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The
Federation will lead a massive cross-agency initiative with the United
Nations to provide assistance 23 September 2005 Banda Aceh - With the threat of monsoon rains looming and thousands of tsunami survivors living in tents which have reached the end of their life-span, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will lead a massive cross-agency initiative with the United Nations to provide assistance. "The world placed its faith in the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the UN and other aid agencies to care for the health and well-being of tsunami survivors," says Peter Cameron, the International Federation's Deputy Head of Delegation in Indonesia. "We have a humanitarian mandate to provide the most humane living conditions possible while we help people rebuild their homes and communities." The International Federation has already begun importing and allocating 27,000 hard-wearing, large new family tents for immediate distribution. In addition the International Federation has begun the importation of sturdier mid-term temporary housing units, with the eventual aim of providing at least 15,000 such units for approximately 60,000 people. These temporary housing units to be constructed are intended to make tsunami survivors more comfortable while land issues are resolved allowing for a proper and lasting reconstruction of Aceh Province. As well as complications over land ownership and allocation, the unavailability of construction materials and qualified labour have delayed reconstruction projects in Aceh province. The International Federation recognized the developing shelter emergency in July and began mobilizing the UN and other aid agencies to address the situation affecting more than 60,000 tsunami survivors. The International Federation is also working with the UN and other relief agencies to communicate the plan to tsunami survivors, especially to assure them that the mid-term shelters will not jeopardize their right to permanent shelter nor the speed at which they receive it. This effort will include targeted leaflet campaigns, and an International Federation-sponsored radio programme. The International Federation is also working with the authorities to ensure that the most vulnerable families will receive the mid-term shelters first. The International Federation, in cooperation with other Red Cross Red Crescent partners, will also be improving water and sanitation facilities in government-built displaced person camps and providing additional relief items, as well as continuing community health programs. "The International Federation has dedicated itself to this initiative, not only to meet its basic humanitarian mandate, but also to allow Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from around the world, as well as many other relief agencies, to continue long-term reconstruction efforts that aim to build back Aceh better than ever," says Mr Cameron. Representatives of the International Federation are meeting with the UN this week in New York to finalize details of the temporary shelter plan. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Available for Interview - Peter Cameron, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Deputy Head of Delegation, Indonesia +62 812 104 82 09. For media information only - Virgil Grandfield, International Federation Information Delegate + 62 812 104 82 07 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. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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