In conflicts around the world, the targeting of civilians and their homes, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure has become routine. People are cut off from food, water and lifesaving assistance. The IRC advocates with global leaders for actions that uphold the laws of war, protect civilians in conflict, hold violators to account and allow humanitarian organizations to have greater access to people in need.

The International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) global humanitarian aid and refugee resettlement programs are actively responding to record-high numbers of displaced people by increasing their presence and implementing more efficient ways of working.

Thousands of refugees fleeing Syria and other conflict­-ridden countries are continuing to risk a dangerous sea journey to the Greek island of Lesbos in small boats, even as cold weather approaches.

More than 14 million people are facing starvation in East Africa alone. Famines are not a new phenomenon, but they are preventable. It’s time to take a closer look at what you think you know about famine.

Eight-year-old twin sisters from Afghanistan recount harrowing tales of the fearful journey they endured as they made their escape to Europe. They are just two of the more than one million refugees from countries experiencing relentless conflicts who have fled to Europe for safety and a new start. "The smugglers had sticks and they beat us, and wouldn’t let us stop even for five minutes," one of the girls said.

This World Refugee Day, we examine the pressing challenges that refugees face around the world and consider how we can address them.