What We Do
Oxfam America works on the scene, helping people gain the hope, skills, and direction to create a new future. We are also active in the global arena, addressing social injustice through our advocacy, public education, and emergency assistance programs.
Syrian conflict and refugee crisis
The fierce fighting in Syria has uprooted millions of people from their homes. Oxfam and our partners in the region are assisting many of those who have taken refuge in Lebanon and Jordan.
Armed conflict in Sudan has driven millions from their homes. Oxfam and partners are providing access to crucial aid like clean water, seeds, and the means to earn an income.
On January 12, 2010 a major earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince causing catastrophic destruction in the western hemisphere's most impoverished nation.
Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has cost nearly 5.4 million lives. Many have fled to neighboring countries or temporary camps, and government stability is fragile.
Poor and erratic rains, failed harvests, and soaring food prices set the stage for a severe food crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa in 2012, placing more than 18 million people at risk.
For many of the 13 million people affected by the food crisis that hit East Africa in mid-2011, the hardship is not over. Though good rains came to many areas in late 2011, millions of people continue to need support to recover.
Oxfam is helping people survive catastrophes like hurricanes and earthquakes, and the dangerous upheavals of war. Learn about Saving Lives 24/7.
In October 2011, a torrential, nine-day storm caused massive flooding, but Oxfam's decade-long investment in El Salvador deepened the capacity of partners and communities to care for their own.
For the second year, massive floods are inundating millions of acres of land in Pakistan. Oxfam is rushing aid to the region, supporting search-and-rescue, planning food distribution, and supplying clean water and sanitation facilities.
Some progress has been made in Afghanistan, but continued conflict and insecurity have added to the hardships that make it one of the poorest countries in the world.
Responding to disasters is a crucial part of Oxfam's humanitarian mission. But finding ways to help communities prepare for and prevent natural events from becoming full-scale disasters is at the cutting edge of our work.
Oxfam's GROW campaign aims to build a better food system: one that sustainably feeds a growing population and empowers poor people to earn a living, feed their families, and thrive.
Oxfam's Right to Know Right to Decide campaign challenges international oil, gas, and mining companies to respect a community’s right to revenue transparency and free, prior, and informed consent.
Oxfam America is working to deepen the US government’s commitment to making poverty-reducing foreign aid more effective.
Since a series of terrible blows hit the Gulf Coast—from hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the BP oil spill—Oxfam has been helping people rebuild and restore their communities and ecosystems.
Having a safe place to save or access to a small loan can help a family work its way out of poverty. Oxfam America has pioneered a microfinance model called Saving for Change, which self-replicates on a large scale and at a low cost.
A growing portion of Oxfam America's work involves collaboration with new allies, including strategic engagement with the private sector.
Our mission is to do whatever we can to reduce suffering and save lives during emergencies—whether they are caused by conflict or by natural events. We partner with local groups in a network that stretches around the world.
Worldwide, nearly one in seven people now suffers from chronic hunger. Oxfam is working on solutions to ensure that no one, no matter where he or she lives, has to go to sleep hungry.
Oxfam seeks fair government policies and corporate practices in the oil, gas, and mining industries, and supports the right of communities to participate in decisions about the use of natural resources.
Insurance and rural resilience
With financial tools, such as insurance, farmers can improve their well-being.
Farm workers in the US are often subjected to mistreatment and exploitation. Oxfam seeks to expose sweatshop conditions and human rights violations in America's fields.
Seventy percent of those living below the poverty line are women. Oxfam helps women and girls overcome gender discrimination, realize their potential, and become decision-makers and leaders in their communities.
The poorest people often find vital drugs priced out of reach—despite promises from the WTO to make medicines affordable and available to all. Oxfam is asking governments and drug companies to make affordable medicine a reality.
Global Reach
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All eyes are on the US as Arms Trade Treaty opens for signature
The 154 countries that voted in favor of the treaty now need to step up and sign it.
Laura Chavez inspires Guatemalan women to claim their rights
Laura Chavez is a leader to the women in her community, especially those suffering from gender-based violence.
Syrian refugees: dreaming of home
The Syria conflict has forced more than one million people to flee to neighboring countries. In Lebanon and Jordan, Oxfam has been providing essential aid.
A woman in a man’s world: A Jordanian engineer brings her skills to the Syria crisis
Farah Al-Basha helps keep clean water flowing in Zaatari refugee camp.
Alexis Nkurunziza, Transparency Expert
A researcher and human rights defender is leveraging a tiny investment of US foreign aid to open up budgets in Rwanda.
Oxfam very concerned about violent acts in Guatemala
Join Oxfam in demanding that the Guatemalan government protect the lives and rights of all its citizens.
Screaming out loud: Syrian women tell stories of war and struggle
Citizen journalists elevate the voices of their refugee communities.
Women and the big business of chocolate
Chocolate is a $100 billion industry, but most cocoa farmers live on less than $2 a day. Get the facts and find out how you can help.
Majeda Begum Shiru, Local Leader
A formerly quiet woman is leveraging a tiny investment of US foreign aid to enable women to speak loudly and powerfully to improve health and education in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
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Events in your area
- Oxfam America blogs
- ICMM commits to Free Prior Informed Consent standard May 24, 2013
- Is food safety a casualty of high and volatile food prices? May 24, 2013
- Another view of Goma May 24, 2013
- Why the President should sign the Arms Trade Treaty May 23, 2013
- Video: Which is it, transparency or darkness? May 22, 2013 1
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