The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian organisation that responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC operates in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities.
The IRC's work is organised around five key outcome areas: economic wellbeing, education, health, empowerment and safety. Its Emergency Response capability mobilises within 72 hours to deliver food, clean water and shelter to people in crisis. In 2024 the organisation delivered 10.6 million primary health care consultations, enrolled 1.6 million children and youth in learning programmes and provided 2.8 million people with access to clean water.
U.S. programmes support refugees, asylum seekers and others across 29 cities, reaching more than 60,000 people in 2024. Broader programming includes economic wellbeing, safety and empowerment, with a stated commitment to breaking down barriers faced by women and girls.
The IRC works across humanitarian aid, disaster relief, conflict response, public health, education, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Further information is available at https://rescue.org/.
