InterAction Awards

The Women's Refugee Commission (WRC) works to improve the lives and protect the rights of women, children and youth displaced by crisis and conflict, including those with disabilities. WRC has been at the forefront of researching the needs of this group, identifying solutions, and advocating change in humanitarian policy and practice. Since WRC’s first global research into the situation of refugees with disabilities resulted in the 2007 Disabilities Among Refugees and Conflict-affected Population report, they have collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to advance the rights of displaced women, children and youth globally; produced tools and resources for Women’s Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), and they have undertaken research on GBV prevention among sub-populations of refugees in urban settings in addition to research into the resilience-based approaches in humanitarian action and the implications for inclusion of women, children and youth with disabilities.

Rafael Khusnutdinov is the Senior Director of Global Safety and Security at Save the Children. His work with Save the Children helped establish and expand programs for children and families affected by conflict, as well as promote good practice by integrating security perspectives within programs, crisis management, operations, and humanitarian response. Rafael is an active member of various security groups and forums, lending his expertise to the security culture of the humanitarian, development and aid sectors.

InterAction’s photography contest focuses on incredible humanitarian and development work through the most powerful photos illustrating innovative, effective, and inspiring efforts in international relief and development. One Grand Prize Winner will receive $1,000 USD and three Runners Up will receive $100 USD. Photographs will be displayed on an online gallery at www.interaction.org. Recipients will be announced at Forum 2019 during the Awards Reception on Wednesday, June 12.

Janeth Marquez, the director of Caritas Venezuela, has led the largest humanitarian response in the country. Facing food shortages, a devastated health system and social unrest, Janeth has led Caritas Venezuela and its 100 staff to overcome personal and professional obstacles as they bring critical—in some cases, life-saving—food and medicine to Venezuelans across10 states and the capital. Under Janeth’s leadership, Caritas continues to provide lifesaving assistance across Venezuela in the face of significant obstacles, including government interference and a decentralized supply chain.

This year’s co-recipients are Carrie Hessler-Radelet, President and CEO, Project Concern International and Abby Maxman, President and CEO, Oxfam America. Since 2017, Carrie and Abby have led the NGO sector in the collective effort to create a safe environment where our staff and program beneficiaries thrive. They have championed the prevention of sexual harassment and abuse, instilled survivor-centered approaches and ensured that that training, safeguarding and reporting mechanisms are in place within their organizations. As InterAction Task Force Co-chairs, their leadership was instrumental in the task force crafting 16 organizational commitments for InterAction’s CEO Pledge on Preventing Sexual Abuse, Exploitation, and Harassment by and of NGO Staff which now has 127 signatories.