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Geneva, 9 November 2021 – Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General, is in Glasgow to make sure that the voices of the most vulnerable communities around the globe are heard and words are translated into action.
He is joined by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society representatives from communities hardest hit by climate change - including Fiji, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa and Vietnam - who have been sharing the dramatic experiences of communities on the frontline.
At COP26, Jagan Chapagain made the following statements:
“COP26 has not gone far enough to help people on the frontline of the climate crisis. The most vulnerable people, often those who have contributed the least to global warming, are paying the highest price. Humanitarian response cannot keep pace with a crisis of this magnitude, we need to make sure communities are more resilient in the face of rising risks -- including resources to anticipate and act ahead of rising risks and to cope with the devastating impacts. Vulnerable communities need action now, not words.
Global leaders are making progress, but the commitments at COP26 so far are too small and unbalanced. We need more support for adaptation and loss and damage. And we need to make sure this funding really reaches the most vulnerable communities. COP26 fails if it fails to support the resilience of the most vulnerable people already experiencing catastrophic climate impacts.
The world’s major emitters must lead, take responsibility, and help those who are most vulnerable to climate change adapt and become more resilient. This is critical to protect and save lives.”
To request an interview or for more information, please contact:
In Geneva: Marie Claudet +33 7 86 89 50 89, [email protected]
In Glasgow: Pasca Lane +44 7 982 004 859, [email protected]
In Glasgow: Melis Figanmese +41 79 202 20 33, [email protected]
In London: Joe Cross, +44 7 833 173 845, [email protected]
October 29, 2021 – Six years after the adoption of the Paris Agreement, COP26 will be critical to catalyse global action on climate change. COP26 marks the first time since COP21 that Parties are expected to commit to enhanced climate action. It is a critical moment not only for the signatory states to the Paris Agreement, but for all sectors.
Every part of the world is experiencing the effects of climate change, both on the environment and on people. With the warming planet, disasters like wildfires, heatwaves, and flooding are becoming more frequent and destructive, meanwhile sea-levels continue rising. This is NOT a common future that we wish to share. Urgent action is needed now, not only to halt the warming of the climate, but to address the humanitarian impacts of climate change and to support communities to adapt.
The Paris Agreement is a global commitment that every signatory state will need to implement, underpinned by locally led adaptation action, engaging and supporting local communities most impacted by climate change. As the COP26 Presidency, the United Kingdom is committed to working with all countries and joining forces with people on the frontlines of climate change, including National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (National Societies) which bring together 14 million volunteers across 192 countries. Part of this effort is encouraging partners to join the Adaptation Action Coalition (AAC) for collaboration on delivering solutions on adaptation and resilience, and a commitment to consult with others on effective ways to avert, minimise and address loss and damage.
Today, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its members represent the largest humanitarian network in the world. National Societies as auxiliaries to their public authorities in the humanitarian field are in a unique position to support their governments in taking the necessary steps to address the humanitarian impacts of climate change. We have seen this collaboration reduce disaster and climate risks and help to build resilient communities. For example, following significant UK heatwaves in Summer 2020, the British Red Cross published new research this year—'Feeling the Heat'—on the increasing impact of extreme heat in the UK, offering practical advice—'Heatwave checklist'— to help people stay safe, well and adapt.
National Societies are supporting locally led adaptation, including disaster preparedness and risk reduction, anticipatory action, nature-based solutions, as well as in cooperation with governments integrating climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction into law, policy and practical action. Collaboration is also taking place through the leading work of the RiskInformed Early Action Partnership (REAP), the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), and the Anticipation Hub.
Understanding: i) the unique role played by the IFRC and National Societies as auxiliaries to their public authorities in the humanitarian field; ii) the priorities of the UK COP26 Presidency on adaptation and resilience, to protect communities and natural habitats; and iii) our shared commitment to working together to deliver, we are issuing this joint statement to call upon:
● Governments, at national, sub-national, and local levels, to include National Societies in relevant climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction processes, so they can, with their experience and knowledge as well as their access to communities, contribute to the realisation of the Paris Agreement; and
● National Societies, to connect and continue supporting relevant ministries of their governments and actively participate in national adaptation and disaster risk reduction policy-making, planning and implementation processes, championing locally-led adaptation which supports and engages the most climate vulnerable. Let’s be ambitious. Let’s take bold action to tackle the climate crisis and build a resilient future for all.
