Seventy years ago, 145 countries signed the 1951 Refugee Convention in the wake of World War II, when the displacement of millions of people across Europe shed light on the need for humanitarian protections for those forced to flee violence and persecution. Since 1951, 50 million people have been protected under the Convention’s umbrella. Yet, today, the consensus that forged the Convention and the international cooperation that underpins it are being increasingly undermined. Over the past several years, we have seen a decline in resettlement, a hardening of refugee inclusion and asylum policies, and humanitarian aid lagging behind needs, across the regions that once most firmly upheld these protections. This report outlines how the US and Europe were key players at the time of the Convention's creation - now is the time for these same actors to reinvigorate it.

“They are now my family.” A refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Robert Sebatware was surprised when a stranger on his doorstep quickly became one of his closest friends.

The IRC in Wichita is committed to bringing our beneficiaries from harm to home. As part of that commitment, we provide the necessities they will need to start rebuilding their lives here in Wichita. To do this, the IRC relies on donated items from community partners that are passed into the hands of our clients free of charge as part of an initial household setup. We have a number of new arrivals scheduled to resettle in Wichita in August and are in dire need of the household items.

In 2019 we served hundreds of new refugees and immigrant families in Los Angeles, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. We thank you for your dedication to standing with the IRC, and commitment to welcoming refugees into the new year.

Afro-Appalachian folk artist Mon Rovîa's latest single, "Winter Wash 24," draws inspiration from the work done by the International Rescue Committee.

The IRC in NY gives thanks to its partners who supported refugee families this past fall with housing and continue to do so. IRC partners have supported clients by 1) securing household basics, amenities, and furniture, 2) participating in the hands-on move-in work, and 3) extending a warm welcome to families.

Led by Ukrainian Caseworker, Katya Galytska, and with live interpretation provided by Ukrainian Case Aide, Alina Linchevska, the workshop brought around 50 new Ukrainian neighbors—including many families with small children—to the IRC in Atlanta office for coffee and breakfast, socializing and networking, and opportunities to engage with and ask questions of expert staff from across our programs.

Word spread quickly through the small Arabic-speaking community in Missoula this spring that after an almost two year wait, the IRC would be resettling a family from Iraq. Thanks to our community for stepping up to welcome them.