A long walk to his volunteer job in Jordan's Zaatari refugee camp prompted a former anesthesiologist from Syria to devise a better way to get around the sprawling camp. Now building bikes and four-wheeled, pedal-powered “cars” has become his passion.

Following the fall of the Assad-led government, most Syrian refugees remain hesitant to return due to ongoing concerns about safety, housing, and livelihoods. IRC surveys show only 29% intend to return, with most lacking clear timelines. Access to reliable information has decreased, and conditions inside Syria remain largely unconducive to safe, voluntary, and dignified returns.

Since 2014, economic upheaval and political turmoil in Venezuela have caused over 3 million people to flee the country, and this number is likely to rise as the crisis intensifies.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in a significant increase in the number of refugees coming into Libya since April 2023. This needs assessment presents the challenges, opportunities and aspirations of this newly arrived population and informs humanitarian programming and advocacy. The IRC conducted the assessment in the three regions in Libya where the IRC is currently implementing programs.

IRC offices across the nation have offered New Roots programs for many years, providing opportunities for refugees to participate in sustainable agricultural practices and receive nutrition education. Yet in the heart of California’s Central Valley—the agricultural hub of the state—no such program had existed. That all changed May 8, as four Afghan families helped launch a new sustainable agriculture program for the IRC in Turlock/Modesto. Participants gathered at Turlock Community Gardens to plant crops typically grown in their home country such as okra, muskmelons and Persian cucumbers as well as fruits and vegetables more commonly grown such as tomatoes, strawberries and bell peppers.

Youth FarmWorks, a job training urban farm, provides refugee, immigrant, and at-risk youth from City Heights with job readiness skills and offers the community fresh local produce.

This community partner spotlight features Cathy Burds, CEO of Colographic, who faced hiring challenges and turned to the IRC in Denver, hiring her first refugee employee, Marcos. Overcoming language barriers, she ensured his certification and integration. Cathy’s efforts inspired industry changes and increased awareness of refugee hiring practices in Colorado, demonstrating the power of collective efforts and inclusivity.