The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is partnering with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to engage the hospitality sector in helping people affected by humanitarian crises and disasters.
With almost 100 million people who are currently forcibly displaced worldwide, the partnership will see both organisations act in close collaboration to make the world’s hospitality industry aware of how they can work with and support refugee communities. From facilitating skills training and offering employment, to providing temporary accommodation to refugees as they resettle to the new communities they will call home, there are multiple ways in which organisations can make a difference.
By partnering, the IRC can engage with the Alliance’s global network, representing over 50,000 properties and 7 million rooms globally. The Alliance’s members include world-leading companies who will be encouraged to participate in the IRC’s programmes and activities. In locations affected by humanitarian catastrophes, the local hospitality sector will be encouraged by the Alliance to identify ways in which they can support and help raise awareness of the IRC’s emergency response and recovery work with displaced communities.
The IRC will have access to specific and beneficial Alliance tools and resources, such as its online portal for refugees. The platform, Hospitality Unite, is backed by the Alliance and was launched last year to support Ukrainian refugees looking for hospitality work throughout Europe. Disaster relief agencies such as the IRC will be able to share this support mechanism with its clients who are interested in building Hospitality careers.
Sustainable Hospitality Alliance CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, said:
“We are delighted the IRC has become a partner and the Alliance looks forward to encouraging the hospitality sector to help refugees and communities supporting refugees. Here at the Alliance, we aim to address key challenges affecting the planet and its people, which sadly includes humanitarian disasters. This partnership will help us accelerate a responsible hospitality that gives back”.
Laura Kyrke Smith, Executive Director, IRC, UK said:
“”With more people displaced by conflict and crises around the world than any other time in recent history, bold commitments are needed from across sectors to match the scale of today’s humanitarian needs. We are proud to partner with leading brands in the travel and hospitality sector, who are important employers of refugees and committed to responding to global issues. Our partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance will enable the IRC to continue supporting resettlement efforts and welcome refugees into their new communities worldwide.”
To find out more about the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s partners, visit https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/about-us/partners/, and to read more about the IRC, visit https://www.rescue.org/.