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Mike Adamson, CEO British Red Cross
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The Rt Hon. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP Secretary of State for International Trade; COP26 Champion on Adaptation and Resilience United Kingdom Government
In June 2020, a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement jointly called on governments, the private sector, international and civil society organizations to accelerate efforts to develop, test, and produce a safe and affordable “people’s vaccine” to protect everyone, everywhere and bring the crisis to an end.
A people's vaccine should protect the affluent and the poor, the elderly as well as the young, forcibly displaced persons, migrants regardless of their immigration status, and other often neglected populations, both in urban areas and in rural communities.
Fifteen months later, thanks to extraordinary scientific and technological advances, as well as global collaboration and mutual reliance in regulatory aspects, multiple safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19 are available and being administered in countries around the world. Yet, despite lofty rhetoric about global solidarity, the goal of a “people’s vaccine” is far from being reached. Equitable vaccine distribution is a political, moral, and economic priority which has so far been largely neglected.
Profits and short-sighted vaccine nationalism continue to trump humanity when it comes to the equitable distribution of vaccines. Though more than 48 per cent of the world’s population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, that percentage drops to barely 3 per cent in low-income countries. The situation is particularly worrying in countries in humanitarian crisis which need almost 700 million more doses to reach the World Health Organization’s target of vaccinating 40 per cent of their populations by the end of the year.
Over half of the countries with a humanitarian appeal do not have enough doses to vaccinate even 10 per cent of their population. Seven of the poorest in the world only have enough doses to reach less than 2 per cent of their population (Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen).
Wealthy countries with access to large quantities of vaccines have generously pledged to donate their excess doses to low- and middle-income countries via COVAX. However, far too few of these donations have been received. Supply of doses to the most vulnerable continues to be constrained by export restrictions and an unwillingness of countries to give up their place in the production supply line to COVAX, even if they cannot use those doses immediately.
The Humanitarian Buffer, part of the COVAX Facility, has been open for applications since June 2021. The Buffer is a measure of last resort to ensure the world’s displaced and other vulnerable populations are reached with COVID-19 vaccines. It is also part of the efforts to curb inequity, which would otherwise jeopardize social and economic recovery in humanitarian settings. We therefore need to urgently boost supply, share vaccines, and ensure that everyone has access.
But having vaccine doses available is only part of the solution to this crisis. We must ensure that the vaccine makes it from the airport tarmac into the arms of the most vulnerable – including refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, marginalised groups, people who are stateless, and those living in areas controlled by armed groups and/or affected by armed conflict. There must be greater investment in local delivery mechanisms and capacity, not only to guarantee that vaccines are delivered quickly and fairly, but also to strengthen national health systems for more effective pandemic preparedness and response.
All around the world, efforts to curb the pandemic are undermined by mistrust that leads to vaccine hesitancy. More than ever, it is important to work with and within communities, including through social media and community networks, to build trust and strengthen confidence on the efficacy and safety of vaccines. Activities that strengthen support for local actors and address misinformation are key to ensuring the successful delivery of vaccines to local communities, especially those most at-risk.
The United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement remain steadfast in their commitment to ensure equitable and effective access to COVID-19 vaccines across the globe. As the pandemic requires the international community to take extraordinary measures, today we unite our voices again to say it is time for actions to speak louder than words.
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It is a humanitarian imperative and our shared responsibility to ensure that lives everywhere are protected, not only in the few countries that have the means to buy protection. We call on governments, partners, donors, the private sector, and other stakeholders:
to scale up COVID-19 vaccine supply and access to COVAX including through donations from high-income countries to donate vaccines to those countries and regions that remain inequitably served;
to increase the funding and support to local actors to ensure that vaccines leave capital airports and reach everyone, including through investment both in the local health systems required for delivery and in community engagement to enhance acceptance and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines as well as vaccines in general;
to strengthen the capacity for COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries;
to accelerate the transfer of technology and know-how: investments made now will last well beyond this public health emergency and will strengthen the global capacity for response to future epidemics and pandemics;
to request the lifting of all remaining barriers (by manufactures) to allow humanitarian agencies access COVID-19 doses, including through waiving the requirement for indemnification, particularly where the most vulnerable populations can only be reached by humanitarian agencies using the COVAX Humanitarian Buffer.
