Women's Refugee Commission Mourns Death of Robert P. DeVecchi

The board and staff of the Women's Refugee Commission expressed their great sadness today on the news of the death of Robert (Bob) P. DeVecchi, president emeritus of the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

 

“Bob DeVecchi was a true humanitarian,” said Sarah Costa, executive director of the Women's Refugee Commission. “He was instrumental in the founding of the Women's Refugee Commission in 1995. He gave his unwavering support to Liv Ullmann and Catherine O’Neill, who at the time were board members of the IRC, when they proposed forming an organization to focus on the needs and rights of refugee women and children.”

DeVecchi joined the International Rescue Committee in 1975 as coordinator of its Indochinese Refugee Resettlement Program. He became program director in 1980 and executive director in 1985, and served as president and C.E.O. from 1993 until his retirement in 1997. During his tenure, he initiated emergency relief programs in more than 25 countries, as well as a domestic refugee resettlement program in the United States.

“Millions of refugees benefitted from Bob’s passion and dedication,” said Costa. “We will miss his inspiration and support.”