Since early June, tens of thousands of Iraqis have fled Islamic State militants who have targeted religious minorities in a violent rampage across northwestern Iraq. Thousands remain in need of food, water, shelter and safety. Last month, the militants attacked one of Iraq’s oldest minorities, the Yazidi people of Sinjar.

Last year, the Governor of Texas declared that the state would no longer accept Syrian refugees, citing security concerns after the horrific attacks in Paris. The state demanded that the International Rescue Committee halt its resettlement programs or face a lawsuit. A federal judge on June 16, 2016 dismissed the lawsuit that would have banned refugee resettlement in Texas.

Mawa was torn away from his family by Sudan’s civil war. After a decade apart, he was finally able reunite with his children with the help of the International Rescue Committee in Baltimore. 

Over 60 million people around the world are now displaced from their homes, having been forced to flee from war, persecution and disaster. Only a lucky few are given the chance to resettle in a third country. The United States and the IRC offer refugees sanctuary and the opportunity to build a new home for themselves and their families.

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, thanks IRC volunteers with a special video message.

In September, 2014, IRC Voice and opera singer Danielle de Niese visited IRC's WEKEZA Education Program in Tanzania. The program uses education to reduce the exploitation of child labor.

Actress and acitivist Piper Perabo recently visited the Greek island of Lesbos where the International Rescue Committee is providing critical aid for up to 4,000 refugees fleeing from war-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan. Many have been on the road for 20-30 days, hoping for safety and to live in peace. Read Piper's reflections from Greece. 

In June 2015, International Rescue Committee president David Miliband met with some of the 150,000 refugees from northeastern Nigeria who have fled to neighboring Niger to escape attacks by Boko Haram militants.

The Game of Thrones cast and the International Rescue Committee came together to raise awareness of the plight of Syrian refugees.

Nine-year-old Maher discovered his love for photography after the IRC gave him a camera to photograph his friends.