International Rescue Committee (IRC)
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The IRC in Somalia

IRC health, sanitation staff build a clean water source for a school in Somalia
Photo: Peter Biro/IRC

The International Rescue Committee first began assisting Somalis in the early 1980s following the Somalia-Ethiopian conflict. Forced to halt programs due to a resurgence of violence, the IRC restarted relief efforts in 2007, working with local authorities to provide health care, clean water, sanitation and other critical services.  We also foster development through the creation of jobs and community participation. Now as Somalia and its neighbors face a catastrophic drought, the IRC is responding to Somalis’ urgent needs.

The Latest

January 27, 2012 | Blog
Noted: Violence spurs Somali aid groups to cut back
Video: The IRC's humanitarian affairs director, Gerald Martone, was interviewed for a recent Al Jazeera report on the challenges to delivering humanitarian aid in Somalia.
January 23, 2012 | Blog
"We Can Be Heroes"
January 23, 2012 | Press Release
International Rescue Committee partners with We Can Be Heroes campaign
January 20, 2012 | Blog
This Week's Voices: Lives at risk in Somalia
January 20, 2012 | Blog
Photo Share: Drawing water, Somalia
January 20, 2012 | Video
This is Somalia
January 20, 2012 | Press Release
Insecurity hinders aid efforts for tens of thousands of Somalis in need of humanitarian assistance
December 26, 2011 | Blog
2011: Drought and famine in the Horn of Africa

See more stories about the IRC's work in Somalia

Inside our work in Somalia

  • Somalis, livestock rest in the shade to escape heat, drought, IRC brings relief
  • Women fill jugs with clean water; the IRC provides water to alleviate drought
  • A man gives water to livestock; the IRC promotes sanitation, prevents disease
  • The IRC helps vulnerable women, children, families affected by drought, famine
  • The IRC helps farmers keep livestock healthy and provides Cash for Work
  • IRC staff with Somali family, the IRC prioritizes projects with local authoritie
  • Somali refugees in Dadaab, Kenya; the IRC provides emergency health care
Launch Slideshow

Somalia faces systemic conflict and poverty and now is in the grip of widespread famine. The IRC is stepping up its services to address this emergency as well as continuing to provide essential services and promote development.

More Slideshows ›

How We Help

  • The IRC provides emergency relief to those affected by drought and conflict.
  • The IRC builds and restores clean water sources and promotes good hygiene.
  • The IRC assists farmers with agricultural and business training.
  • The IRC fosters long-term development by promoting and protecting human rights.

Research

PDF Downloads

East Africa Drought Fact Sheet - September 2011
IRC Horn and East Africa Drought Factsheet - August 2011
The Hidden Side of the Famine: Violence Against Women and Girls Fleeing Somalia

See all IRC resources about Somalia

In The Media

Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman Urge Fans to Help Africa
February 3, 2012 | Christian Science Monitor
Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman Urge Fans to Help Africa
Superman, Batman Join Fight to Save Horn of Africa
February 3, 2012 | ABC News
Superman, Batman Join Fight to Save Horn of Africa
Violence spurs Somali aid groups to cut back
January 21, 2012 | Al Jazeera
Violence spurs Somali aid groups to cut back

Read more about the IRC's work in Somalia in the media