Respond to Emergencies

As part of the HIAS Foundation and HIAS’ commitment to assisting those most in need, HIAS proactively prepares for and responds to emergencies and disasters around the world that create displaced populations.

The number of people crossing the treacherous Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama has risen dramatically in recent years, one of many humanitarian emergencies HIAS is currently responding to around the world. (HIAS Panama).

Overview

HIAS and the HIAS Foundation are committed to proactively responding to emergencies around the world in order to better assist displaced populations — including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people — and vulnerable host communities. These emergencies include complex, protracted situations arising out of conflict or political upheaval, those triggered by a natural disaster, or the initial stages of the effects of climate change.

Displaced individuals are at heightened vulnerability to emergencies and disasters, and these crises are often the springboard for large-scale and long-term displacement. Through HIAS’ Emergency and Humanitarian Programs Team, we provide immediate help to short or long-term displaced communities. The team is prepared, funded, and ready to scale provision of essential goods and services, build resilience, and support recovery. HIAS’ Emergency and Humanitarian Programs Team better enables HIAS to continue meeting the most critical needs facing vulnerable populations before, during, and after an emergency.

Countries

Chad

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

Guyana

Honduras

Israel

Mexico

Panama

Peru

Poland

Ukraine

Venezuela

Emergency Responses

Israel

The recent terrorist attacks in Israel have been devastating. HIAS Foundation is helping rush critical emergency aid and is ready to provide support to those displaced.

Ukraine

War in Ukraine has created one of the largest human displacement crises in the world today. HIAS is responding with emergency humanitarian assistance, providing essential services to displaced persons within Ukraine and helping refugees from Ukraine in neighboring countries.

Chad

Violence in Sudan has forced more than 400,000 refugees to flee to Chad. HIAS is responding with emergency humanitarian assistance, providing essential services to displaced persons in refugee camps.

Impact Stories

HIAS Panama has staff members in the region to assist asylum seekers after they exit the tropical rainforest and need medical assistance. A couple thousand people used to cross the Darién Gap per year, but in 2021 year, approximately 134,000 made the perilous journey. (HIAS Panama)

Desperation Drives Thousands Through Darién Gap

For years, people have risked their lives to traverse the Darién Gap in an attempt to get to the United States. Many have died trying. HIAS, which has well-established operations in Panama and nearby Colombia and Costa Rica, has staff on the ground in the region and is working to help those fleeing violence.

Refugees in the Goz Amir refugee camp in southeastern Chad walk through high waters that caused damage in the camp and host communities, August 2022. (HIAS Chad)

Responding to Severe Flooding in Chad

In the Koukou Angarana region in eastern Chad, where HIAS works in the Goz Amir refugee camp, more than 1,000 households were affected by severe flooding at the end of July 2022. As one of the main humanitarian aid partners of UNHCR and the World Food Program in eastern Chad, HIAS is distributing food, sandbags, tents, blankets, plastic sheeting, and mosquito nets.

R2P helps people like Anatoly and his granddaughter who are among hundreds of displaced people staying at a technical college in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, May 2022. (Alan Chin for HIAS)

Quick Pivot to a War Footing

Right to Protection (R2P) — HIAS’ long-time partner in Ukraine — had to ensure the safety of its staff, and work out how the organization responds to the needs of refugees and displaced persons during wartime.