Search
- 1984 results found
IFRC launches emergency appeal to join SOS MEDITERRANEE’s life-saving mission as deaths soar in the Mediterranean Sea
Geneva/Marseille, 19 July 2021 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal to provide life-saving assistance to people in distress in the Central Mediterranean Sea. IFRC teams will join maritime and humanitarian NGO SOS MEDITERRANEE’s crew on board the Ocean Viking rescue ship as of August 2021. Lives continue to be needlessly lost in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly on the long and treacherous Central Mediterranean route between Libya and Europe. Already 792 people are known to have died on that route while trying to reach Europe in the first half of 2021, three times as many as in the same period last year[1]. The actual number of casualties is likely to be much higher. IFRC President Francesco Rocca said: “In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, it is still critical to move to the Mediterranean Sea to save lives and protect human dignity. It is unacceptable that people are still dying at sea, on Europe’s doorstep: this is a clear failure of the international community. This is why we decided again to take our vital emergency support out to sea, and we call on our partners and donors to support this operation. “No one should be forced to leave their home, their community, their beloved because of poverty, violence, food insecurity and any other effects of climate change. No one should die searching for safety. We are proud to start this new mission, but we also call on the EU and its Member States to urgently increase search and rescue operations.” The SOS MEDITERRANEE crew of search and rescue professionals will be joined by an IFRC team as of August 2021. IFRC will provide post-rescue support, including first aid, medical care, psychological support, food, dry clothes, blankets, toiletries and information to the people who have been safely brought on board the Ocean Viking. The IFRC team will include medical doctors, a midwife and professionals who can provide psychological support and assist those who are particularly vulnerable and in need of extra protection, such as unaccompanied minors and victims of human trafficking. “Being joined by the Red Cross and Red Crescent network onboard the Ocean Viking is an honour and a new milestone for our organization. IFRC’s commitment to reaching out to people in distress at sea through this partnership highlights the absolute necessity to try and save lives in the Central Mediterranean,” says Caroline Abu Sa'Da, General Director of SOS MEDITERRANEE Switzerland. “Our partnership will be based on shared values and humanitarian principles upholding our duty to rescue at sea, a duty enshrined in maritime law and longstanding sea faring traditions – a duty that has been relentlessly damaged over the past five years in the Central Mediterranean. International humanitarian organizations such as ours are only plugging the rescue gap left by States in the area: it is not enough. To save as many lives as possible, we urgently need a coalition of European States and maritime actors willing to conduct lawful and humane rescue operations.” The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal of two million Swiss francs to support the operation. This life-saving mission is an integral part of the Red Cross Red Crescent presence to protect and assist people in countries of origin, transit and destination across Africa, Middle-East and Europe. As a neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organization, IFRC’s global network provides critical humanitarian assistance to all persons in need, regardless of their legal status. [1] IOM: Missing Migrants Project
Bangladesh: Delta fuels deadly COVID-19 surge amid crippling vaccine shortfalls
Kuala Lumpur/Dhaka/Geneva, 06 July 2021:Urgent action is needed to increase COVID-19 vaccine supplies for Bangladesh as hospitals reach capacity and oxygen supplies run short across the country. The deadly Delta COVID-19 variant is spreading fast in urban and rural areas across Bangladesh stretching the entire health sector beyond its limits. Hospitals in areas of Bangladesh bordering India are experiencing a sharp rise in infections and deaths. In the capital Dhaka, around 78 per cent of infections have been identified as caused by the Delta strain according to the Government of Bangladesh. Nearly one in three people (29%) tested is positive with COVID-19 pointing to much higher infection rates across the country. After a promising start earlier this year, Bangladesh was forced to halt all vaccinations due to a shortage in supply. Around 3 per cent of the Bangladesh population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 compared with half the population of countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, according to Oxford University'sOur World in Data. Feroz Salah Uddin, Secretary General of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society said: “The recent spike of COVID-19 infections in Bangladesh is deeply alarming and it is being fuelled by the more infectious and deadly Delta strain, with hundreds of people dying a week. “Bangladesh Red Crescent has ramped up ambulance services and efforts to help reduce death and suffering due to this dangerous