The world’s 82 million displaced people, the highest number ever recorded, require more than “aid as usual.” Their growing and increasingly complex needs mandate a transformation—a creative rethinking—in the global humanitarian response. The International Rescue Committee has taken on this challenge.

Each year, millions of people—particularly women and children—are subject to violence and abuse, and struggle to feel safe in their homes and communities. Trapped in countries plagued by crisis, many cannot access the resources they need to protect them, recover from abuse, and ensure their own safety.

Millions of people, particularly women and children, die from preventable causes in countries affected by conflict and natural disasters.

In areas affected by conflict or disaster, children are likely to miss out on learning opportunities. The IRC and LEGO Foundation are responding by providing learning through play activities to 800,000 young refugees and host community children in East Africa.

In Central African Republic (CAR), 1 million people have been displaced by ongoing conflict. The International Rescue Committee has assisted CAR throughout its current crisis despite the high risk to aid workers. We provide medical care, water and sanitation services, and protection for vulnerable women and girls.

The International Rescue Committee is supporting government and local nonprofit agencies in Germany as they assist more than 1 million people fleeing conflict. We're sharing our expertise in education for refugee children and youth, the special protection needs of women fleeing crisis, and ways to prepare refugees to join the workforce and contribute to their new communities.