Important update for you from the IRC's VP of Emergencies »
 
 
John,

My name is Bob Kitchen. I lead the IRC's response to emergencies, like the one unfolding in Afghanistan right now. I wanted to reach out with a quick update on the situation, the IRC's response, and how you can help.

Before taking on this role, I served as the IRC's Country Director in Afghanistan. This harrowing crisis — the fear and uncertainty Afghan civilians are facing, the hundreds of thousands of families who have been forced to flee their homes, and the bravery and dedication of our IRC teams on the ground — is personal to me. I know for you and many of our compassionate supporters, it’s personal as well.

John, the situation in Afghanistan is as serious as it gets. Millions of people are relying on humanitarian aid for survival. That's why I'm asking you to rush an emergency donation to help us meet this moment of tremendous need. Give now to support our work in Afghanistan and worldwide.
 
 
 
 
The situation: We are seeing the modern face of a humanitarian crisis play out in Afghanistan. In the past few weeks more than 550,000 people have fled the country as refugees, and more than 3 million others are internally displaced. And, it's important to note, we are seeing clearly that women and children are disproportionately affected.

The IRC has been serving people in need in Afghanistan for over 30 years. Our 1,700 staff members — the vast majority of whom are Afghans themselves — work across 9 provinces to deliver emergency food, clean water, education, health care and other life-changing aid.

As one of the long-standing humanitarian aid organizations in the country, the work we have ahead of us is immense. Please know, we remain dedicated to these families and are committed to staying for as long as we are needed to help people survive, recover and rebuild.
 
 
 
 
The IRC's response: There are many in Afghanistan who are fearful for their safety and are trying to seek ways to get out of the country. We are working to deliver critical information on asylum pathways through SignPost, an online portal. Our team of moderators, fluent in both Dari and Pashto, will be able to help people understand their situations and navigate asylum processes in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany and other countries.

In the U.S., the IRC is playing an important role, providing emergency reception and processing support for families who have fled Afghanistan. IRC staff and volunteers have welcomed over 750 Afghan SIV recipients over the past two weeks, and are preparing to receive thousands more.

We are also working with governments around the world to help resettle the millions of Afghan civilians seeking asylum outside the U.S. Last week we helped welcome 51 Afghan evacuees to Uganda, and we will continue to welcome and support evacuees worldwide.
 
 
 
 
How you can help: We've launched an emergency funding appeal to meet this moment of tremendous need. And we are very grateful for the 33,244 compassionate donors who have already stepped up. But as we start up additional programs, negotiate access, conduct needs assessments, and continue to deliver aid in Afghanistan, we need more flexible funding.

As a supporter of the IRC, I know you care deeply about children and families in need. Please, John, rush your emergency donation to help us deliver life-changing aid in Afghanistan and worldwide.
 
 
 
 
Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Your support makes an immeasurable difference for families in Afghanistan and crisis zones around the world.

Bob Kitchen
Vice President, Emergencies and Humanitarian Action
International Rescue Committee
 
The International Rescue Committee | Rescue.org
122 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10168-1289 USA

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