here to be taken to an earlier post with information on addresses and a template letter.
He reports that the State Department and UNHCR are resistant to the recommendation that the Mandaeans be considered as a group for refugee status. So cases will still be handled on an individual by individual basis.
However, three positive steps have been achieved from his visit and lobby:
First, some of the most vulnerable cases will be considered immediately, those cases involving Mandaean women, children and victims of torture.
Second, the State Department is willing to consider some cases involving reuniting families with members already in the US. This will benefit a small number of Mandaeans, but it still is a step forward.
Third, some senators agreed to sign a joint letter to Dr. Rice about the Mandaeans.
Please, if you haven't already, I urge you to send letters to Washington. Click here to be taken to an earlier post with information on addresses and a template letter.