Statement: Attack on Ocean Viking deeply concerning, endangering humanitarian workers and survivors in the Mediterranean

Budapest/Geneva, 12 September 2025 –The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) strongly deplores the attack on the search and rescue ship Ocean Vikingon 24 August. At the time of the attack in the Central Mediterranean, 87 rescued people were on board, with five IFRC and nineteen SOS MEDITERRANEE staff.Although everyone disembarked safely, the attack left people severely distressed and caused significant damage to the ship’s bridge and critical rescue equipment. As a consequence, the ship will not be operational in the near future.“This underscores not only the growing risks for those undertaking life-saving rescues in the Mediterranean, but also the dangerous reality facing humanitarian workers worldwide,”said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe.“Threatening rescued people and those saving lives is unacceptable. Wecall on all concerned authorities to ensure accountability and do everything in their power to prevent such an incident from happening again.”Every year, thousands of people attempt to cross the Central Mediterranean, one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Search and rescue operations remain a humanitarian necessity, ensuring that people in distress at sea are brought to safety. For these operations to be possible, humanitarian workers and civilians must never be targeted.The IFRC remains firmly committed to supporting people on the move through its humanitarian service points across the Mediterranean and beyond, ensuring that people forced to take dangerous journeys can access safety, care, and dignity wherever they are.Since 2021, the IFRC–SOS MEDITERRANEE partnership on board the Ocean Viking has had 156 rescue missions, with more than 8,600 people supported with immediate assistance including food, water, medical care, and psychosocial support. This lifesaving work is part of a wider, long-term commitment to protect and assist people on the move across one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.For more information, [email protected] Budapest:Corrie Butler +36 704306506Nora Peter+36 70 265 4020In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 43 67

Ahead of Hurricane Melissa's imminent arrival in the Caribbean, local Red Cross teams are mobilising

Torrential rain and intense winds from Hurricane Melissa threaten hundreds of thousands of people in the central Caribbean. The National Red Cross Societies in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are fully operational, providing support to the communities most at risk in the form of preparedness and early response measures.In Cuba, the Cuban Red Cross is helping with preventive evacuations, offering psychosocial support, and helping families to get back in touch with each other.Psychological support in the face of a hurricane threat is essential for effective disaster management. It helps the population move from paralyzing fear to active preparedness and a resilient mindset, saving lives and promoting better long-term psychological recovery by providing a sense of calm, control, and human connection.'All hands on deck'In Haiti, the Haitian Red Cross has activated the Jérémie Emergency Operations Centre and is coordinating preparedness measures with local authorities. Volunteers are disseminating preventive messages to inform families how to protect themselves in the event of an impact.In Jamaica, where more than 165,000 people are at risk, the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) has allocated 80,000 Swiss francs for anticipatory action, including pre-positioning vital supplies, preparing shelters, and strengthening community response capacity.“Right now, we are in full operations mode," says Horace Glance, deputy operations manager for the Jamaican Red Cross. "All 13 branches and all staff have been activated since last Wednesday. It’s all-hands-on-deck, all systems go.”“If the forecast holds true, and we do have a category 4 hurricane bearing down on us, it’s going to be a huge event for Jamaica,” Glance said in an interview with ABC News (see the full video below) on Sunday 26. “We’ve never had such a major hurricane coming across the island, making landfall and its eye passing over us.“So the usual things such as landslides, as well as coastal, riveraine and urban flooding, would be expected but it’s going to be a lot more with an event this size in terms of the volume of water ... as well as more severe winds than we’ve ever experienced.”In the Dominican Republic, volunteers from the San Pedro branch have carried out rescues and preventive evacuations in flood-affected communities, as well as helping to transfer patients from the local hospital to safer medical centres. Preparation and early action are crucial in a region that is highly vulnerable to the effects of storms and hurricanes. The rapid intensification of these phenomena, exacerbated by climate change, reduces reaction time and increases the risk of human and material losses. While climate change and climate-related disasters and hazards can affect anyone, their effects are not felt equally by all. In North America, Central America and the Caribbean, it is the most vulnerable groups — women, children, displaced people, indigenous communities and those affected by violence, poverty and discrimination — who are at the greatest risk from hurricanes and storms. This is why the IFRC and its network of National Societies work to take action before disasters strike, combining weather forecasts with risk analysis, strengthening early warning systems and positioning humanitarian aid in strategic locations. In response to the 2025 hurricane season and beyond, the Red Cross network is continuing to strengthen community resilience in over 28 countries by integrating science, local knowledge, and solidarity to protect communities from the growing risks posed by climate change.

