Refugee International

History

We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.

ChallengeDisplacement crises left unattended threaten stability around the world. There are 59.5 million refugees and internally displaced people and 10 million stateless people living in limbo without citizenship rights. People forced from their homes by conflict are among the world’s most vulnerable and they all have individual stories of loss, heartache, and survival.

ImpactTimely responses to displacement crises can increase stability in a region before the conflict spreads across borders. Due to our efforts, displaced people receive food, medicine, and education; families return home; peacekeepers are sent to protect displaced people from harm; and stateless people obtain legal status.

ReputationRefugees International was started in 1979 as a citizens’ movement to protect Indochinese refugees. Since then, we have expanded to become a leading advocacy organization that provokes action from global leaders to resolve refugee crises. We do not accept government or UN funding, allowing our advocacy to be fearless and independent. Our expert recommendations are highly valued by the very people whose decisions bring immediate relief and lifesaving solutions to refugees: senior officials of the U.S. Administration and Congress, the United Nations, and governments around the world.

Field WorkEach year, Refugees International conducts approximately twelve field missions to identify displaced people’s needs for basic services such as food, water, health care, housing, access to education and protection from harm. Based on our field-based knowledge of humanitarian emergencies, we successfully challenge policy makers and aid agencies to improve the lives of displaced people around the world. Where there are needs, we witness what is lacking, we present solutions and we demand action.

Mission

Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.