Charity Watcher

It is estimated that there are almost 42 million individuals who have been displaced from their homes. The reasons for their plight are varied; it can be caused by natural disasters, political repression, poverty, or war. Refugees International is an organization that aims to provide assistance for refugees. The organization helps bring stability to areas threatened by crises.

Refugees International also works as an advocate by communicating with relevant government agencies, bringing in other NGOs, and conducting awareness campaigns. The organization performs a variety of functions, ranging from aiding communities dealing with humanitarian crises brought about by climate change to crises affecting women. Two issues that the organization is particularly concerned about are statelessness and peacekeeping.

•    Statelessness – Some 12 million people around the world lack citizenship and don’t have rights in the resident nations. Having a stateless status leads to a life of poverty and deprivation. Children also cannot attend school because they’re not given the right to enroll. In many cases, statelessness is brought about by past conflicts. Getting citizenship status is often difficult.

•    Peacekeeping – While international peacekeeping is important, it is also commmonly inadequate. Refugees International aims to provide better protection for civilians who are caught in conflict zones. It also provides training and campaigns, which increase American participation in war-torn areas.

While Refugee International helps displaced people all over the world, most of its projects are focused upon Africa. Peace accords in the region are often fragile; conflicts regularly flare up. The organization makes a big difference in the lives of civilians by offering peace and security in such challenging situations.