Photography by Bruce Byers

ICMC

“All I asked for is a chance for a better future for my child.”

Photographer Bruce Byersof www.ImagesThatHealNY.com

Images That Heal NY documents the work done by ICMC, bringing their story to others through photographic images created by photographer Bruce Byers.

ImagesThatHealNY.com • 212-585-3928

©Bruce Byers 2012

Images That Heal NY Founder, Bruce Byers, has braved and embraced a myriad of global photographic missions, helping people, by telling their stories with his remarkable images.

Byers’ work with the ICMC is a unique example of how his compelling vision communicates the human price of oppression, poverty and war.

“This is why I carry a camera. It is my way of bringing help and hope to those I meet in need.”

ICMC helps individuals and families who have fled their home because of a well-founded fear of persecution. Return-ing safely to their home country may never be an option.

Together with our strategic partners, ICMC works to find sustainable and dignified durable solutions for these refu-gees. While fewer than one percent of the world refugee population is given the opportunity to seek a new begin-ning in a safe third country, refugee resettlement remains an important protection tool and source of hope that allows many of the most vulnerable to rebuild their lives, reunite with family after years of separation and regain a sense of hope for the future.

The International Catholic Migration Commission serves and protects uprooted people: refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality. We advocate for rights-based poli-cies and durable solutions through a worldwide network of member organizations.

Beirut Mafraq Istanbul

Beirut

ICMC Middle East

ICMC has been assisting Iraqi asylum seekers in Lebanon and Jordan since 2002 and in Syria since 2006, work-ing together with Caritas Jordan, Lebanon and Syria and Terre des Hommes. ICMC’s assistance reaches the most vulnerable members of the dispersed asylum seekers in these communities, providing humanitarian assistance (non-food items), facilitating access to ambulatory medical treatment, medication, and when necessary, hospitalization.

Images That Heal NY followed ICMC into Beirut to document the refugees during their interviews and medical check up. The process is very important to getting them the help to move them to the USA.

For most refugees, ICMC’s work means the difference be-tween life and death. ICMC staff assists people in navigat-ing the lengthy process of relocating to safety. While they are waiting to move to their new permanent homes, ICMC assists families and individuals with shelter, vocational training, food, baby packs, and other aid.

Mafraq

Water is like gold in Jordan. Combine that with having to run from your home in the middle of the night into Jordan with only the clothes on your back, you quickly realize you can’t make it on your own. I docu-mented the life in run-down homes where 16 family members were living; places where barn animals would not be kept.

The desire to go home is the only thing that keeps them going. Living where they can with the help from ICMC keeps them alive. They need your help just to hold on.

Most refugees find themselves in a threatening situation, desperate to escape lives of fear and danger. Many families escape across borders to harsh conditions, often with new-borns, waiting for the chance for a better life. ICMC works with these families to keep them sheltered, and provides a life with a future.

Istanbul

I photographed for Images that Heal NY going into Istanbul to document the work of the ICMC. ICMC workswith refugees from Iraq to help them move to the USA. I documented the work in classrooms as the refugees learn to fit into the culture of America. I plan to follow some of the refugee into the USA to see how their lives developed.

At 16 and out of school for more than two years, this young Iraqi man has many challenges ahead. ICMC has assisted him, his brother, and their parents in relocating to the United States where a brighter future awaits. He cannot wait to go to school in America.

English classes help him adapt to his new life in the USA.

BeirutMafraqIstanbul

For information, or to help the ICMC in their work, in the USA contact: Adam Dawkins, MBA Director of Development

14 Beacon Street, Suite 701 Boston, Massachusetts 02801

Office:617.367.4770 Mobile: 617.909.8902 http://www.icmc.netThe ICMC Secretariat is located at: 1, rue de Varembé P.O. Box 96 CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland

The International Catholic Migration Commission serves and protects uprooted people: refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants regardless of faith, race, ethnicity or nationality. We advocate for rights-based policies and durable solutions through a worldwide network of member organizations.