For more information
Tommaso Della Longa, IFRC,+41 79 708 43 67, [email protected]
Crystal Ashley, ICRC, +41 79 642 80 56, [email protected]
Anna Jefferys, UNOCHA, + 1 347 707 3734, [email protected]
The events of armed violence and the disruption of fuel distribution continue to hit Haiti and have humanitarian consequences for the population and their access to basic services, particularly health services.
Power outages are hampering the functioning of medical structures, goods and services. Pediatric, maternity, trauma, emergency and hospital care is at risk of being completely disrupted. The provision of care is also affected by the impossibility for healthcare personnel to commute to work.
The supply of diesel fuel to hospitals is urgently needed to ensure the safety of patients and the operation of generators and thus to save lives.
The Haitian Red Cross Society, with the support of its partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is actively working to respond to the humanitarian consequences of the earthquake that affected the southern region of the country. An emergency hospital has been deployed and is receiving more than 100 patients per day. Its operation is also at risk due to the unavailability of fuel.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement wishes to recall that the work of medical personnel, means of transport and medical infrastructure must be respected and protected and must not be impeded or obstructed. They are entrusted with the mission to prevent and alleviate the human suffering of injured or sick people, wherever they may be.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a neutral, impartial and independent body. Its mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of disasters, armed conflicts or other situations of violence by providing aid and assistance whenever necessary. In this regard, respect for the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem, ambulances and humanitarian personnel, including volunteers, is crucial for the respect of humanitarian principles.
Kuala Lumpur/Port Moresby, 22 October 2021 – The International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calls for concerted international action to support Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a surge in COVID-19 cases overwhelms the country’s health system.
The latest surge has seen the highest number of daily COVID-19 cases recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.
Uvenama Rova, PNG Red Cross Secretary General, said:
“Hospitals are full, and patients are being turned away in Port Moresby and provincial areas. Urgent efforts and further support are needed in healthcare to prevent a massive loss of life in the coming days and weeks.
“In all areas of PNG, we are deeply concerned that the risks of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 are skyrocketing due to limited health infrastructure, high rates of illness, all compounded by poor access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation facilities.”
The vaccine rollout, that has helped to contain the virus in other countries, remains extremely low in Papua New Guinea due to a range of issues, including misinformation, public apprehension, and logistical challenges with the rollout. Only 1.5 per cent of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 0.67 per cent fully vaccinated, according to Oxford University’s Our World in Data.
PNG Red Cross is supporting efforts by the government and health authorities to contain the spread of the virus, distributing personal protective equipment such as face masks and providing targeted support to some of most vulnerable in the community who have been confined to their homes by the virus.
John Fleming, IFRC’s Asia Pacific Head of Health, said:
“If this COVID surge continues at such an alarming speed, PNG’s fragile health system is at risk of collapse. It is vital that emergency healthcare services are increased to prevent greater suffering and loss of life.
“We need to respond to the pandemic of misinformation that is spreading alongside the virus. We need to urgently inform people about the benefits of the vaccine, while speeding up the challenging rollout of vaccinations in all areas of PNG, from the highlands to coastal villages.”
For more information, contact:
In Kuala Lumpur:
Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451,
[email protected]
In Melbourne:
Joe Cropp, +61 481 150 973,
[email protected]
In Hobart:
Courtney Wilson, +61 481 150 973,
[email protected]
About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.
www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube
The following joint statement can be attributed to the Presidents of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ahead of COP26, on the last day of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Summit on pandemics, climate change and local action:
Today, the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis are affecting every aspect of our lives and societies, including our physical and mental wellbeing, our livelihoods, and our economies. The poorest and the most vulnerable, who have contributed least to the climate crisis, are being hit hardest.
In the lead-up to COP26, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is urging world leaders to act now for rapid and drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and at the same time to urgently address the existing and imminent humanitarian impacts of climate change, taking into account the lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis.
Around the world, poor and vulnerable communities are facing multiple crises at once. The layered effects of extreme-weather events, food insecurity, COVID-19 and conflicts, are putting millions of lives at risk and creating unprecedented humanitarian needs. Climate change is functioning as a risk multiplier, with increasingly devastating impacts. Since the beginning of the pandemic, climate-related disasters have severely affected the lives of at least 139 million people. Of the 25 countries most vulnerable to climate change, 14 are also mired in conflict. And yet these very communities and countries are among the most neglected by climate finance. This needs to change.
