HIAS Joins 31 Organizations in $1.2 Billion Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance Pledge

WASHINGTON — In advance of President Barack Obama’s Leaders’ Summit on Refugees, HIAS and 30 members of InterAction—the largest U.S. alliance of international NGOs—announced a three-year pledge to collectively invest $1.2 billion in private resources on global humanitarian assistance efforts.

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 31 NGOs 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. 

“By acting together, and acting decisively, civil society has the power to help displaced persons reach their human potential," said HIAS CEO and President Mark Hetfield. “HIAS joins this major pledge of humanitarian resources as a step in the public-private partnership toward our common goal of giving all refugees an opportunity to be safe, to support themselves and their family, and to be at home."

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.  

The pledge announcement comes in advance of the White House's Sept. 20 Leaders’ Summit on Refugees. Global leaders present at the summit are expected to make new and significant pledges to help address the global refugee crisis.

"InterAction is proud to represent 31 of its members in making this important pledge," said InterAction CEO Sam Worthington. "The urgent need for action on the global refugee crisis is clear. And today's pledge 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." 

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 CURE; Relief International; Syrian American Medical Society; Salvation Army; Save the Children U.S.; Stop Hunger Now; U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI); UNICEF USA; World Food Program USA; World Concern; World Hope International; World Vision U.S.

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HIAS is the global Jewish nonprofit that protects refugees—including women and children, and ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities—whose lives are in danger for being who they are. Guided by our values and history, HIAS helps refugees rebuild their lives in safety and advocates to ensure that all displaced people are treated with dignity. More info at @HIASrefugees, Facebook and hias.org

InterAction is the largest U.S. alliance of nongovernmental international organizations, with more than 180 members. Our members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life. Visit www.interaction.org.