World Refugee Day 2008

According to the most recent estimate from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are approximately 10 million refugees worldwide. For the first time in five years, the number of refugees has increased, primarily due to a large population exodus from Iraq (over 2 million) into neighboring countries. Other significant population outflows that have contributed to this number include: Central African Republic (31,000), Chad (20,000), Sri Lanka (16,600), Sudan (14,400), and Somalia (13,600). According to Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, another 26 million are estimated to be internally displaced due to conflict alone.

In recognition of World Refugee Day, June 20, 2008, please help International Medical Corps (IMC) raise awareness of the millions of people around the globe who live without home or country. IMC works in some of the most difficult, volatile environments to support refugees and IDPs living in crowded, makeshift camps with little food, clean water, and medicine. For communities struggling to absorb the displaced, IMC helps lessen the burden that the population surge places on resources by increasing the availability of health care and other services.

In its dedication to help the most vulnerable, International Medical Corps helps protect the health and well-being of some of the largest IDP, refugee, and host populations, including Iraq, Darfur (Sudan), Afghanistan, Somalia, DR Congo, and now, Myanmar. It is with your generosity that International Medical Corps can provide this life-saving support. The difference starts with you.

In Pakistan, International Medical Corps recognizes World Refugee Day with a drawing contest for children on the ‘refugee experience.’ Click here to read the full story.

International Medical Corps organizes World Refugee Day march in Jordan. Click here to read the full story.