International Rescue Committee’s Post

Over 35 people been killed and thousands left stranded without access to basic facilities by severe storms and flash flooding in Afghanistan. The IRC has deployed a mobile health team to the worst affected areas of Surkhrod district in Nangarhar, and is preparing two further emergency response teams to support those who have been injured or are cut off from mainstream services. The storms have caused further damage to infrastructure in an area still recovering from devastating floods just two months ago. The IRC's Afghanistan Director Salma Ben Aissa warned that the continuation of climate disasters in the country should be cause for "grave concern": "Decades of conflict and economic crisis has meant that the country has faced setback after setback as it tries to find its feet. The sad reality is that without a massive increase in support from donors and the international community, many more will lose their lives.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e6Rwb4Yv

How can crocheting help tackle malnutrition in Chad? In Fourkoulom camp for internally displaced people, Djenembou has found a unique way of helping new mothers to learn about breastfeeding. Malnutrition is a growing problem amongst those displaced by conflict in Lake Chad, and children under 5 are particularly vulnerable. Providing support for breastfeeding mothers is one way the IRC is helping to address the crisis, in collaboration with European Commission - ECHO. As well as creating tools for demonstrating breastfeeding technique, Djenembou also teaches crocheting, sewing and knitting to other women in the camp, providing them with skills they can use to earn an income.

The IRC strongly condemns today's attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv. No child should grow up under the threat of missile strikes or be at risk of dying amidst the rubble of hospitals, which are meant to be safe havens for healing and recovery. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the WHO has recorded nearly 1,700 attacks on health care facilities in Ukraine. Our medical teams witness the daily toll of fighting on people who are unable to seek much needed care in hospitals reduced to rubble, reach the nearest pharmacy due to ongoing fighting, or simply afford much-needed medicines. A recent survey conducted by the IRC in frontline areas found that: 1 in 10 people in Ukraine cannot access critical healthcare. 54% of respondents struggle to afford medication for themselves or their family 15% said mental health care is a pressing issue This underscores the continued need for mental health support, as issues like stress, anxiety, and fear for personal safety prevail close to the frontlines and among first responders. Footage via Suspilne Ukraine

Checking in with some mid-year reminders ✊

Meet Oleksandr — the granddad who risked everything to protect his grandkids. As the war in Ukraine escalated in 2022, Oleksandr’s life changed dramatically. With his daughter and son-in-law unable to leave the country, he stepped up to evacuate his grandchildren to safety. “I didn't plan to leave,” he explains. “But as they said, if something happens to the children, and you could have prevented it and didn't, what will be?” Driving across borders with a sign pleading "DON’T SHOOT, CHILDREN," displayed in the window of his old car, they eventually reached Italy. There, Oleksandr and his wife faced a grueling six month legal battle to be recognized as the kid’s official caregivers. "Every day, we feared they would take the children," he recalls. But they fought on and won custody. Today, Oleksandr takes great joy from taking the kids to school and keeping their Ukrainian heritage alive. The IRC is supporting the family with legal aid, as well as help finding after-school activities and medical care. Despite their longing for home and daily news checks on Ukraine, Oleksandr’s humor and positivity never falter. His story is a powerful testament to love and resilience 💛 Read his fully story: https://lnkd.in/dTm-xBRx

Meet Karla— a Case Management Officer for the IRC in Mexico City!👋 See what a typical day looks like for Karla and learn why being LGBTQ+ fuels her passion for helping refugees from all walks of life. Across the globe, our teams reflect the diverse world we serve. Our staff's unique identities and expertise enrich our approach and empower us to make a meaningful impact in crisis-affected communities worldwide. This #PrideMonth, like and share to show you believe in making ALL #RefugeesWelcome. 💛

People in Sudan are facing an ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe. Violence has continued to spread across the country, famine looms, and more people have been forced to flee their homes than anywhere else on earth. The situation will only get worse in the coming months as the “lean season” hits and rains cut off roads used by aid organizations. Families like Ali’s have lost their homes, livelihoods and face impossible choices to put food on the table for their children. The international community must act urgently to avert a catastrophe of historic scale. The IRC is scaling up its programs to address the increased needs of displaced people, with a focus on protection services for women and children, multipurpose cash assistance, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services. To learn more, visit Rescue.org/Sudan.

The world is failing the people of Sudan. Sudan was #1 on the IRC’s annual Watchlist of countries at risk of humanitarian crises in 2024. We’re sounding the alarm again now as the country faces a potentially historic humanitarian catastrophe. To learn more, visit Rescue.org/Sudan

A displacement camp in northeast Syria is overcrowded, hosting 40,000 residents, 93% of whom are women and children. They face violent and unsafe conditions. They have limited access to water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare. As a result, many children like Ruba, struggle with mental issues. In collaboration with the EU in Emergencies (ECHO), the IRC provides psychosocial and protection activities at the camp to treat trauma and distress among these families.