No state or organization can do this alone. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is committed to playing its part in the global efforts to stem the climate crisis.
We have witnessed the ‘Power of Many’, as millions of volunteers from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stepped up to help curb the global pandemic. As auxiliaries to their government in the humanitarian field, National Societies are key players in the climate crisis. Our staff and volunteers are on the front lines in communities across the world before, during and after disasters hit. They also provide advice to their authorities in strengthening disaster risk governance through well drafted disaster-related laws which enable effective preparedness, response and coordination. They are supporting people affected to build their resilience for future shocks and supporting authorities to strengthen their preparedness and prevention measures.
We are also reducing the environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions from our programmes and operations and calling on others to do the same. The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizationshas rallied to date more than 150 National Societies, small NGOs and large international organizations ready to work together to turn their commitments into tangible action.
The survival of humanity depends on the actions we take today to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts. It is not too late to act, and world leaders gathering at COP26 must rise to the challenge.
These are the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s five asks to world leaders:
Ensure a focus on the most vulnerable. We must prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable people, including marginalized groups, people in crises and those displaced. We must understand their risks, vulnerabilities, and capacities to be more resilient, and ensure they are informed and included in global, national and local decisions and plans. Inclusive decision making at every level is essential.
Increase finance for adaptation that targets the most vulnerable countries and communities. Vital mitigation efforts need to be accompanied by strong support to climate adaptation, which remains underfunded and underprioritized.
Invest in preparedness, enable more preventive and early action. We are already confronting losses and damages in a more volatile climate. And yet, responding reactively won’t be enough in a crisis of this magnitude. We must invest in preparedness across sectors, and in risk analysis to better anticipate potential climate disasters for early action.
Turn global commitments into local action. Global and national climate action plans often fail to empower those at risk to take effective local action. It is essential to support local institutions and organizations such as National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies through investment in institutional capacities, and in access to adaptation finance and decision-making processes.
Protect the environment, including through adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL). Environmental degradation exacerbates vulnerabilities. IHL protects the natural environment and limits environmental degradation. Respect for IHL prevents the deeply interlinked civilian harm that accompanies environmental damage in armed conflict.
The climate crisis is here, today; it will only worsen in the future. The world must take steps now to mitigate its severity and its effects on the world’s most vulnerable. COP26 is an opportunity to reduce the damage. It’s an opportunity we all must seize together.
Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Tommaso Della Longa, IFRC, +41 79 708 43 67, [email protected]
Aurélie Lachant, ICRC, +41 79 244 6405, [email protected]
Kuala Lumpur/Suva, 14 October 2021 – The small Pacific country of Palau has more than 99 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated, contesting top spot in the world for COVID-19 vaccination rates, according to government data.
Other Pacific nations have also raced up the global vaccine leader board. The Cook Islands has 96 per cent of the eligible population fully vaccinated while 96 per cent have received their first jab in Fiji, according to Cook Islands and Fiji Government data.
While there is success in parts of the Pacific with COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, there are still countries that have low vaccination rates. Less than 10 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated in Solomon Islands and Kiribati, according to Our World in Data. In Papua New Guinea, less than 1 per cent of people are fully vaccinated.
Head of the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Pacific Office, Katie Greenwood, said:
“It is important to celebrate the success of reaching high vaccination rates in many Pacific countries, including Palau, Fiji and the Cook Islands, which is saving lives and helping people to rejuvenate their livelihoods shattered by this pandemic.
“While the pace of vaccination has been remarkable in some countries, it is critical that vaccines doses are made available to every country across the Pacific so the doses can be delivered quickly.
“Building vaccine confidence is vital in the Pacific to make sure we reach a critical mass of people vaccinated in all countries. With restrictions easing, it is important we achieve even higher vaccinations and keep up public health measures. No one is safe until we are all safe.”
Red Cross has been playing a leading role in vaccination campaign rollouts alongside health authorities in Pacific countries, supported by the IFRC.
With the Pacific cyclone season, only weeks away, every effort needs to be maintained to prevent further impacts on livelihoods already ravaged due to the pandemic.
“Across the Pacific, hundreds of trained Red Cross volunteers have been helping to ramp up vaccinations, including in the most remote communities. We have been building vaccine confidence by listening and talking through key concerns.
“It’s critical that we try to get everyone vaccinated ahead of the cyclone season, which threatens to damage homes and infrastructure, stretching resources and services needed to contain COVID-19.”
