Our Mission

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression.

In 2008, the IRC restored hope and opportunity for millions of conflict-affected people around the world. Here’s a look at some of our recent achievements:

• We gave over 1.8 million people access to clean water and sanitation.
• We trained more than 10,000 educators and supported schools attended by 540,000 children, over half of them girls.
• Our doctors, nurses and community health workers served 11.6 million people with primary and reproductive health care.
• We reached some 7 million people through our health education and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.
• We counseled and cared for nearly 17,000 survivors of sexual violence and educated over 460,000 men, women and children in ways to prevent sexual violence.
• We reunited over 750 separated children and former child soldiers with their families and supported skills training for over 8,000 youth.
• In the United States, we helped resettle over 9,000 newly arrived refugees and provided services to 28,000 refugees, asylees and victims of human trafficking.

• The American Institute of Philanthropy gives the IRC an A+.
• Forbes gives the IRC high ratings in the three areas it tracks: Program efficiency, fundraising efficiency and donor dependency (the portion of current donations that were spent).
• BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance notes the IRC meets all 20 of its standards. 
• Charity Navigator calls us a "Four Star Charity."

Our Efficiency

Of every $1 the IRC spends, 90¢ goes to programs and services that directly benefit refugees and war-affected populations.

Learn about the many ways you can help here.