Determination Pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as Amended

President Clinton determined it important to the national interest to make up to $38 million available from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for urgent refugee and migrant needs in the Great Lakes region of Africa. The funds can be distributed bilaterally or multilaterally to international organizations, NGOs, governments, and other agencies.

Federal Register Open PDF 62 FR 3979

Impact dates

Date TBD
Funds available for urgent and unexpected needs

Key directives

Make up to $38,000,000 available from United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund
Funds to be used for refugees, victims of conflict, and other persons at risk in Great Lakes region of Africa
Funds may be used on multilateral or bilateral basis to international organizations, private voluntary organizations, governments, and other agencies
Inform appropriate committees of Congress of this determination and obligation of funds
Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

$38 million authorized for obligation from Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund

Near term (90d)

Funds disbursed to international organizations, NGOs, and governments for urgent needs

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Great Lakes region of Africa (Rwanda, Burundi, DRC) was experiencing severe instability in 1996-1997; urgency suggests crisis response
No specific timeline for obligation or expenditure of funds creates implementation uncertainty
Multilateral/bilateral flexibility allows rapid response but reduces congressional oversight granularity