Statement by the Governing Board of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on the 60th Anniversary of the Fundamental Principles

Sixty years ago, as a response to profound human suffering, the Fundamental Principlesof the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement were adopted. They wereborn from the conviction that humanitarian action must transcend politics, borders, anddivisions - anchored in humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntaryservice, unity, and universality.For our National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, these principles are not abstractideals. They are the foundation of their daily work in communities across the world,enabling them to respond to disasters, conflicts, health crises, and the challenges ofmigration and displacement with compassion and fairness, regardless of who isaffected.Today, in a world facing unprecedented crises, these principles remain our strongestcompass. They allow National Societies to act swiftly when earthquakes strike, whenfloods devastate, when droughts destroy livelihoods, and when pandemics disrupt lives.These principles ensure that our volunteers and staff can help people withoutdiscrimination, and that every individual is seen as a human being with dignity, rights,and aspirations.Yet principles alone are not enough. Living by them requires courage, humility, andresolve. National Societies need an enabling environment in which they can carry outtheir auxiliary role to public authorities in the humanitarian field - fully recognized,respected, and supported.Therefore, we, the members of the Governing Board of the International Federation ofRed Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in line with the resolutions of the 2024 Council ofDelegates and 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, callupon all governments and partners to:• Ensure the legal recognition of National Societies and their ability to act accordingto the Fundamental Principles.• Respect their independence, impartiality, and neutrality at all times.• Facilitate their humanitarian mission and guarantee safe and unhindered accessto those in need.On this 60th anniversary, we honour not only the vision that gave birth to these principles,but the daily courage of millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff wholive them out.The Fundamental Principles are not relics of the past; they are living commitments. It isour shared responsibility to ensure that they remain the guiding light for us for thedecades to come.

Bangladesh: After the storm, hope is growing thanks to support for livelihoods and shelter

A private tutor by profession, Shanjeet has always depended on his students to make ends meet and he’s always struggled to meet basic living costs with his limited earnings.And that was before the cyclone tore up nearly everything he owned and depended on to make a living. Like many, Shanjeet lost everything when Cyclone Remal hit his village in May 2024. His house, trees, books, tubewell, and latrine were all washed away.“It was a horrible, sleepless night,”he recalls. “I was at the cyclone shelter. When I returned the next morning, I found knee-deep water all around. My house was destroyed. My favourite books were floating in the muddy water. The old mango tree in my yard, where I used to teach my students, had fallen right on top of my house.”But now around him, new hope is growing. As Shanjeet was speaking these words, a Red Crescent Youth volunteer was planting a new mango tree in the same spot where the old one once stood.It’s a powerful symbol of renewal and hope that comes thanks to the IFRC Remal Recovery Initiative being implemented by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. With support from that initiative, Shanjeet was able to build an entirely new shelter and latrine, as well as improve his livelihood.Since he depends on teaching for a living, Shanjeet used his livelihood support to buy stationery items like exercise books, pens, and other supplies.“I had no income for months after the cyclone. Now my students are back, and I have a small shop supported by Red Crescent where I earn extra by selling stationery to them,” said Shanjeet.“I’m slowly stepping into a new life I never imagined. I enjoy spending time with my students, who are mostly children. At the same time, I am trying to stay strong, because who knows when the next cyclone or disaster might come. But this time, I want to be more prepared.”Rebuilding homes and dignity: The story of Khalil and TaslimaIn Saudkhali village of Indurkani sub-district, a similar story is unfolding. 60-year-old Khalil and his wife Taslima are among the many people who are also participating in the recovery project.Their village is located beside the Bageshwari River, which flows into to the Bay of Bengal. The community was severely impacted by Cyclone Remal, which destroyed hundreds of shelters, sanitation facilities, and sources of livelihood.Khalil is physically challenged, and the family depends on the income of his wife, who works as a domestic worker in different houses in the village. Her earnings are far below the living wage, and they always struggled to meet their basic needs. They had a very small house, which was destroyed and washed away during the cyclone.When Khalil spoke about his current situation in front of his new house, supported under the IFRC initiative, the happiness and smile on his face were priceless.“I am very happy!” he says with a smile. “I got cattle, chickens, ducks, a new house, and a latrine. I don’t know how to describe the peace we feel now.”“We haven’t started earning yet because the chickens are yet to produce eggs, but for the first time in my life, I will be able to earn some income.”Stories of recovery across the cyclone-impacted areasWith support from the IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone recovery operation, stories like this one are being repeated throughout the areas impacted by the cyclone. Individual people and families have received cash support that allows them to address their specific needs within various categories.Under this initiative, for example, families have received 85,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) for shelter (the equivalent of $US 695), BDT 25,000 ($US 205) for building or repairing latrines, and BDT 35,000 ($US 286) to rebuild their livelihoods.To benefit from the support for income-generating activities, each family submitted a written request for their preferred livelihood support option, based on their expertise, location, circumstances, available time, and family needs.At the time of this publication:• 192 families received livestock (cows and goats),• 12 families received support for chicken farming,• 23 families were supported to start small businesses (such as shops and tailoring), 36 families received boats and fishing equipment, and• 17 families received vans.In Pirojpur and Khulna, two heavily impacted areas, a total of 535 affected families have been supported with construction or repair of latrines as part of water, sanitation and hygiene support and shelter rebuilding. In addition to household support, the recovery efforts included the installation of new tubewells.Story by Shameul Islam Shovon, with editing by Raqibul AlamRead more stories about IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone Remal recovery:Bangladesh: One year after the cyclone, a new home and a new juice cart brings family new hope

