As a pastoralist, Anfac’s main source of income and food for her family came from raising healthy livestock. However, three consecutive years of drought in Ethiopia completely upended her life, causing all of her livestock to perish and leaving her family without any food to eat. “We were just pastoralists, and now we have nothing to live on,” says Anfac. In East Africa, which is heavily dependent on agro-pastoral activities, the prolonged and severe drought has decimated livelihoods. 6.8 million livestock have died in Ethiopia alone, forcing people like Anfac and her family to leave their homes and seek food assistance.

On World Refugee Day, the IRC is empowering refugees to reclaim their narratives. Instead of being just a number among millions, they will share the unique numbers that define their lives. Dive deeper into their stories and broaden your understanding.

Millions of people have been uprooted from their homes in Ukraine and are need of aid. As the world responds, those enduring ongoing crises in Afghanistan, Yemen and other countries will also be impacted by the conflict and must not be left behind.

People facing crises encounter barriers to mental health support. Find out what the IRC is doing to help.