Families in the Dallas area, including refugees, are relying on produce IRC New Roots coordinator Isabella Chamberlain harvests from the IRC's New Roots gardens every week. The gardens were created as a way for newly arrived refugees to settle into their new communities, earn an income from what they grow, and enjoy more fresh produce at home. But now Isabella is working alone, for safety.

According to the United Nations refugee agency, a record 82.4 million people are displaced worldwide—double the number a decade ago. Every World Refugee Day (June 20), we honor the courage and contributions of refugees and displaced people around the world. This year, meet refugee and immigrant artists who use their creativity to connect and heal—bringing people closer together, and showing us who they are beyond the label of refugee.

When forced to flee their homes, refugees can only carry so much in their arms, but they bring so many intangible gifts to their new communities: hopes and dreams, experiences and talents, traditions and family stories, resilience and determination.

From the IRC's 2022 Global Virtual Event, watch to learn how the IRC and our partners help people impacted by the war in Ukraine. The International Rescue Committee helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

After fleeing violence in Iraq with her young family, Taghreed had trouble coping with life as a refugee. "Do something you love," suggested her mother. So Taghreed started baking, finding comfort in the familiar scents of spices from home. The IRC helped her begin a baking career, and now she works at a popular pastry shop near where she lives in Seattle. Her son Yousif says he's proud of his courageous mom.

Bothina Matar, who fled the war in Syria in 2015, describes the situation her family is facing and her message to the president-elect: “I hope he will keep his promises.”

IRC Ambassador Rami Malek shares why he admires the work of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). "I support the IRC because I believe everyone should have an opportunity to seek a better future for themselves. My family had that opportunity and I’m so very grateful for it." Join him and donate to the IRC today.