The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises - including the climate crisis - to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

Our work:

Founded at the call of Albert Einstein in 1933, the International Rescue Committee delivers lasting impact for people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster. In the toughest and most remote places on earth, our programmes meet people’s multi-faceted needs through a rigorous, performance-based approach to all that we do.

In over 40 countries, our teams react quickly and stay for as long as they are needed. We listen to and respond to people’s needs, from clean water, shelter, and health care to education and earning an income. We ensure people not only survive, but also recover and rebuild their livelihoods, leading lives defined by the hope and dignity we all deserve.

The IRC's impact in 2021

In 2021 the IRC and our partners reached over 31.5 million people in countries affected by crisis. As part of this work, we:

  • Supported 3,607 health facilities;
  • Provided 6,085,969 outpatient consultations;
  • Treated 155,528 children under 5 for severe acute malnutrition;
  • Admitted 429,256 people for nutrition services;
  • Built or rehabilitated water supplies serving 2,700,629 people;
  • Reached 1,243,527 people with cash assistance;
  • Reached 1,240,379 people through gender-based violence awareness raising activities;
  • Provided specialised support to 33,426 women survivors of violence;
  • Supported 98,128 children in IRC safe spaces and other protection programmes;
  • Enrolled 370,771 children and youth in learning programmes;

How we focus our efforts 

The IRC compiles an annual list of the 20 humanitarian crises expected to deteriorate the most over the next year. For the past decade, this report has helped us determine where to focus our emergency services and lifesaving support to make the greatest impact.

Read the 2023 Emergency Watchlist report or our Watchlist at a Glance summary.