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Kenya Red Cross volunteer lost his life in the line of duty during rescue operation

Geneva/Nairobi, 06 March 2026 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply saddened by the death of Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, a dedicated aqua rescue volunteer who lost his life while responding to a rescue operation along the Mbagathi River in Nairobi on 3 March 2026.Samuel was responding to a distress call in the Highrise area when the incident occurred. He was part of an emergency rescue effort to assist a young boy who had reportedly drowned. Tragically, Samuel lost his life while attempting to save others.Samuel served as a volunteer with the Kenya Red Cross Society for more than 15 years, dedicating his time and skills to protecting at-risk communities. Known for his professionalism, courageand commitment, he was among the most experienced members of the National Society’s aqua rescue teams and had trained and mentored many volunteers across the country.In 2025, he received the Special Recognition Award at the Kenya Red Cross Volunteer Awards in acknowledgement of his outstanding service in water rescue operations nationwide.Humanitarian volunteers and staff often operate in extremely difficult and dangerous environments while trying to protect lives and support communities in crisis. Their commitment and service are the backbone of humanitarian response worldwide.Any loss of a humanitarian worker in the line of duty is a profound tragedy. Across the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers risk their lives every day to assist people in emergencies. The safety and protection of humanitarian workers must always remain a priority. Globally, since the start of the year, four National Societies volunteers and staff have lost their lives while on duty.The IFRC extends its deepest condolences to Samuel’s wife, family, friends, and fellow volunteers during this incredibly difficult time.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]    

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Study: Record downpours that caused lethal landslides in Brazil will worsen with further warming

This is an adaptation by the Climate Centre of a press release issued by World Weather Attribution on 12 March 2026.The landslides that struck the state of Minas Gerais in south-east Brazil last month (pictured) have laid bare the vulnerability of the country’s cities and its coffee industry to an increasingly volatile climate, World Weather Attribution scientists said.The WWA team warn in a new study that this event is a preview of the heavier rainfall expected as global temperatures rise further.It was the wettest month on record in the worst-affected city of Juiz de Fora: 65 people were killed there and over 6,400 were forced from their homes after particularly intense rainfall fell between 22 and 24 February; seven other people more were killed in Uba.Minas Gerais is the heart of Brazil’s coffee industry and the leading producer of arabica beans. After years of extreme weather caused as much as a 20 per cent reduction in output and global spikes in prices, there were hopes for a better harvest this year, but the above-average rainfall is now fueling disease across plantations.While the scientists didn’t find definitive evidence that climate change increased the intensity of rainfall in this event, models do show the strength of these downpours worsening by an estimated 7 per cent as global temperatures rise, but the true number could be higher.Rapid urban growth on steep slopes and floodplains has seen natural vegetation replaced by paved surfaces, reducing water drainage and increasing runoff, they add.‘Early warning systems are thedecisive instrument for saving lives’Pedro Camarinha, Deputy Director at the Brazilian National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters, said: “This disaster made clear how extreme rainfall can trigger the consequences of risk that was already known, but insufficiently addressed through preventive public policies.”“Where land-use planning, risk reduction measures, and the protection of exposed communities remain inadequate, early warning systems become the decisive instrument for saving lives.”“Their effectiveness, however, depends on disaster risk being communicated clearly to the population through coordinated action among institutions and with society as a central actor in the system.”“Early warning systems must therefore be better valued and continuously improved, while risk awareness is strengthened among exposed communities and urgent action is taken to reduce exposure and vulnerability.”Regina R. Rodrigues, a professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Florianopolis, added: “Looking to the future, there are clear implications for Brazil’s leaders to ensure people aren’t living in harm’s way as we see more of these events unfold.”“Minas Gerais is the heartbeat of Brazil’s coffee production and this rainfall is another example of the extreme weather it is having to deal with. It’s a reminder that our changing climate is already pushing up prices and disrupting supplies for products people around the world take for granted.”

