12:46 PM EST: Here's what you need to know and how you can help → → →

12:46 PM EST John: I just got out of an emergency situation briefing on Afghanistan. I wanted to share with you, someone who cares deeply about displaced and refugee families, the latest update on our rapid response. Please find below what you need to know and how you can help. But before you read on, I wanted to share this very moving photo of 3-year-old Juniper. Last week, Juniper joined her parents Kate (an IRC volunteer) and Adrian — both U.S. military veterans — at the Sacramento airport in California to welcome arriving Afghans. Juniper, her parents, and you — an IRC supporter — give so much hope to people who are facing some of their most difficult moments. Thank you. — Andrea, IRC

EMERGENCY UPDATE ON AFGHANISTAN Welcoming Afghans to the U.S.: The IRC has resettled more than 16,000 Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipients since Congress established the program in 2006 — helping to ensure that Afghan families are given a chance to seek safety and rebuild their lives in the United States. The United States has already begun relocating a group of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants from Afghanistan to the U.S. to finish their processing. The International Rescue Committee and U.S. partner agencies will be providing services for these individuals in Virginia, Texas, and Wisconsin — including reception, medical care, case management, and resettlement by a sponsoring resettlement agency. IRC's field offices have welcomed approximately 500 Afghans over the past few weeks — and are preparing to receive thousands more. Providing a lifeline within Afghanistan: The crisis is quickly evolving and the needs are increasing each day. We work with thousands of villages across nine provinces, with Afghans making up more than 99% of IRC staff in the country. This emergency is as serious as it gets and we are committed to staying and helping families as long as we are needed. There is a need right now for critical information. We know Afghans are afraid, fearful for their safety, and are trying to seek ways to get out of the country. We are providing them with clear information on what asylum pathways look like. Our teams also provide other life-changing assistance, including: Shelter, clean water and sanitation Health services — and we respond to the needs of vulnerable populations, especially women and girls Emergency cash assistance to help families meet their basic needs Learning opportunities, through safe spaces and community-based education programs John: You can rush your emergency donation right now to help us support Afghan children and families and others in crisis zones worldwide.

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