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Hundreds Join EPIC in Urging Strong U.S. Response to Humanitarian Crisis

[May 1] Thanks to EPIC supporters and a coalition of 23 national organizations, our April 14-16 Iraq Action Days was a resounding success, encouraging Washington to do more to help millions of Iraqis in need of humanitarian relief and protection. On April 14, our IRAQ FORUM was attended by leading Iraq scholars, refugee advocates, experts on humanitarian emergencies, and more than 220 concerned constituents from across the U.S. On the following Tuesday and Wednesday, we met with 71 Congressional offices and 10 lawmakers directly. Our case was strengthened by the participation of Iraq War veterans, aid workers, religious sisters and clergy, Iraqi expatriates, doctors, students, and homemakers. For photos, video highlights and media coverage, visit www.IraqActionDays.org. You can help us build on the momentum of IRAQ ACTION DAYS. Call your Senators and Representative via the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 225-3121 today! Urge them to do far more to help Iraqi civilians who are displaced or otherwise affected by ongoing violence in Iraq. For more information on what Congress can do, read our NGO letter (PDF), Backgrounder (PDF) and other resources posted in our Iraq Action Days Reading Room. To promote genuine peace and relief in Iraq, join us in making every day an Iraq Action Day.

EPIC and NGOs say Don't Forget Iraqi Refugees

[Sept. 12] The Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC) joins 26 humanitarian organizations in declaring that unless the U.S. Government and the international community move fast to address the already grave Iraqi displacement crisis, Iraqi civilians will be at even greater risk, with serious consequences for the entire region. While Iraq and neighboring countries face the worst humanitarian crisis in Iraq's history, including the displacement of more than 4 million people, U.S. and international assistance remains woefully inadequate. The groups call on the Administration to develop immediate and long-term plans to tackle the humanitarian disaster and aid the millions of desperate people uprooted by violence in Iraq. "It will significantly reduce the likelihood of regional instability. Iraq cannot be stable in an unstable region," the organizations say. The groups also welcome Ambassador Crocker's concern for Iraqis who are in danger as a result of their affiliation with the United States and urge a more robust U.S. resettlement program for the most vulnerable Iraqis. Read the full statement.

Take the Next Steps to Help Iraqi Refugees!

[July 26] On June 14th, when we began building support for Congressman Blumenauer's Responsibility to Iraqi Refugees Act (H.R. 2265), only 14 representatives had signed on. EPIC hand-delivered more than 2,300 constituent letters to Congress, and now the bill has 49 cosponsors. Our efforts have had an impact, but we must work together to keep the pressure up. Please check the list of cosponsors for H.R. 2265, and if your representative has not signed on, find out what you can do to help the 4 million innocent Iraqi civillians displaced by violence.

Helping Those Who Helped Us:
Part 2 of EPIC's Interview with Kirk Johnson

[July 3] Hundreds of Iraqis have risked their lives to help the U.S. rebuild their country. But when they ask the U.S. for help, do their cries fall on deaf ears? In Part 2 of our Ground Truth Project interview, Kirk Johnson -- a former USAID employee -- shares harrowing stories about his former Iraqi colleagues. These brave men and women faced extreme danger while working with the U.S. to rebuild their country, and now endure incredible hardship as refugees. But despite their service to our country, the U.S. has done little to help them. Kirk is a passionate advocate for America's responsibility to protect his Iraqi friends and others facing in danger because of their affiliation with the U.S. Read more about Kirk’s work to protect our Iraqi allies in Part 2 of our conversation.

EPIC Takes Your Message to Congress

[June 28] Armed with well over 2,000 letters from concerned citizens like you, EPIC staff and volunteers stormed more than 300 House offices and 94 Senate offices with a call to Congress to assist and protect Iraqi refugees. For two days, we met with Foreign Affairs specialists in nearly every congressional office we visited, telling them about the 2 million Iraqi refugees and 2 million internally displaced who need our help now. We would like to thank the thousands of EPIC members who made our efforts possible -- by taking action and supporting our initiative with generous contributions.

Read more about our visit to Congress at the EPIC blog.