We are the International Rescue Committee UK , an independent British charity established in 1997 to bring a European voice to the International Rescue Committee global network. Working together, the IRC network of emergency relief workers, healthcare providers, educators, community leaders, activists and volunteers provides humanitarian aid, sanctuary and sustainable change for millions of people whose lives have been shattered by violence and oppression.
Since its establishment, IRC-UK has grown rapidly and is now acknowledged for its high-quality project management and technical expertise. In addition to supporting relief and reconstruction programmes in Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, the Northern Caucasus (Ingushetia and Chechnya), Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda, it also plays an important role in advocacy, fundraising and public education on conflict-related issues in Britain and Europe.
IRC-UK is home to two of the five Technical Units that operate across the IRC global network. These units provide support to field teams, helping them design, implement and evaluate programmes and share information and practices. The Governance & Rights Unit focuses on protection and rule of law, civil-society development and community-driven reconstruction, whilst the Economic Recovery & Development Unit is seeking to integrate economic and livelihood activities across the IRC’s work.
IRC-UK also co-hosts the Post-Conflict Development Initiative, building better understanding of the nature of conflict and its impact on society, and developing innovative responses to help communities transition from conflict to sustainable peace and recovery.
Programmes are supported by grants from a wide range of donors, including the Department for International Development (DFID), the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO), EuropeAid, Irish Aid and Comic Relief, and by private donations from trusts, foundations and individual supporters.
