A daunting humanitarian crisis has gripped the world: we begin the New Year with the news that one million refugees and migrants from countries like Syria and Iraq are experiencing relentless conflicts have fled to Europe for safety and a new start.

Every day, thousands of refugees are making the short, yet dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas to southern Europe in inflatable rafts packed beyond capacity. The vast majority are landing on the islands of Greece.

The number of people globally who have been torn from their homes and daily lives is likely to far surpass 60 million this year, says the United Nations refugee agency. That’s some 42,500 on the move every day — the biggest upheaval of human beings since World War II.

Refugee Crisis: How the IRC helps

The International Rescue Committee is providing relief to millions of uprooted people inside Syria; in neighboring Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan; in Afghanistan; on the shores of Greece; and in our 26 resettlement offices in the United States. Donate now. Learn more about the IRC’s response to the refugee crisis and how you can help.