Hopeful news
If you’re struggling to remember positive news about 2024, you’re not alone.
2024 was a tumultuous year. As a humanitarian aid charity working in 40 countries around the world, the IRC (International Rescue Committee) is deeply concerned about the state of the world going into 2025. Our Emergency Watchlist for next year depicts a “world out of balance” in which conflict, climate change and inequality are leading to deteriorating humanitarian crises in the countries where we work.
However, there were positive stories that gave us hope and inspired us this year – here’s our pick of 8 of them.
1. Cindy Ngamba became the first Refugee Olympic Team medallist
Cindy Ngamba made history by securing the Refugee Olympic Team's first medal this year. Born in Cameroon, Ngamba has lived in the UK for 15 years (and is still fighting to be granted UK citizenship, fearing persecution in her birth country). After winning a scholarship with the IOC Refugee Team, she became the first female boxer to represent the team in the games.
2. We learned new ways AI is being used for good
Artificial Intelligence has been the trending topic of 2024, and the “AI for Good” conference brought together leading tech companies like Google and OpenAI with humanitarian organisations (like the IRC) to identify and accelerate practical humanitarian uses for AI.
For example, Aprendia is an AI-driven chatbot with a vision to reach millions of children who cannot access education due to conflict and crises.
Nazia raises her hand to answer a question in class. Could ed-tech support students affected by crises to return to education?
Photo: Mahab Azizi for the IRC
3. One million doses for 'zero-dose' children
In February we announced that one million doses of life-saving vaccines have been administered to children across Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, thanks to the Zero-Dose Immunization Programme (ZIP). The programme aims to identify and vaccinate children living in fragile settings beyond the reach of health services.
IRC staff traverse through a flooded village for vaccination outreach in Koch County, South Sudan.
“Children living in hard-to-reach communities now have a fighting chance for a better future,” said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi.
4. IRC psychologist in Syria recognised in BBC's 'Women of the Year'
IRC psychologist Samia has been chosen as one of the most inspiring and influential women worldwide by the BBC. Samia offers psychological support to displaced communities in northeast Syria. Her work is fuelled by both personal experience and a strong belief in the vital role mental health support plays in recovering from crisis.
Farah* spends time with her children in Raqqa, Syria, at the IRC Integrated Protection Center. The centre is a safe space where families affected by the war can receive support such as psychosocial sessions.
Photo: Iuna Vieira for the IRC
5. The family reunited at Ramadan
For the Hussaini family, 2024 marked their first Ramadan as all together after being torn apart during their escape from Afghanistan in August 2021. Reunited in Salt Lake City, Hazar, Sanowbar, and their eight children came together to share in the joy of preparing iftar meals to break their fasts. Read their story.
“When our daughters were apart from us we were counting the days, we couldn't be relaxed, we were always in this deep anxiety thinking ‘Where are they and what are they doing?’" says mother, Sanowbar. "Now they are here, we’ve just lost track of time and we are not anxious anymore.”
Photo: James Roh for the IRC
6. Music by refugees lit a spark
Music by refugee artists hit the charts this year, when a song performed by children seeking asylum in Cork, Ireland, became a surprise summer hit, while Afro-Appalachian artist Mon Rovia used his unique music to raise awareness of humanitarian crises.
'The Spark' is a ‘raucous drum’n’bass rap banger’ (Mixmag) performed and co-written by children aged between nine and twelve who live in the Knocknaheeny suburb of Cork (The Kabin Crew) and a group who live in refugee accommodation (Lisdoonvarna Crew). The song, produced by non-profit creative hub, Kabin Studio, is now longlisted for a grammy in 2025.
Mon Rovia's “Winter Wash 24” was another uplifting call to action this year, addressing the feelings of helplessness and apathy many people experience when faced with global events, but urging listeners to engage with and care for those in need. Read more about Mon Rovia's story.
Mon Rovia's music tackles the apathy he sees in response to world events. "In these unprecedented times, it's more important than ever to find better ways to care for and love our neighbours"
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the person
What is the International Rescue Committee?
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. We deliver lasting impact by providing health care, helping children learn, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant, always with a focus on the unique needs of women and girls.
