Today, 67 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or natural disaster. 16 million are refugees and 51 million are internally displaced persons (meaning they have not crossed an international border). People displaced inside their countries face the same hardships as refugees but lack protection under international law.

Usually victims of war and oppression flee in large numbers, arriving in poor, underdeveloped states without the means to care for them. Most of these developing countries lack the sound infrastructure needed to facilitate a massive humanitarian response.

Making the situation worse, the conflict that forced them from their homes may destabilize the region in which they've sought refuge. They may flee to the safety of a refugee camp or settlement, only to be forced to flee again a few months later.

When a refugee is forced to flee their home, they must leave all of their belongings behind. They walk dozens of miles to safety. If they arrive safely at their destination, they are still without food, water, shelter and medical care. And there is no guarantee they’ll be able to stay.

ARC is committed to making a difference wherever and however we are able. Your gifts help us save lives and care for families suffering as a result of events completely out of their control. They will help restore clean water, give medical care, provide trauma counseling, and help people to rebuild their lives.

ARC serves refugees in Thailand, Pakistan, Darfur, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Sudan, and Rwanda. ARC's programs around the world impacted the lives of 2.5 million people in 2010.