The Mission of KHRW in Portland, Oregon is to: empower Kurdish, Iraqi and other refugees and immigrants in the Multanomah County area to achieve individual, family and community self–sufficiency and social integration. KHRW’s services are provided to all refugees and other families without discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, beliefs, age, social status or any other factor.

KHRW represents the major voice for refugees in the United States. In the past five years KHRW’s priority has been to assist newcomers with training in various aspects of American life. KHRW has a full range of services to assist clients from all ethnic backgrounds and nationalities achieve self-sufficiency.

Kurdish Human Rights Watch(KHRW) has served Kurdish and other refugees and immigrants since 1989. The KHRW community center in Portland opened in 2003. KHRW is a humanitarian, non-profit, and voluntary organization. KHRW is the only Kurdish community based organization, which helps Kurdish and other Middle Eastern and Muslim refugees achieve successful resettlement. KHRW is also an excellent source for up-to-date information on the Kurdish people and Iraq.

1. Ethnic Community Self-Help:

• Citizenship, employment, ESL and other classes related to self-sufficency in the USA
• Immigration assistance and referrals on visas, citizenship classes etc.
• Employment assistance and job coaching and Computer classes
• Programs for youth sports and development activities
• Assistance and translation for medical, dental & social service appointments
• Family services access mainstream service programs for women, teens & Driver’s Education,
• Networking with Kurdish and other ethnic communities in Portland
• Outreach for support and service access for homebound women, men, youth and the elderly
• Other Ethnic Organizing and Integration through social services and educational activities
• Assistance in accessing medical, emergency & services such as credit & notary
• Referrals to other services and collaboration with schools and community groups.

Kurdish people come from the mountainous regions of Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Georgia. We have a rich culture including several accent, music, dances, food and clothing. KHRW-Portland provides cultural information and resources about Kurdistan.

In 2004, we spoke for classes at Portland Community College, Lewis and Clark College and participated in informational festivals at Portland State University. Contact us if you would like a speaker or information for your event.

• Volunteer as a mentor or trainer, teacher of English or in the office.
• Volunteer to help with refugee transportation to and from appointments.
• Donate funds or household/office items. All of your donations are tax-deductible.