For more information, contact:
In Suva:
Soneel Ram, +679 9983 688,
[email protected]
In Hobart:
Courtney Wilson, +61 481 150 973,
[email protected]
In Kuala Lumpur:
Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451,
[email protected]
About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.
www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube
Geneva, 4 October 2021 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched today an innovative campaign showcasing the impact of climate change on people’s lives across the globe. The campaign, #ClimateChangedMe, takes a twist on a typical “self-help” book and presents climate change as the “ultimate life-changing experience”.
Ahead of the campaign launch, the IFRC has gathered over 100 voices from community members, volunteers, and activists, also including Greta Thunberg and Fridays for Future. During short video clips, people describe how the climate crisis has already impacted their lives and ask the question: “Climate changed me. Will my story change you?”. In the run-up to COP26, the user-generated campaign will continue to gather stories, which will be collated and released as an e-book.
Speaking about the #ClimateChangedMe campaign, Greta Thunberg said:
“The climate crisis isn’t some unknown problem we can postpone. It is here now and has already had catastrophic impacts on people’s lives. In every region of the world, people are already feeling the impact of climate change on their daily lives, but those living in the most affected areas are being disproportionately hit, despite being the ones contributing to it the least. We want this campaign to spread awareness and inspire people to get involved, talk to and put pressure on their leaders.”
The climate crisis has slipped down the global agenda as nations battle to curb the spread of COVID-19 and minimize its immediate and long-term impacts on health and economies. Since the start of the pandemic, extreme-weather events have affected the lives of more than 139 million people and killed over 17,000. The global investment in COVID-19 recovery proves that governments can act decisively and drastically in the face of imminent global threats. The same energy and action on climate change is overdue.
Francesco Rocca, IFRC President, said:
“Climate change is already affecting our lives and it is only going to get worse. No region in the world has been spared by the devastating impacts of extreme weather events. Ahead of COP26, we call on world leaders to make concrete commitments not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the targets set out in the Paris agreement by 2050, but also to address the existent and imminent humanitarian impacts of climate change, investing in community adaptation, anticipation systems and local action. Every day, we are witnessing the impact of human-made climate change. The climate crisis is here, and we need to act now.”
By 2050, 200 million people every year could need humanitarian assistance as a result of a combination of climate-related disasters and the socio-economic impact of climate change.
Eric Njuguna from Fridays for Future said:
“It all narrows down to a single child and that child is someone’s sibling, best friend or cousin. Fridays for future joined the #ClimateChangedMe campaign to humanize the numbers.”
The #ClimateChangedMe campaign also showcases stories of resilience and sheds light on the role of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers across the world in preparing communities to prevent and adapt to climate risks.
Join IFRC for a discussion with Fridays for Future on Twitter Spaces at 11:00 am CEST Monday 4 October.
Share the campaign on social media using the hashtag: #ClimateChangedMe
Readmore atclimatechanged.me
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
In Geneva:
Marie Claudet, +33 786 89 50 89 , [email protected]
Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67, [email protected]
Addis Ababa, 25 August 2021 - The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today launched a new collaboration to strengthen community resilience and response to public health emergencies at community level. The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to ramp up pandemic response—including testing support to countries; community mobilization; advocacy and scaling up of contact tracing. In addition to COVID-19, the collaboration includes other areas of public health.
Africa CDC and IFRC will strengthen investments in locally-led action—for prevention and response purposes—while working with governments to ensure they intensify efforts to roll out the COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, Africa CDC and IFRC will scale up advocacy against vaccine wastage.
This new initiative comes at a time Africa continues to face major vaccine shortages, amid a high level of community transmission in countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Cabo Verde, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
John Nkengasong, Africa CDC Director, said: “Africa is facing a double-edged challenge of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with health response gaps, and also trying to ensure that the continent prepares efficiently for future pandemics, using lessons from current challenges”.
Africa CDC has been implementing various public health responses to control COVID-19. These include the engagement of community health workers in risk communication and community sensitization; surveillance activities for early case identification; contact tracing and in facilitating referrals for testing and continuum of care.
Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General, said: “What the IFRC and its network of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies bring to this partnership with Africa CDC is our unparalleled access to local communities. Our community-based volunteers have the access and trust that are needed to address vaccine hesitancy and sensitize communities about adherence to preventive measures”.