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From vision to action: Promoting women’s leadership in the humanitarian sector in East Asia

From enhancing female representation at all levels to implementing family-friendly workplace policies, National Red Cross Societies in East Asiaare taking concrete action to fulfil the long-term vision of advancing gender equality and women’s leadership.To date, these efforts have yielded tangible progress across multiple areas.Increasing women's representation in leadershipThe East Asia National Societies are tracking data on women in leadership, working toward the goal of 50 per cent representation in governance and senior management positions.As of 2025,for example, women held more than 50 per cent of the seats on the governing board of the Mongolian Red Cross Society (MRCS). The MacauRed Cross (branchof the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC))has achieved50 per cent women in management positions.Implementing family-friendly practicesSeveral National Societies have introduced practices to support family responsibilities. For example, the Hong Kong Branch of the RCSC has implemented a work-from-home policy and flexible working arrangements. In 2025, the Republic of Korea National Red Cross (KNRC) received government certification for supporting work-life balance and gender equality.These practicesare applied to all employees, male and female, helping to transform traditional gender norms.Empowering women in the communitiesBeyond promoting gender equality in the workplace, engaging and empowering women in the community is another emphasis.The RCSC, jointly with Alibaba, initiated the “Model Mama” project, to provide skills training for disadvantaged women and support them in starting their own businessor getting employed. By the end of 2024, the project had trained more than 26,000people in 12 provinces across China.In 2025, the Hong Kong Branch of the RCSC launched the EmpowerHer Network, mobilizing women leaders from diverse backgrounds to join and contribute to the humanitarian cause.Fostering public advocacyPublic advocacy represents another focus.Two major events supported by the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) in 2025 contributed to the efforts: a panel discussion hosted by GLOW Red (the global network for women leaders in the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement) at the 2025 World Expo Women’s Pavilion in Osaka, and the GLOW Red Annual Meeting in Tokyo.Both events served as powerful platforms to strengthen networks, share insights, and advance collective action toward gender equality.Reviewing the progress, Olga Dzhumaeva, Head of the IFRC East Asia Delegation, commented that, “Leadership support plays a crucial role in dismantling barriers and forging pathways for gender diversity and equality across every level of their organisations”.Since 2022, a dedicated session on gender diversity and women’s leadership has been included in the annual East Asia Five Plus Leaders Forum, a primary platform for East Asia National Society leaders to discuss regional humanitarian priorities. Further strengthening the coordinating mechanism, the National Societies designated gender focal points in June 2025.“We will strengthen cooperation with other global efforts and contribute to further promoting women’s leadership in the humanitarian sector,” said Bonnie So, Secretary General of the Hong Kong Branch of the RCSC and Chair of the East Asia Red Cross gender focal point group.Driven by the IFRC network’s Protection, Gender and Inclusion Policy as the core framework, these advancements in East Asia are supported and built on a robust global and regional roadmap.Dedicated targets for women's leadership were established through the Hanoi Call for Action, a set of commitments endorsed at the IFRC’s 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in 2023.According to the IFRC Everyone Counts Report 2024, progress toward gender balance in governance remains slow and uneven across regions, but the Asia-Pacific region as a whole has shown incremental improvement. As of 2025, women held 37 percent of governance and leadership positions, up from 34 percent in 2024.For Alexander Matheou, IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Director, an important part of the solution lies in male allyship and institutions taking responsibility for change.“Talented female leaders have not always felt comfortable positioning themselves for promotion in very male-dominated organisations and men themselves haven’t always created the pathways for them to occupy the top positions,” he said . “Male leaders have a responsibility to create opportunities and ensure that female leaders can show their full potential.”Learn more about gender and inclusion in humanitarian actionProtection, Gender and Inclusion at the IFRCProtection and gender and inclusion in emergencies

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