Published: 14 November 2005
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) has issued an emergency appeal seeking 16.75 million Swiss francs to support the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in its efforts to deliver relief assistance to 60,000 families (nearly 350,000 people), affected by ongoing instability in much of Iraq.
“A positive response to this emergency appeal will enable us to continue providing badly needed humanitarian assistance during the winter period to the most vulnerable groups like single parent families, the handicapped, unaccompanied children and those affected by the conflict for whom Red Crescent volunteers may be the only source of help,” said Mazin Salloum, Secretary General of the Iraqi Red Crescent.
Enhancing the performance of the IRCS at central and branch levels, including the development of its youth and volunteer bases, is also a major priority because the National Society’s countrywide network has become an effective vehicle for delivering assistance mobilized by the Federation.
Reports from the UN and other agencies show that the socio-economic conditions in Iraq have deteriorated. Some 11% of the population (2.7 million people) live on less than USD $1 per day. Around 3.6 million people are likely to become food insecure unless they are provided with food rations. Between 2004 and the first half of 2005, many thousands of Iraqi civilians have been displaced as a result of the ongoing instability.
“The recognized capacity of the IRCS in delivering humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable has been built through years of service to the Iraqi people,” said Gurgen Boshyan, Head of Delegation for the Federation for Iraq. “The IRCS today is one of few organizations in Iraq that can deliver critical humanitarian services to all parts of the country because of its proven neutrality and impartiality. Their excellent work in saving lives deserves to be supported.”
The appeal also covers needs such as the rehabilitation of health care centres, the training of 5,000 first aid workers, participation in national polio and measles immunization campaigns, the rehabilitation of water treatment plants in rural areas, the provision of a mobile water treatment unit, and further helping the Iraqi Red Crescent to expand and strengthen its humanitarian network throughout the country.