The Africa CDC has been working to support African Union Member States to build a wide network of 2 million community health workers (CHWs) in line with the July 2017 African Union Assembly Decision. The collaboration with the IFRC network, which includes 1.2 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers across the continent is expected to strengthen community level interventions and consolidate gains in tackling the spread of the virus, while increasing awareness about vaccine benefits.
National Red Cross Red and Crescent Societies across Africa remain on the frontline of the response to COVID-19. They are providing ambulance services; conducting contact tracing and point of entry screening. They are also tackling stigma and the spread of misinformation and provide emotional comfort and psychological support to people in need.
Geneva, 24 August 2021 – The recent devastating wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms are having a severe impact on millions of people and put lives at risk across the globe, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned.
The extreme rainfall that led to last month’s devastating floods in Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg, and the Netherlands are made 1.2 to 9 times more likely to happen due to climate change, according to an attribution report by an international team of leading climate scientists and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. The report also found that such downpours in the region are now 3-19% heavier because of global warming.
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC, said: “It cannot be more evident that climate change is here - and its humanitarian impacts are devastating. As humanitarians, it is our role to respond to disasters, but also to address risks and better prepare our communities, especially the most vulnerable.
“But we cannot do it alone. With COP26 approaching, we urge governments to make comprehensive and lasting political commitments to boost preparedness, build resilient communities and save lives.”
The results of the World Weather Attribution report are in line with the conclusions of the major Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released earlier this month, which assessed that there is now unequivocal evidence that humans are warming the planet’s climate, and human-induced climate change is the main driver of changes in including weather extremes.
Maarten van Aalst, Director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre: “The science is clear: climate change is hurting us already today. The huge human and economic costs of these floods are a stark reminder that we need to prepare for more extreme weather events.
“Local communities are already confronted with the rising risks, and it is critical that they are aware of what’s coming their way, supported to reduce risk where we can, but also to evacuate and respond if needed.”
The catastrophic flooding in Western Europe killed more than 220 people and forced thousands to leave their homes. Thousands of volunteers from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies responded to the crisis and worked tirelessly to evacuate people, provide shelter, and distribute food, clothing and medical supplies.
The impact of such disasters can be reduced by investing in local communities and giving people the tools to respond.
In the face of tropical storm Henri, the American Red Cross is currently providing in-person and online guidance to communities on how to prepare for a flood, keep families safe during such emergencies, and clean up a flooded home.
In the Middle East, Red Crescent Societies, including those in Iran, Iraq and Syria, have been responding to the drought affecting the lives of millions of people. In Saudi Arabia, the Red Crescent has organized a nationwide campaign on mitigating the health hazards caused by the temperatures climbing up to 50C.
Ahead of the worst of the winter season, the Mongolian Red Cross Society gave unrestricted cash grants and animal care kits to 2,000 herder households in most-at-risk areas, helping to prevent the suffering among communities.
Around the world and particularly in vulnerable areas, the IFRC has expanded the use of forecast-based financing to allocate emergency funding ahead of predicted disasters. This helps communities take the necessary measures to protect themselves such as: strengthening their houses and evacuating people before a disaster hits.
But, as the climate crisis is accelerating, more needs to be done. 1.7 billion people have already been affected by climate and weather-related disasters in the past decade, according to the last World Disasters Report.
In 2020, IFRC through its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) provided 75 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies with 32 million Swiss francs to support 109 operations – many of which were floods and cyclones in the Asia Pacific region and Africa.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
In Geneva: Marie Claudet: +33 7 82 68 18 34 or [email protected]
In response to the news that vaccines manufactured in South Africa are being exported to Europe, Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said:
“We have long been calling for companies to consider manufacturing doses in regions that remain inequitably served of COVID-19 vaccines. That they should then be exported to regions that have vaccinated a majority of their population is incomprehensible. The African continent is still the most underserved in terms of receiving doses -- barely 2% of people across the region have been vaccinated. Yet, it is clear that profits are still trumping humanity. If compassion will not open the door to the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccine doses, then let it be science, for none of us is safe until we all are. If parts of the world remain unvaccinated, this pandemic will not end.”
For more information
In London: Teresa Goncalves, [email protected], +44 7891 857 056
In Nairobi: Euloge Ishimwe, [email protected], +254 202 835 246
Algeria/Tunisia/Beirut, 13 August 2021–The wildfires currently spreading in Algeria and Tunisia threaten the lives of tens of thousands, while also damaging local ecosystems, infrastructures and livelihoods. Both countries face a multi-hazard situation, as an alarming number of COVID-19 infections have been reported in the past weeks.
