Refugees and migrants

People leave their homes for a reason – they may be in danger, they may be starving or they may have no way of supporting their families.

But whatever the motivation for leaving home, becoming a migrant or a refugee makes a person vulnerable, exposing them to hardship, uncertainty and the risk of death.

The ICRC is in a unique position to help, because we are working in the countries that refugees and migrants are leaving. But we also assist people once they have started their journeys, helping families stay in touch, visiting those who find themselves detained and helping identify the bodies of the many for whom the quest for a new life ends in death.

Legitimate security concerns are no excuse for ignoring humanitarian imperatives. The rights of everyone on the move must be respected. Many are fleeing terrible hardship and all must be treated with respect, dignity and humanity throughout their journey.

Visit our collection of photo essays, Pushed to the Limits