“Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.” With these words, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has marked an historic leap forward for universal human rights. Her speech is backed by a new U.S. foreign aid strategy and a Presidential Memorandum released Tuesday that purports to combat criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people around the world.

The U.S. government’s renewed commitment to human rights is particularly significant for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) refugees. Having escaped homophobic persecution, these refugees are among the most marginalized forced migrants in the world. Even today, their reasons for fleeing their homelands – to escape persecution from family, neighbors, and even their own governments  – are sometimes not recognized as a legitimate basis for shelter. For LGBTI refugees whose lives hang in the balance, there are bold, practical steps that the U.S. government can take to bring about significant improvements. This moment in time presents a remarkable global leadership opportunity for the U.S., which accepts and resettles more refugees than any other country. Making these noble declarations a reality requires increased transparency and improvements in how LGBT refugees and asylum seekers are treated.

Currently, LGBTI refugees fleeing life-threatening persecution in their home countries typically spend years in hostile countries of passage while awaiting resettlement to the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand or other countries. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that work directly with LGBTI refugees have long known of the risks involved with long waits. In Turkey, for example, LGBTI refugees face abuse by the local population sometimes as severe as the abuse that forced them to flee. The U.S. should either expedite the process for this vulnerable population or else move them to a place where they’ll be safe while they wait. There is also much the U.S. can do to make sure LGBTI refugees who arrive here are resettled in accepting environments. The U.S. can start by allowing LGBTI refugees and the NGOs which assist them choose the locations where they are resettled.

Frontline staff – at both U.S. government offices overseas and at refugee assistance organizations – need to be trained to create an atmosphere of safety and equality for vulnerable LGBTI refugees. Many LGBTI refugees have run for their lives only to be abused or disrespected by the very people who should be helping them reach safety.

As Secretary Clinton recognized, the U.S. cannot achieve full human rights acting alone. It must act in concert with other nations to increase protections for LGBTI refugees. Domestically, the U.S. must increase partnerships with local LGBTI communities and allies to create safe, welcoming new lives for these refugees and asylum seekers. Many NGOs and faith-based communities are already leading the way to build a strong foundation for this effort. Working together, all of us can create a world where dignity, safety and human rights for LGBTI people are more than mere words.

Neil Grungras is Executive Director of ORAM – Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration. Visit www.oraminternational.org, www.facebook.com/ORAMRefugee or twitter.com/ORAMRefugee for more information.