1 in 5 Iraqis have been uprooted by violence in their homeland. Many have fled to Syria, and their situation is growing increasingly desperate. Addressing the needs of displaced Iraqis will help to ensure a stable Iraq. The U.S. must start by directly engaging with Syria and appointing an ambassador.

Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises. Refugee crises left unattended threaten stability around the world. There are 41.9 million refugees and internally displaced people and 12 million stateless people living in limbo without citizenship rights. People forced from their homes by conflict are among the world’s most vulnerable and they all have individual stories of loss, heartache and survival.