We are the Johnson County affiliate of the United Nations Association - USA, a national, non-partisan, non-governmental movement advocating for the life-changing and life-saving work of the United Nations.

Board of Directors: Barbara Eckstein, President; Britta Loftus, Vice President; Amy Brewster, Secretary; Meredith Gall, Treasurer; Jerry Anthony, Mercedes Bern-Klug, Stefanie Bowers, Nittaya Burnham,

Farnaz Fatahi, John W. Fuller, Wangui Gathua, Donna Hirst, Bijou Maliabo, Lucie Mordecai,

Jean Paul Mugemuzi, Jim Olson, Sanaa Sebaaly.

E-Newsletter Editor, Jim Olson

If your membership has expired -- or is about to -- you have received a renewal reminder from UNA-USA. The easiest way to renew is ONLINE. Please CLICK here. Many thanks!

World Refugee Day

Glocal Connections: Summer Gathering & Potluck

Sunday, June 15, 2025

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Iowa City City Park, Shelter #12

Guests will enjoy a diverse array of dishes contributed by attendees and community organizations, along with music and informal introductions that highlight the vibrant network of groups working to spread internationalism in our area, including the African Community Network of Iowa, Iowa City Compassion, and the Center for Worker Justice.

Bring a favorite dish to share, along with friends and family and, if you are able, additional folding tables and chairs.

"Each year on 20 June, the world honors the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution," as stated by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

We have several ways to mark this important occasion:

Meet refugees, immigrants and other neighors at the second annual Glocal Connections: Summer Gathering and Potluck, described at the right, Sunday, June 15, sponsored by the IC Foreign Relations Council.

Read and reflect on the two perspectives written by JCUNA members Barbara Eckstein and Harper Dunne (below).

Support UNHCR. To donate Click Here

Speak out against proposed rescissions to the federal budget, which would zero out U.S. contributions to the UN including support for refugees and the victims of violence and oppression. See the box immediately below.

Stop the Rescissions Package

The White House has submitted a request to Congress to eliminate funding in the current fiscal year for UNICEF and other UN agencies aiding refugees and other vulnerable people. Speak out now to oppose these cruel and self-defeating cuts.

Contact Congress to Oppose Cuts to Humanitarian Aid

World Refugee Day -- Two Perspectives

Harper Dunne

JCUNA member and former Iowa UNA College Ambassador, Harper Dunne, writes about the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case, linking it to Sustainable Development Goal #16.

Although Abrego Garcia is not technically a refugee, his case highlights the unresolved question of due process for those threatened with deportation.

Read Harper's Essay Here

Barbara Eckstein

JCUNA President Barbara Eckstein's guest editorial, "World Refugee Day shadowed by suffering," appeared in The Gazette on June 10.

Read Barbara's Editorial Here

Johnson County Chapter

United Nations Association- USA

308 E. Burlington St, 245, Iowa City, IA 52240

johnsoncountyuna.org

unajohnsoncounty@gmail.com