Flames have killed dozens of people and forced hundreds of families to leave their homes. Hundreds of people have lost their houses, farms and livelihoods. Thousands of hectares of land have been burned down.
Red Crescent volunteers and staff have been supporting communities by providing first aid, psychosocial support, emergency shelter, drinking water and other necessary relief items. For example, the Algerian Red Crescent has already set up 200 tents for emergency shelter and supported shelter solutions in host communities for an additional 8,000 families.
Anne E. Leclerc, Head of the North Africa Country Cluster Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said:
”Most of the northern parts of Tunisia and Algeria have already been severely impacted by multiple fires. Extreme weather conditions intensify the risk of additional fires in the region. The Red Crescent Societies of Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco are on high alert, mobilizing volunteers and providing assistance to affected communities in close coordination with local authorities.
"Climate change is here. It impacts people across the globe every day. Combined with the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the region, we are tackling multiple crises simultaneously. The combination of these is stretching already strained healthcare systems to their limits.”
In Algeria, the fires have been raging since Monday and are spreading to new areas. So far, the Algerian Red Crescent has mobilized more than 300 volunteers to the response operation. IFRC is releasing financial resources from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the response operation and is planning together with the Algerian Red Crescent for a possible request for more international support.
Dr. Saida BenHabyles, the President of Algerian Red Crescent said:
“The momentum of national solidarity, initiated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been reinforced during this wave of multiple fires that struck parts of the country. The Algerian Red Crescent, one of the links in this great chain of solidarity, has been working tirelessly on the ground since the start of the pandemic and since the first hours of the outbreak of the fires. This disaster comes with another great danger, the COVID 19 pandemic. We are facing a double challenge when working against the spread of the COVID-19 and providing assistance to those affected by the fires.”
In Tunisia, more than 100 families have already lost their homes as the fires have been spreading to new areas. The Tunisian Red Crescent is providing affected families with emergency shelter, household items, as well as psychosocial support. The IFRC has released 99,897 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the fire response by the Tunisian Red Crescent.
In addition, the IFRC supports the coordination of both response operations as well as monitors the heatwave patterns and real-time wildfire alerts across the region, disseminating early warnings and calls to action to the affected countries.
Algeria and Tunisia have been witnessing an increasing number of wildfires. The fires are linked to climate change, which is causing more extreme weather conditions, such as scorching temperatures and less rainfall.
Notes to Editors
Algeria:
The IFRC is working with the Algerian Red Crescentto release initial financial support from the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the wildfire response in Algeria. Ongoing operational planning is also ongoing for a possible request for more international support.
In the past weeks, we have seen a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections. In response to the latest peak, the Algerian Red Crescent (ARCS) has scaled up its COVID-19 activities. More than two million people have already been vaccinated by ARCS doctors and nurses both in cities and in remote areas. Many new vaccination centres have recently been set up to reach the national target set by authorities to have 20 million people vaccinated by the end of 2021.
Tunisia:
The IFRC has released 99,897 Swiss francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the fire response by the Tunisian Red Crescent.
The wildfires have particularly affected the governorates of El Kef, Jendouba, and Kasserine. Communities urgently need emergency shelter, safe drinking water, livelihoods support and health care.
The first phase of support will be targeted especially for the families that have lost their homes or source of income, women-headed households, families which have members with special needs including disabilities, the elderly, lactating and pregnant women, and children under five.
In the past weeks, Tunisiahas registered the highest number of daily COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic as theDelta variant of the coronavirus is spreading and vaccine availability remains low. The health care system is struggling to cope and intensive carecapacities are inadequate. Tunisia has one of the highest per capita COVID-19 death rates in the world.
DREF
The IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a pooled fund that allows for flexible and urgent disbursing of funds in acute emergencies or for anticipatory action.
Any time a Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society needs immediate financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds from the DREF. Funds can be requested for small and medium-scale disasters, or to provide initial funding before emergency appeals are launched for large-scale operations. The IFRC allocates grants from the Fund, which can then be replenished by the donors.
Contributions for donors to replenish DREF are very welcome, to enable local actors to act swiftly in support of vulnerable people on the ground, before larger funding arrives.
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