June is Refugee Awareness Month and on June 27, Global Impact partnered with our charities the International Rescue Committee, Inc. and Refugees International for an interactive webinar detailing the challenges that refugees worldwide face every day, including hunger and access to education and health care resources.

With more than 100 million refugees and displaced people around the world today, this topic has never been more relevant. While the Ukraine crisis has been at the forefront of our minds, many other displaced persons hail from other countries– including Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Somalia.

The number of uprooted and displaced people has increased 20% compared to the 82.4 million displaced at the end of 2020, due to natural disaster, war conflicts, and other local crises.  In the last ten years, the number of displaced persons has more than doubled worldwide, so Global Impact sought to host an event to bring attention to the struggles that displaced persons face and how they are receiving humanitarian aid to thrive in their new homes.

We spoke with Kim Pompey, Associate Director, Employee Engagement & Workplace Giving, of the IRC, an organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Kim shared personal stories of refugees from Afghanistan, war-stricken Syria and the massive drought in Somalia. In addition to mobile hospitals and cash support, Kim shared that the IRC provides learning opportunities, skill development and coping strategies for displaced persons navigating new and existing challenges.

We also heard from Audrey Smith, Digital Engagement and Donor Communications Manager from Refugees International, an organization that advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people. She focused on the organization’s work in Tigray, Ethiopia and Rohingya, sharing how Refugees International increased humanitarian aid from 1 million to 14 million in Rohingya alone since February 2021.

During the event, participants contributed to IRC’s unique, interactive “Take Action” activity where they shared words of encouragement, uplifting messages of hope and video messages for refugees that will be distributed to refugees worldwide. Additionally, Refugees International encouraged participants to reach local senators by texting REFUGEES to 269-89 to support the BURMA Act. This piece of legislation would authorize humanitarian assistance and support to Burmese citizens in respect to democracy and human rights issues in the country.

We invite you to view the webinar below and add your own and welcoming words to refugees by visiting the platform here.

Interested in helping refugees? Through our multi-charity Refugees Fund, you will join millions of people changing the world by helping to provide critical services to refugees. This fund supports six leading charities, including the International Rescue Committee and Refugees International. Your contributions go directly to supporting real and meaningful humanitarian work around the world. Learn more and donate here.