In March of 2021, approximately 19,000 unaccompanied children attempted to enter the United States through the border with Mexico. For a small percentage of these children, Florida communities are their new home, where they still face challenges. Many of these children have endured traumatic experiences, and many of them find themselves in a state of limbo as cases clog up a fragile and unprepared immigration system, exacerbating their isolation. 

Rosine and Carine were just 15 years old when they were abducted, raped and forced to marry soldiers. They bravely share their stories in hope that they will raise awareness of the need to do more to protect children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In honor of Mother's Day, we share the story of two mothers reunited with their children after decades apart thanks to the Central American Minors program and the help of the IRC.

Right now, nearly every person in Gaza is in need of humanitarian assistance. But children are bearing the brunt of the war that’s endured for over a year.

The IRC’s education programming for primary school-aged children has three overarching goals: (1) to ensure that children enroll in and attend school regularly; (2) to protect children from all forms of violence in school and on their way to school; and (3) to build fundamental reading, math and social-emotional skills.

This brief summarizes actions that program planners and implementers should take to minimize the impact that emergencies have on the lives of young children and their families.

The Child Watch Center is a safe, enriching, and educational environment for refugee children. By creating this childcare program, refugee parents were able to attend more classes at the IRC.