The Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) unit at the IRC works to ensure that those we serve have their most basic survival needs met and have the combination of assets and income to prosper.

The IRC's 2021 Emergency Watchlist reveals that the world is facing both unprecedented humanitarian emergencies as well as a political crisis of inaction and global retreat from humanitarian obligations.

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.