The Biden-Harris Administration has taken important and crucial steps to provide relief to the most vulnerable populations abroad, such as through the American Rescue Plan’s supplemental funding for the international response; contributions to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and commitments to provide 500 million vaccine doses and donate another 80 million excess doses to low- and middle-income countries. But vaccine donations alone are insufficient; they must be complemented by clear plans for and investments in the efficient and rapid delivery of doses, with careful attention to areas not reached by national governments. 

The IRC in Tucson began receiving displaced Afghan families in September of 2021. All are in urgent need of safety and security. The number of families has increased due to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. The IRC calls on the Tucson and Pima County community to come together with open arms in welcome for these families, many who risked their lives providing critical and longstanding assistance to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.