Women's Refugee Commission

Women's Refugee Commission: Advocating for Displaced Women, Children, and Youth in NYC and Beyond Located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, the Women's Refugee Commission (WRC) stands as a leading voice advocating for the rights and protection of women, children, and youth who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, persecution, and conflict. Established in 1989, WRC operates from its strategic New York base to conduct rigorous research, analyze policy, and engage in high-level advocacy aimed at improving the lives and upholding the rights of refugees and displaced populations worldwide. The organization's work is grounded in the belief that displaced women, children, and youth face unique and often heightened risks, including gender-based violence, exploitation, and lack of access to essential services like healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. WRC's expert teams travel to displacement settings globally, from refugee camps to urban areas, to document conditions, identify critical needs, and gather evidence directly from affected communities. This firsthand research forms the foundation of their advocacy efforts, ensuring their recommendations are practical, informed, and centered on the lived experiences of those they serve. From their New York office, WRC engages with policymakers in the United States government, the United Nations, and other international bodies to influence humanitarian policy and practice. They champion solutions that address the specific protection concerns of women and girls, promote their economic self-reliance, and ensure their meaningful participation in decisions that affect their lives. Key areas of focus include preventing and responding to gender-based violence in displacement, advocating for safe and dignified access to asylum, promoting the rights of adolescent girls, and ensuring the needs of displaced women and children are met in humanitarian emergencies. Through publications, briefings, and public awareness campaigns, WRC works to educate the public and decision-makers about the challenges faced by displaced women and youth and the importance of gender-sensitive humanitarian responses. Their presence in New York City facilitates engagement with diplomatic missions, international organizations headquartered in the city, and a diverse network of partners and supporters. As of 2025, the Women's Refugee Commission continues to be at the forefront of advocating for systemic change to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of displaced women, children, and youth are protected, making a tangible impact on humanitarian responses and policies globally from their base in Manhattan.[1] [About Us - Women's Refugee Commission] ↩