Violence against women and girls is a global problem of epidemic proportions. Evidence shows that over one-third of women and girls globally will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. Regardless of where they live, their religion or culture, or what stage of life they are in, each is a target of violence specifically because of her gender and the gender discrimination that persists globally. Gender-based violence (GBV) is exacerbated in emergencies, where vulnerability and risks are higher, and family and community protections have often broken down. Rohingya women arriving in Cox’s Bazar have reported rape at the hands of the Myanmar military, while in the refugee settlements, women and girls are often not allowed to leave their tents, isolating them from services and increasing their risks of violence from partners and family. In South Sudan, as many as 65 per cent of women and girls have experienced physical or sexual violence. Sexual exploitation of women and girls in emergencies – including by aid workers and peacekeepers – is also increasingly recognised as a problem that the humanitarian sector must address.

The time immediately following a crisis, whether it be a peace process, rebuilding after a natural disaster or seeing a new government come into power, creates a window of opportunity to reimagine what the next phase of life can look like.

Rami Malek, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Morena Baccarin, Sepideh Moafi, Ebony Obsidian and other IRC Ambassadors are working together to serve humanity. Learn why they are all proud to support the IRC’s work to help refugee families survive, recover and rebuild in the world’s toughest places. Join them by making a gift today.

This wise recommendation from Albert Einstein represents the International Rescue Committee’s strong commitment to research, evaluation and learning. Appropriately, it comes from the great scientist and humanitarian at whose suggestion our organisation was founded in 1933. More than 80 years later, our work is driven by equal parts of passion and proof, ideals and ideas.

Over 4.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine. Go inside the International Rescue Committee's response supporting their long-term needs.

Two months ago, sisters Marta* and Oksana* lived peaceful lives in the same Ukrainian town where they were born, married and spent their entire lives. They both have young children–four between them, ages 9 to 15–and their families were happy, content and prosperous.

In Yemen, which has entered its eighth year of war, the IRC delivers lifesaving care through mobile clinics. Spend a typical day with a mobile health team.