MISSION
Refugees International, a Washington-based advocacy organization, is a voice for humanitarian action. Founded in response to the forced repatriation of tens of thousands of Indochinese refugees in 1979, Refugees International (RI) is a non-governmental organization serving refugees, displaced persons, and other dispossessed people around the world.

On-site field assessment missions are the heart of RI's work. RI field representatives frequently are among the first to arrive at the scene of a humanitarian crisis. We assess the situation and recommend concrete actions to protect people and save lives. We distribute our brief, timely reports to policy and opinion makers worldwide to mobilize help for the victims and follow up with public, private, and media advocacy.

In addition to its traditional role of emergency response, RI is working for reforms in six areas designed to help avoid or alleviate chronic, continuing refugee crises. We call for improving the United Nations peacekeeping capability by creation of a standing rapid reaction police and security force; new protection for internally displaced persons; a more effective transition from relief operations to economic development; increased attention to the needs of women refugees; an end to the recruitment and use of children as soldiers; and more emphasis in all relief and development projects to building local capacity and institutions.

RI accepts no government or UN funds and, thus, we rely on the support of concerned individuals, foundations, and corporations. Refugees International is an independent voice for humanitarian action on behalf of the least-known and most vulnerable victims of war, famine and disaster.

The Sustainable Village is working with Refugees International to help redesign refugee camps as ecologically sustainable settlements. For more information about this project, click here.

If you are interested in learning more about the Refugees International, please visit their web site.