Red Cross Red Crescent appeal response allows massive relief mobilisation
27 September 2001

A worldwide mobilisation of relief goods is now underway by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as it embarks on an ambitious plan to pre-position relief goods across Central Asia in response to the Afghan refugee crisis.

Among the first to respond to the appeal for help was the American Red Cross which continues to be deeply involved in meeting the needs of its own citizens in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Douglas Allen, director of the American Red Cross International Disaster Response Unit described their response as comprehensive. "The fundamental principles - humanity, unity, impartiality - not only guide us in New York City, but also our assistance to the Afghan refugees," he said. The American Red Cross has donated shelter supplies and medical kits for up to 50,000 people.

"The response worldwide to our appeal has been very impressive," said Jean Ayoub, operations director at the International Federation. "In the last 48 hours we have received pledges of six million Swiss francs in assistance from the Red Cross and Red Crescent in America, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Finland, France, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates ,Japan and Switzerland. This will allow us to start airlifting medical supplies into Pakistan in the next days and to purchase significant quantities of relief locally. We are also boosting the resources of our member Red Crescent Societies in Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan."

Further pledges of assistance are expected in response to an initial appeal for 8.7 million Swiss francs amid concerns that more than a million people could spill across the borders of Afghanistan into neighbouring countries as the crisis deepens.

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

Geneva
Denis McClean, Head, Media Service: Tel: +41 22 730 428
Jemini Pandya, Information Officer Tel.: +41 22 730 4570/ + 41 79 217 3374
Duty phone Tel : +41 79 416 3881

Islamabad
Thorir Gudmundssoon, Information delegate Tel: + 92 320 4506 285

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.