SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 42
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the Multicultural Refugee Coalition and to join the
WHEREAS, The Multicultural Refugee Coalition is a
nonprofit organization that is based in Austin and works to help
WHEREAS, The coalition offers classes in job skills,
computer literacy, driver education, and gardening and sewing;
it also has a soccer team and offers resources for conflict
resolution; and
WHEREAS, A large portion of the refugees who participate in
the coalition's programs are from the Congo region in Africa,
which has been devastated by the ongoing conflict in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo; and
WHEREAS, The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 5.4
million people, the biggest death toll of any conflict since
World War II; half of the dead have been children; the average
life expectancy is 47 years, and one in five children die before
their fifth birthday; and
WHEREAS, The Congolese refugees in Austin are working to
build a stronger community for themselves and simultaneously
shed light on the most unfortunate situation in the Congo, where
more than 200,000 women and girls have been victims of sexual
violence, and more than one million people have been forced to
flee their homes; the celebration of the independence day of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo is an opportunity to express
support for its people and share their hopes for a better future;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the
Multicultural Refugee Coalition for its commendable work to help
refugees in Austin and recognize June 30 as Congolese
Independence Day; and, be it further
RESOLVED,
Watson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on June 16, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate