Reports and resources
The International Rescue Committee uses our learning and experience to assist people affected by crisis and shape humanitarian policy and practice. Browse our research and resources.
Treating malnutrition in the community
The IRC conducted a pilot in South Sudan to determine the feasibility of low-literate community health workers providing treatment for severe acute malnutrition in their communities.
Escaping the subprime trap: Lessons from auto-lending to refugees on the fast track to economic integration
The results of the IRC’s research suggest that expansion of socially-minded consumer financing paired with financial education, and other asset-building programs, could help more low-income families achieve financial stability and at the same time reduce the risks the current subprime auto loan market represents to the overall U.S. economy.
Designing for a change in perspective: embracing client perspectives in humanitarian project design
This report reflects key learning about agencies’ practices and barriers to collect and use client perspectives in humanitarian project design.
A new model for delivering cash relief
The IRC’s cash research priorities aim to understand how best cash can be delivered to achieve greater scale and better outcomes for people affected by crises. This briefing shares the results of the IRC’s year-long research and development effort to improve the speed and cost efficiency of delivering cash assistance.
Parenting in displacement adapting Vroom for displaced Syrian families
Over 3.7 million Syrian children have been born into violence, poverty and displacement since the brutal war in Syria began over six years ago. Under these conditions, too many children lack stable, nurturing and enriching environments – including frequent interactions with caregivers that promote learning, and development. This case study provides a look at the process of adapting and piloting Vroom for Syrian refugee parents and families. Vroom empowers parents and caregivers of young children to turn everyday moments into brain building moments.
IRC and Relief International report reveals dire needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
The International Rescue Committee and Relief International carried out a multi-sector assessment to understand the urgent needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Only the second needs assessment of the Rohingya refugee crisis to be completed, it reveals the scale of the crisis faced by the estimated half a million people arriving in Bangladesh, fleeing conflict in Rakhine State.
Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in emergencies toolkit
The MHM in Emergencies project is a collaboration between Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and the International Rescue Committee, and supported by Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises. The aim of this project is to expand the evidence and guidance on MHM during emergencies. Along with adding to the evidence base, the project has developed an MHM in emergencies toolkit in partnership with the humanitarian response community.
The Fifth Child: Closing the immunization gap in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia
This report describes the implementation and evaluation of the “Fifth Child Project” to increase the use of immunization and perinatal services in northwestern Ethiopia.
Towards a new global compact on refugees: early lessons from East Africa
While progress has been made in bringing diverse development and humanitarian actors together under the leadership of host governments to address the needs of refugees and host communities, more still needs to be done to meet their urgent needs.
Syrian women refugees in Jordan: opportunity in the gig economy?
Many Syrian refugee women want to work but face hurdles. The gig economy, with protections for workers, could help change that.