The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

Our work

In 1933, Albert Einstein and a small group of humanitarians banded together to found what became the International Rescue Committee. We now work in over 40 countries where we deliver lasting impact by providing health care, helping children learn and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant. In every area of our work, we seek to address the inequalities facing women and girls.

In 2023 the IRC and our partners reached over 34.5 million people in countries affected by crisis.

As part of this work we:

... among other assistance provided around the world last year.

A six year old girl poses for a photo, sporting a soft smile with her hands on her hips.

Fajer really likes the color red and playing with her sister. The 6 year old from Baghdad participated in an Ahlan Simsim School Readiness program implemented by the IRC with support from the Iraqi Ministry of Education.

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An IRC workers helps a young person fill up their water container at a water collection point in Somalia.

In Somalia, the IRC helps communities access clean water and promotes hygiene and sanitation practices that will help prevent the spread of diseases.

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A person looks at the InfoDigna webpage, a part of the Signpost Project, on their smartphone.

The IRC launches the Signpost Project, a partnership with leading tech companies that uses social and digital media to connect people affected by crisis with vital resources.

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A girl poses for a photo at an IRC safe space place for girls in Lebanon.

Syrian refugee Sabah has found comfort and community at the IRC's safe space for women and girls in Lebanon.

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An IRC speaks with a client in the remains of a home destroyed by a severe earthquake in Syria.

In northwest Syria, IRC staff quickly mobilizes to support people affected by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

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A young boy eats a peanut-based therapeutic food provided by the IRC in Somalia.

In Somalia, Zakaria, who has been diagnosed with malnutrition, enjoys the peanut-based therapeutic food that will help him recover.

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A mother holds her daughters cheeks and begins to cry tears of joy.

Sanowbar Hussaini embraces her daughter, Sitara, at the airport in Salt Lake City two years after they were separated in Afghanistan.

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In 2023 the IRC ran Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI) programs in Europe and the United States.

As part of this work we:

*does not include legal and asylum and cross-border services

Learn more in our 2023 Annual Report.

Donate now: Support our work 

How we focus our efforts 

The IRC compiles an annual list of the 20 humanitarian crises expected to deteriorate the most over the next year. For the past decade, this report has helped us determine where to focus our emergency services and lifesaving support to make the greatest impact.

Read the 2024 Emergency Watchlist report or our Watchlist at a Glance summary.

Donate now: Support our work