Many countries in Latin America remain dangerous places for LGBTQ+ people. This Pride Month, meet four inspiring people who have fought to live in safety.

The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency. The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year.

Nolasque Balitebya began working for the IRC as a Swahili interpreter in 2019 shortly after he and his family were resettled in Missoula by the IRC. His 'can-do' attitude and eagerness to support newly arriving refugee families stood out to all staff at the IRC, and he was promoted to Caseworker in 2021. Now, Nolasque has begun the next step in his IRC journey. In March, Nolasque began serving as a Roving Direct Services Program Manager for IRC's Reception and Placement (R&P) programs. We sat down with Nolasque to reflect on his journey with the IRC in Missoula and what he is looking forward to next.

The International Rescue Committee and Foundation S - The Sanofi Collective partner to build resilient health systems in climate-affected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Born and raised in the small city of Voinjama, Liberia, Marcus is the youngest of four children. He was eight years old when the first civil war began in Liberia in 1989. Over 300,000 Liberians were forced to flee and seek refuge in neighboring countries.

As Ukraine marks two years since the escalation of the war, meet Alla, Natasha and Anna, who are each trying to maintain a normal life amidst the tragedy.

"I want to advocate for the people I work with so they have the opportunity to live with dignity and wellbeing. I want them to experience joy and safety. All the things we consider to be basic human rights.”

The IRC is a global leader in transforming the lives of women and girls, and our Gender Equality Unit is dedicated to ensuring that all of our program outcomes are achieved equally by men and women, boys and girls, in the communities that we work.