InterAction Announces $1.2 Billion Refugee And Humanitarian Assistance Pledge

InterAction Announces $1.2 Billion Refugee And Humanitarian Assistance Pledge

Group of 31 international NGOs commit over $1 billion in private resources to help address global refugee crisis over the next three years.

WASHINGTON – InterAction – the largest U.S. alliance of international nongovernmental organizations—announced a commitment today by 31 of its members* to collectively invest over $1.2 billion in private resources on global humanitarian assistance efforts over the next three years. The pledge announcement comes in advance of President Barack Obama’s Sept. 20 Leaders’ Summit on Refugees. Global leaders present at the summit are also expected to make new and significant pledges to help address the global refugee crisis.

According to the UN refugee agency, there are more than 65 million displaced people in the world today, the highest number since World War II. By utilizing donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations, the NGOs participating in the InterAction pledge will work to provide urgent medical assistance, food and nutrition security, shelter, education, and other essential services to refugees and displaced populations across the globe.

“The American people have a long, proud tradition of aiding others in times of great need. Today’s global refugee crisis is no exception,” said InterAction CEO Sam Worthington. “InterAction is proud to represent 31 of its members in making this important humanitarian assistance pledge. Today’s announcement represents a down payment on the ongoing commitment of U.S. civil society to work together with public and private partners to help displaced populations in a time of historic humanitarian need.”

USAID, InterAction, and its members have a strong history of partnering to tackle critical humanitarian challenges. The InterAction pledge is the latest example of U.S. civil society’s ability to collectively harness its resources and partner with public and private sector allies to assist people and communities affected by devastating natural and man-made disasters.

“With today’s global refugee crisis straining the world’s resources and testing our resolve, the American people have once again stepped up through this extraordinary display of generosity from InterAction and its members,” said USAID Administrator Gayle Smith. “This commitment will help galvanize the international community ahead of President Obama’s Leaders’ Summit on Refugees and spur further action from governments, businesses, and donors to meet the urgent needs of refugees and displaced persons around the world.”

Over the three-year commitment period, InterAction will track and annually announce the total private investments by participating member NGOs in humanitarian aid related to refugee services and relief. Additional information and updates will be available online at www.interaction.org.

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS:

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)

American Jewish World Service

All Hands Volunteers

AmeriCares

CARE U.S.

Catholic Relief Services

Church World Service

Global Communities

Headwaters Relief Organization

Heartland Alliance International

HIAS

International Medical Corps

International Rescue Committee

Islamic Relief USA

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA

Mennonite Central Committee U.S.

Mercy Corps

Operation USA

Oxfam America

Project C.U.R.E.

Relief International

Syrian American Medical Society

Salvation Army

Save the Children U.S.

Stop Hunger Now

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)

U.S. Fund for UNICEF

World Food Program USA

World Concern

World Hope International

World Vision U.S.