International Rescue Committee

Here’s what you need to know about the current mpox outbreak in central and east Africa. ➡️ Following the declaration of a public health emergency by @WHO and @AfricaCDC, we’ve launched an emergency response to help limit the spread of infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Our teams are also monitoring the situation in Kenya and Uganda, and stand ready to respond if necessary.

As the 2024 U.S. elections draw closer, you may find yourself navigating some difficult conversations on key issues such as immigration. Here are some of the most common sticking points when it comes to talking about refugees and asylum seekers. Swipe ➡️ for some suggestions on how to respond. Share this post with anyone you think might need a little help from this guide. 💛

Meet 14-year-old Yangou and her friends — who’ve discovered the power of unity through their handmade matching dresses, shared business dreams and support network. In Foukouloum displacement camp in Chad, women and girls face a high risk of gender-based violence (GBV). But at the IRC Girl Shine center, teenage girls are building confidence, learning more about their rights, and participating in activities aimed to improve their mental and physical health, future aspirations and prospects. Crucially, IRC staff are also working to raise awareness and change mentalities in the community, particularly among men. These programs are run in partnership with @EU_ECHO. Visit Rescue.org to learn more about our work supporting displaced communities in Chad.

For refugees, finding ways to earn a living can be one of the hardest parts of rebuilding their lives. Forced to flee her home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jasmini tried out several jobs after arriving in Uganda. Learning a new language and currency, understanding local rules and even accessing banks and loans can all be big barriers for refugees. But with help from the IRC’s and IKEA Foundation's Re:BUiLD program, Jasmini received training in business and finance, and was able to access a loan to help her get started as an entrepreneur. Now she runs a thriving business salting and selling fish in her community, which has enabled her to provide for the six children she cares for. “Going cautiously through life, the more I became business savvy, the more doors I unlocked to earning money. Now, I am never short of bread for my family. I even share and give to others in need.” On #WorldEntrepreneursDay, join us in celebrating business women like Jasmini.

Today on #WorldHumanitarianDay, we’re spotlighting four courageous individuals who work on the front lines with the IRC to deliver urgent support to people in crisis. From providing lifesaving medical care, to ensuring access to education, or helping women and girls change their own futures, our 40,000 staff and volunteers around the world make a difference every day in the communities they serve. We honor those who have dedicated their lives to helping those in need, and remember those who have been injured or lost their lives in this work.

"My family has strong bonds. Even though we've been geographically scattered, we stick together in one spirit." Watch the moment that sisters Kimbembi and Seva from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are reunited at the airport. Forced to flee their home as children, the sisters grew up in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe. 16 years later, the family have finally found safety together in the US. Over the course of several months in 2024, the family was resettled, one or two at a time, by the IRC in Louisville. With support from Uber, the IRC is helping families like the Welos to rebuild and navigate their new lives. Drop a 💛 in the comments to wish Kimbembi and her family well on the rest of their journey together.

The IRC is deeply concerned at reports that over 80 people, including children, were killed following an Israeli airstrike on al-Tabin school in #Gaza city. Schools are protected under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and should never be a target. The IRC reiterates its call for parties to uphold IHL and for all measures to be taken to protect civilians. A ceasefire is urgently needed to protect Palestinian lives, enable the release of hostages, and scale-up aid delivery.

Seeking asylum is a human right. It’s also incredibly difficult. Listen as IRC staff member Everardo Esquivel describes conditions in southern Mexico where asylum seekers from Latin America and other parts of the world have gathered in search of safety. Many plan to apply for protection in the country, but others still hope to travel to the U.S. While waiting, they struggle with heat, lack of shelter, misinformation and other threats as they wait for days to start the asylum process. Mexico’s asylum system is under enormous strain as historic numbers of people apply for refuge in the country. Restrictive U.S. border policies are not only limiting asylum access for many but placing further pressure on Mexico to provide protection. The IRC’s Emergency Mobile Unit travels around southern Mexico helping address rising humanitarian need by connecting people with basic necessities and information. Learn more about how we’re advocating for the rights of asylum seekers at rescue.org

Congratulations to Cindy Ngamba on making history by securing the Refugee Olympic Team its first medal this year. Born in Cameroon, Ngamba has lived in the UK for 15 years and is still fighting to be granted UK citizenship. After winning a scholarship with the IOC Refugee Team, she became the first female boxer to represent the team in the games. Join us in celebrating her success at the Olympics and the incredible achievements of all the refugee athletes competing this year.

Everyone deserves to live in safety and dignity in our communities. We stand in solidarity with refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum, now and always.