Vulnerability and capacity assessment: learning by doing
Since 2002, Lesotho has been affected by recurring droughts. The country experiences high vulnerability caused by dire poverty. Despite these challenges, the Lesotho Red Cross Society, working together with other humanitarian agencies and the national government, is determined to reduce vulnerability through a vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) approach in targeted communities.

(1.8 Mb, 4 pages)

Emergency Response Units
From an initial idea to provide emergency blankets, the ERU concept has developed into nine different types of highly specialized units, all using standardized equipment and pre-trained personnel. They provide health and water and sanitation services where local structures have been destroyed, are overwhelmed or do not exist, and support major disaster operations with logistics, IT and telecommunications, and relief. The units are self-sufficient for one month and can stay up to four months in the country.

(248 Kb, 4 pages)

Cash and voucher in relief and recovery
For the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, providing cash relief or vouchers to disaster affected families is proving a viable alternative to the direct distribution of food or other relief items and supports early recovery and restoring livelihoods.

(87 Kb, 2 pages)

Red Cross Red Crescent good practices in early warning
For the International Federation and National Societies worldwide, community-based early warning is an essential element of disaster risk reduction. Early warning helps to mitigate loss of life and property and to reduce economic losses. By strengthening early warning systems, we help to ensure that development projects, action plans and existing policies are sustainable.

(190 Kb, 2 pages)

Applying SPHERE in the Middle East
The Iraqi Red Crescent Society disaster management programme started in 1997 with two staff members and one copy of the SPHERE handbook. The minimum standards were used to develop the first emergency plans of the headquarters and the four operational branches in the country. Today, SPHERE is referred to in all emergency training. The aim is for each branch in Iraq to have key staff trained on SPHERE and enough SPHERE manuals available so that volunteers are encouraged to learn and use it.

(190 Kb, 2 pages)