2023 has been a turbulent year, and the IRC predicts humanitarian crises like Gaza and Sudan will worsen in 2024. But while the headlines worldwide may be dire, there are still many positive stories and heartwarming moments from 2023 worth remembering.
Here are 15 stories that gave us hope in 2023:
Anticipatory action helped climate-vulnerable communities
Anticipatory action means aid can be delivered before the onset of a predictable event like floods, instead of delivering aid after the disaster. The IRC’s research shows anticipatory action can reduce the negative impacts of climate shocks on small farming communities. For example, reducing the impact of food insecurity and loss of livelihoods caused by floods.
We heard songs of support for Ukrainians
Hosted in Liverpool on behalf of last year’s winners, Ukraine, the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest proved to be an emotional event. There were many tributes to those affected by the war, including a stirring chorus of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
Nampaji switched gears from nursing to car repair
“I have had an attraction to car engines since I was a little girl but while growing up people claimed that women can't accomplish anything in this field”.
Hajjara Nampaji was among the refugees and host community members in the Re:BUiLD program in Kampala. Read her story.
Teachers are helping refugee students through art
The IRC’s Healing Classrooms programme trains schools and educators on how to offer refugee and asylum-seeking children a safe place to learn and thrive after experiencing conflict and crisis. One approach is use of art classes. Read more.
Remote learning shown to help children in hard-to-access settings
Syrian refugee children in Lebanon are building literacy, numeracy and social skills from remote learning. Early childhood development is hugely important, but in conflict and crisis contexts, 80% of young children cannot access education. Read more about the Ahlan Simsim study in Lebanon.
Heba Saadieh became the first Palestinian World Cup referee
Heba Saadieh, born to Palestinian parents, grew up in Syria where she studied sports education in University. When the war broke out, she was forced to flee to Malaysia. There she joined a referees' training program.
Meet the first Palestinian to referee in the #WorldCup. 💪 pic.twitter.com/HoJcFTh3uw
— IRC - International Rescue Committee (@RESCUEorg) August 7, 2023
Afghan refugee Saghar is following her dreams
Having left behind her life in Afghanistan, Saghar faced barriers in adjusting to her new home in the UK, including limited English skills, but was determined to rebuild her life in the UK. Read Saghar’s story.
Mothers like Hadjara are diagnosing malnutrition at home
Every Friday, Hadjara has a weekly routine. She reaches for a measuring tape and checks the arms of her children. It takes 5 minutes to check if they are healthy. 2 million children die from malnutrition annually, despite it being easily treatable. Read about the IRC’s campaign for improved access and simplified treatment.
Refugee fans enjoyed a Harry Styles show
Three Ukrainian fans of Harry Styles, now living as refugees in Poland, were invited by the pop star to attend his show in Warsaw.
We're so grateful to @Harry_Styles for supporting the IRC through #LoveOnTour.
— International Rescue Committee - UK (@RESCUE_UK) August 2, 2023
The tour raised £5 million for charities including the IRC, @eveuptonclark reports in @OK_Magazinehttps://t.co/D70hbMn4OP
3 refugees supported by the IRC were also invited to his Warsaw show. 👇 pic.twitter.com/bzGwc2Y7oJ
12.7 million people have accessed crucial information
Signpost is a unique digital help desk for people affected by conflict and disaster. By providing accurate, timely information, the service combats disinformation and helps asylum seekers make informed decisions in the midst of crisis. Available in 20 countries and 25 languages, Signpost has reached 12.7 million people across the globe since 2016. In 2023 the project won a prestigious UN award.
Displaced Ukrainians are finding jobs in Poland
In Poland, Maryna accessed services for refugee jobseekers and subsequently landed a job as a tram driver in Katowice – a job she had always been interested in. The IRC also hosted a “Work for All” job fair in Poland, encouraging employers to hire refugees and helping them to navigate the job market in their host country.
Water helps women and girls in Ethiopia
Thanks to the work of IRC Environmental Health Officer Adem and his team, new water points and toilets have been installed in drought-hit neighbourhoods in Ehtiopia, improving health and hygiene and allowing girls to resume their education. View our Instagram post.
The Hussaini family were reunited
Amid the chaotic scenes at the Kabul airport in August 2021, Hazar and Sanowbar Hussaini were torn apart from their beloved daughters, which led to a heart-wrenching two-year wait for their reunion. Read their story.
Oksana is building her career in the UK
Oksana came to the UK with her two sons as part of the Homes for Ukraine programme in 2022. Having found a new home and spent time volunteering, she now has a job working for Homes for Ukraine itself, helping other refugees. Oksana graduated from the IRC’s RISE programme earlier this year.
Children are learning through play in Uganda
Research has shown that play gives refugee children a chance to overcome trauma, learn and thrive. Through the PlayMatters initiative, the International Rescue Committee and partners are working together with the LEGO Foundation to show that it is possible to reach every refugee child in East Africa with play-based learning.
About the IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises to rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, we now work in over 50 crisis-affected countries.