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Letter from the President
Dear Friends, Our 2011 annual report demonstrates the range of the IRC’s work around the world and across the United States. It shows as well the custom-tailored approaches we employ in carrying out humanitarian relief and development programs. In this regard, our responses to the two largest international emergencies of 2011 are a study in contrasts.
george rupp President
In the Horn and East Africa, hit hard by the region’s worst drought in 60 years, we responded with basic lifesaving interventions that we regularly employ in emergencies: food, water, sanitation, basic health care to avoid the spread of disease, and programs to protect women and children. Our work has been carried out by our professional staff on the ground in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, composed primarily of men and women who are citizens of those countries. In Japan we followed a different path. Indeed, it is almost unprecedented for the IRC to respond to an emergency in such a wealthy, highly developed country. Yet the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami were so massively destructive that the need for outside assistance was apparent, and both we and our donors—private and corporate—were eager to help. Accordingly, we responded by providing resources and some limited technical support to three trusted and capable Japanese aid agencies that were able to expand their critically important work because of our support. At the same time, our donors had our assurance that their contributions were put to use appropriately and effectively. The IRC’s partnerships with government agencies (such as ministries of health) and with non-governmental and private organizations in other countries warrant some additional comment.
Compared to Japan, most of the countries in which we work are not as economically advanced and not as well equipped to meet the needs of their populations during and after crises. Still, responsibility for development rests with each country’s own institutions: They want to and should drive development in their own nation. The IRC’s role is to provide needed support until they can assume full responsibility for rebuilding their communities. This approach offers mutual benefits. Our partners and their staff benefit from the IRC’s deep multinational experience, our strong technical expertise, and our credibility with donors and policymakers. The IRC gains the advantage of our partners’ deep local knowledge, their experience with local players, and legitimacy. The articles on pages 16 to 19 describe our current partnerships focusing on Japan, Zimbabwe, and Libya. Elsewhere in this report you will find a variety of fascinating stories about our work around the world and across the United States. Be sure to read about our New Roots community farm and garden program for refugees in the United States. And note as well the account about the long, hard journey of a refugee family that ultimately culminated in the start of a new life in Salt Lake City. All of our programs depend on the support of our donors. In particular, contributions from individuals are indispensable to our capacity to respond wherever the needs are greatest. Please know that you have our deepest thanks and appreciation. Sincerely,
George Rupp
IRC ANNUAL REPORT 2011