Amidst dramatic drops in refugee arrivals across the nation, the IRC in Boise headed to the Idaho State Capitol to advocate for continued support of resettlement programs and refugee communities. At the Refugee Appreciation Luncheon co-organized by the IRC in Boise, senators and representatives tasted food from refugee-owned businesses, mingling and asking questions of refugee community leaders in attendance. Meanwhile, the IRC in Boise's Advocacy Team met individually with Idaho's majority and minority leadership and the staff of congressional delegates.

Our report findings convey a powerful message: normal life remains out of reach for millions of Ukrainians. As we commemorate a decade of conflict, it is imperative for the world to recognize that solidarity has no expiration date, and the humanitarian response to this war requires sustained support.

In the middle of the night, Ali and his family raced in an ambulance from SeaTac Airport to a team of waiting doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Fleeing the threat of death at the hands of extremists and battling time to save the life of his gravely ill seven-year-old son, Ali had spent the last two and a half years pleading for a chance to leave Iraq, to exchange home for safety. Now, with the support of the Seattle community, Ali and his family begin the journey of rebuilding their lives.

This year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is centered on enhancing global systems for current and future generations through the Summit of the Future. As cycles of violence and suffering become protracted without international mediation, the multilateral systems built in the aftermath of World War II are struggling to ensure a hopeful future for millions of people trapped in conflict and crisis. In fact, many multilateral institutions supporting financing, development and diplomacy can make it harder, not easier, for crisis-affected communities to resolve conflict, meet basic needs and secure pathways to resilience and prosperity.

Each year, tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence and persecution resettle in the United States, including the Bay Area. Resettlement means a fresh start and opportunity, especially for adolescent girls whose futures had been limited by a lack of access to education and opportunities and restrictive ideas about  women. Here. these girls have the chance to improve themselves, their families, and their communities. The Vision Project aims to empower refugee girls and change perceptions within their communities by providing girls with the skills and support they need to envision a positive future, and ultimately achieve their goals. The project runs three week-long workshops each year with resettled refugee girls, and each week culminates in a personal photoshoot for each girl where they embody their future selves.