Women's Refugee Commission

The Women's Refugee Commission was established in 1989 and is legally part of the International Rescue Committee(IRC).

The Women's Refugee Commission receives no direct financial support from the IRC.

Through research and fact-finding field missions, the organization identifies critical problems that affect displaced women, children and young people, including gaps in lifesaving reproductive health care, lack of dignified livelihoods for refugees and, in the U.S., the treatment of asylum-seekers

Women's Refugee Commission documents best practices and proposes solutions, and develops innovative tools to improve the way hymanitarian assistance  is delivered in refugee settings

Programs of  Women's Refugee Commission

Adolescent Girls

identify and promote ways that girls can protect themselves, access healthcare, complete school, build leadership skills and be seen as a valued part of their families and communities.

Detention & Asylum

advocates for legislation and policy that would ensure the safety and well-being of migrant women, families and unaccompanied children

Disabilities

undertook a six-month research project in 2008 to assess the situation of those living with disabilities among displaced and conflict-affected populations

identify gaps and good practices and make concrete recommendations on how to improve services, protection and participation for this neglected population.

 

Gender-based Violence

has been a leading proponent of efforts to promote women’s empowerment, gender equality and protection against gender based violence

Livelihoods

researches and develops guidelines on appropriate livelihoods  for displaced women and youth that recognize their skills, experience and capacity. Livelihoods are targeted towards local markets, are comprehensive in approach, and promote self-reliance that is both dignified and sustainable

Sexual & Reproductive Health

According to research the Women’s Refugee Commission conducted in five countries: Djibouti, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia and Uganda, access to and use of family planning tends to be even lower among refugees than among those living in surrounding communities. To address this, the Women's Refugee Commission has developed informational materials using pictures that clearly explain how family planning works, what its benefits are and where it can be obtained

Women, Peace & Security

works for full implementation of the Women,Peace & Security Agenda at the UN. It undertakes advocacy to ensure that the UN and its members support and recognize the work of women, who are the linchpins of their communities and whose contributions are key to putting their countries back on the path to peace and security.

Youth

works to ensure that displaced youth have opportunities to learn and grow so they can contribute to their communities and one day be able to support themselves and their families