Red Cross Red Crescent seeks aid for unfolding global humanitarian crisis
21 September 2001

With the ramifications of the recent attacks in the United States taking on an ever increasing global humanitarian aspect, the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies is today urgently appealing for funds to prepare and respond to the needs of refugees fleeing their homes.

Launching an appeal for nearly 5.5 million US dollars, the International Federation will use funds to assist 300,000 people in need of shelter, health care, clean water and food. It will focus on beefing up its state of readiness to respond to large population movements by mobilising relief resources, water and health units in several regions to allow for greater flexibility. It is also working with Red Crescent societies in countries around Afghanistan to provide immediate relief. The International Federation has already released emergency funds to allow for this, particularly in Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran.

"The tragedy in the United States brings into focus the humanitarian plight of people who have been forced to leave their homes due to potential conflict. The Red Cross Red Crescent is seeking these funds so that when people cross borders tired, hungry and ill, we can be there to assist them," says Jean Ayoub, Director of Disaster Operations at the International Federation. "We have a mandate to help those people in need irrespective of their race, religion or political beliefs."

In Pakistan, where tens of thousands of Afghan refugees have been crossing the border in the past week, the Pakistan Red Crescent has dispatched tents, blankets and water containers to the city of Quetta in Baluchistan Province to aid the new arrivals.

"At this point we are making plans to assist 120,000 refugees through our branches in North West frontier Province and Baluchistan. It is a major logistical challenge but we have to be ready to help those that need it," says Dr. A. R Burki, Secretary General of the Pakistan Red Crescent. As well as the new influx of refugees into Pakistan, the country is already home to more than two million Afghan refugees.

In Iran, which according to the UN, has an estimated 1.5 million Afghan refugees, the Iranian Red Crescent is scaling up its relief activities in the two border provinces of Khorasan and Sistan va Baluchistan. Here, the Iranian Red Crescent has been providing humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees for 20 years.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Geneva
Jemini Pandya, Information Officer Tel.: +41 22 730 4570/ + 41 79 416 3881
Delhi
Patrick Fuller, Regional Information Delegate Tel: +91 981 00 99 794

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.