New York, NY, November 6, 2024 — The results of the U.S. presidential election are in with Donald Trump as the next President of the United States. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) calls on the Trump administration to continue America’s traditions of humanitarian leadership and care for the most vulnerable.
Nearly 300 million people worldwide need humanitarian assistance and protection. Millions of people are forced to flee conflict or disaster, including more than 120 million people displaced with 50 million outside of their home countries. Now more than ever, America’s leadership is crucial in addressing the growing humanitarian crises and ensuring that assistance reaches those in dire need.
Harmful, dehumanizing rhetoric and counterproductive policy proposals, including extreme border, refugee, and immigration proposals, have created tension and division in U.S. communities. The IRC calls on the new administration and Congress to reject policies that demonize immigrants and asylum seekers, and instead embrace solutions that address the root causes of displacement, honor the U.S.’s long-standing, bipartisan commitment to providing safety to people fleeing persecution and conflict, and maintain its tradition of welcome in a safe, humane and orderly way. The bipartisan foundations of the U.S. refugee resettlement program, built by Democratic and Republican leaders alike, have saved countless lives and strengthened the social and economic fabric of the United States.
The IRC remains committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of our clients and staff and to upholding core principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Every day the IRC works to help people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives.
We will remain steadfast in our work – no matter the challenge – to put our clients first and to serve them where and when they need us most.