Red Cross Red Crescent prepares for cruel winter in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries
3 October 2001

A dramatic scaling up of its response to a potential humanitarian crisis was announced today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Contingency plans put into place two weeks ago to aid Afghan refugees have now been increased to help a maximum of 500,000 get through the harsh winter.

To implement these plans, the International Federation is appealing for 40 million Swiss francs which will be used to provide shelter, clean water and sanitation as well as basic health care for those leaving their homes.
In Pakistan, the International Federation and the Pakistan Red Crescent will provide shelter for up to 250,000 refugees. Tents and other relief items are already being pre-positioned in Quetta and Peshawar with additional supplies due to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow. Meanwhile, plans for setting up 25 basic health care units are also underway while the first shipment of water and sanitation supplies including water purification tablets and water storage facilities is due to arrive in the country later this week.

As part of the scaling-up, the International Federation has today joined a tripartite Afghan crisis task force with the Pakistan authorities and the United Nations on establishing refugee camps along Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.

"We don't know how long this crisis will last for and winter is fast approaching in the region. But our contingency measures and the involvement in the task force in Pakistan will ensure that the Red Cross Red Crescent provides immediate assistance to all those that need it - whenever it is required," says Jean Ayoub, Director of Disaster Operations at the International Federation.

Although the bulk of Red Cross Red Crescent relief aid is being planned for Pakistan, Iran and the three Central Asian republics of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are also being targeted. In Iran, home already to more than 1.5 million Afghan refugees, the Iranian Red Crescent, with support from the International Federation, will cover the needs for up to 150,000 potential refugees. Health care through mobile clinics and a field hospital will also be provided.

While the focus is primarily on refugees leaving Afghanistan, the International Federation is also seriously concerned at the plight of all those inside the country. It is continuing its efforts to support the Afghan Red Crescent in running 48 health clinics, and also a number of water and sanitation programmes to help alleviate the suffering of communities hit by years of devastating drought.

Working with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation is aiming to send 500 medical kits to Afghanistan to ensure the clinics remain stocked and operational. This, as well as plans to restart its drought relief programmes with its partners in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, is part of a multi-faceted operation to help those in need both inside and outside Afghanistan.

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

Geneva

Denis McClean, Head, Media Service: Tel: +41 22 730 4428/ +41 79 2173357
Jemini Pandya, Information Officer Tel.: +41 22 730 4570/ + 41 79 217 3374
Duty phone: +41 79 416 3881

Islamabad

Thorir Gudmundsson, 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.