International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee, established in 1933 at the suggestion of Albert Einstein, is a global humanitarian nonprofit headquartered in New York City with major offices in Washington, D.C., London, Brussels, and Geneva. Initially formed to assist refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, the IRC merged with the Emergency Rescue Committee in 1942 to become the organization recognized today.

Operating in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, the IRC provides emergency relief and long-term support to people affected by conflict, displacement, persecution, or natural disaster. Its interventions span core sectors including health, education, safety, economic wellbeing, and protection—particularly empowering women and girls in fragile settings.

Notable programs include childhood protection and mental health support, refugee resettlement services, primary healthcare, vocational training, and locally-led resilience initiatives. Through its Airbel Impact Lab and other research efforts, the IRC emphasizes evidence-based approaches and policy influence to improve global humanitarian standards.

In 2024, the IRC reached approximately 36 million people worldwide, delivered nutritional services to over 688,000 individuals, and supported over 126,000 children through dedicated safe-space programs in crisis environments.

Led by President and CEO David Miliband, with a workforce of more than 24,000 staff globally, the IRC is recognized for its operational scale, adaptability, and long history of responding to humanitarian crises. With a reputation for delivering direct support in high-stakes environments, the IRC continues to advance inclusive, long-term strategies rooted in dignity, resilience, and community empowerment.

Keywords: humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, emergency relief, health and education, economic empowerment, women and girls protection, evidence-based programs, global nonprofit NGO, rescue and recovery, crisis response organization