virus. Our volunteers are working alongside health authorities to accelerate vaccinations, but a crippling shortage in supply is hurting progress.” Bangladesh Red Crescent teams are helping people with free ambulance services 24 hours a day, in 10 high-risk districts and providing oxygen cylinders across the country. Cooked food and other relief are also being provided to people who have lost their jobs or income. More than 13,500 Bangladesh Red Crescent volunteers are working across the country to help with vaccinations, medical care, providing masks and running public information campaigns on the importance of staying safe from COVID-19. Sanjeev Kafely, Head of IFRC Bangladesh Delegation said: “It’s critical that richer countries share more vaccines with Bangladesh in the coming days and weeks to help avoid the horrors caused by COVID-19 in India. “COVID-19 is having devastating impacts on millions of people in Bangladesh, with many losing their incomes and livelihoods. Mass vaccination is the key to ending the spiralling deaths, infections and hardships caused by this virus in Bangladesh and everywhere around the world.” The IFRC is seeking vital funding for its global emergency COVID-19 appeal, with around 55% of the appeal covered so far. The funds are crucial to support the lifesaving actions of the IFRC and member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world.
Red Cross Red Crescent: Humanitarian sector joins forces to tackle ‘existential threat’ of climate change
Geneva, 22 June 2021 – The humanitarian sector has a key role to play in addressing the climate and environment crises that affect people’s lives and livelihoods around the world every day. This means walking the talk in terms of integrating climate smart approaches into its work and greening its own operations. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement invites all humanitarian organizations to sign the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations, already adopted by 25 organizations since its launch a month ago. The Charter, which aims to foster a strong commitment to climate action across the humanitarian community, is designed for all humanitarian organizations – large and small. It was developed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), with the support of an advisory committee and in consultation with the humanitarian sector. It intends to guide both the humanitarian sector’s approach to the increasing risks resulting from climate change and to address its own carbon and environmental footprint. “Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, and the entire humanitarian sector needs to take it very seriously. Climate-affected communities across the world understand the scale of the threat, and so do the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who work alongside them every day. Much more needs to be done to reduce the risks communities are facing, to help them to build their resilience and adapt to climate shocks and to ensure that humanitarian organizations are reducing their own environmental impacts,” said Mr Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC. Today’s climate and environmental crises affect all dimensions of our lives, from our physical and mental health to our food, water and economic security. While the crises are affecting everyone, those hit the hardest are the poorest and most marginalized communities, whose capacity is already strained and who have often contributed least to the problem. And the situation is only getting worse. “We have no time to lose. We have a responsibility to come together, as a humanitarian community, to strengthen our expertise and develop adequate responses to the climate and environmental crises. Joining forces is critical if we want to reduce their impacts on the most vulnerable people,” said ICRC’s Director General Robert Mardini. Radical transformation is urgently needed to prevent further death and suffering. Analysis by the IFRC[1] found that 97.6 million people were affected by climate- and weather-related disasters in 2019. Protecting the lives and rights of present and future generations depends on political action to cut emissions, halt environmental degradation, and adapt to increasing risks. “The climate crisis is impacting humanitarian action around the world, and we must urgently step-up and increase our collective efforts to address this challenge. As a network,at ICVA’s 18thGeneral Assembly, we signed on to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations. ICVA encourages others to sign and implement jointly as our ability to partnerisour most strategic capability,” said Ignacio Packer, Executive Director, International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA). The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations is a document for and by humanitarian organizations, intended to help them play their part and highlight their relevance in responding to the climate and environmental crises. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement aims to gather a large number of signatures ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021 to signal the strong commitment of the humanitarian community to scaling up its response to the climate and environment crises. The Charter is open for signature here. Note to editors The Charter was developed for the humanitarian community, by the humanitarian community, with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and an advisory committee bringing together climate, environment and humanitarian experts. It is guided by the latest scientific evidence and the objectives of the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as other relevant international law and standards, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international environmental law. The Charter’s seven commitments are: Step up our response to growing humanitarian needs and support those who are the most at risk to the impacts of the climate and environmental crises (adaptation, disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action) Maximize the environmental sustainability of our work and rapidly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions Embrace the leadership of local actors and communities: our action will be guided by the leadership and experience of local actors and communities. Increase our capacity to understand climate and environmental risks and develop evidence-based solutions Work collaboratively across the humanitarian sector and beyond to strengthen climate and environmental action Use our influence to mobilize urgent and more ambitious climate action and environmental protection Develop targets and measure our progress as we implement our commitments. ICRC and IFRC have both adopted concrete targets and a roadmap for their implementation. [1] IFRC World Disasters Report 2020: Come Heat or High Water 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 About ICRC Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. www.icrc.org-Facebook-Twitter-YouTube
Fiji TC Yasa: Six months on COVID-19 slows recovery efforts
Kuala Lumpur/Suva, 21 June 2021 –Six months after Cyclone Yasa tore through Fiji, leaving thousands of people homeless, essential movement restrictions to contain the dangerous spread of COVID-19 have delayed recovery efforts. Restrictions, while necessary to contain the spread of the virus, have prevented Red Cross from moving crucial items such as water tanks and construction materials to hard-hit communities on the island of Vanua Levu which is closed to travel. Thousands of people are stuck in temporary shelters without safe drinking water and hygiene requirements to stop the spread of the virus. Prior to the movement restrictions, Red Cross supported nearly 12,000 people with emergency relief, including food packs, kitchen sets and tools to start rebuilding, but longer-term assistance is needed to help the communities rebuild and recover. Fiji Red Cross Director General Ilisapeci Rokotunidau said: “We understand and support the importance of movement restrictions around Fiji to contain further spread of COVID-19, yet this virus has struck a double blow for those who were severely affected by the cyclone as it is almost impossible to transport relief items across to Vanua Levu. “We made significant progress supporting communities as they started rebuilding in the first three months of the year, however, there is still much more that needs to be done to help people rebuild their homes, make sure there’s clean drinking water so communities can thrive again. “Equipment and supplies have been flown in from overseas and we are ready to get them from the warehouses to the villages, the moment movement restrictions are eased.” Fiji Red Cross volunteers and relief teams have provided around 15,000 relief items such as tarpaulins, shelter tool kits, blankets, mosquito nets and water containers to affected families in the worst affected areas on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s largest island. Supporting people to rebuild their homes and building water tanks remains a priority for Red Cross teams. As soon as relief activities are allowed to resume, Red Cross will be supporting more than 1,000 families with shelter support kits and building 143 water tanks for communities in Lekutu and Dreketi. Supplies are short and around 1,500 families will also be supported with hygiene kits which includes soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, family kits with clothing and bedsheets, disability kits and baby kits which includes diapers, baby wipes and napkins. Head of the IFRC Pacific Office, Katie Greenwood, said: “It’s critical that we continue to provide support for people who are rebuilding after having their homes torn apart, as families are managing the hardships caused by this pandemic on top of a devastating cyclone. We’re ready to provide further cash assistance for 500 families to help them recover as soon as movement restrictions are eased, while keeping everyone safe during this challenging times. When the movement restrictions are eased, we stand ready to continue our recovery efforts.”
Red Cross steps up support to Venezuelan migrants, including refugees, across 17 American countries
Panama City / Ottawa / Geneva, 15 June 2021 – To respond to the unmet needs of Venezuelan migrants, including refugees, living in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is strengthening its response to provide protection and assistance to Venezuelans and host communities in 17 American countries over 36 months. The new migration programmes – totaling 236 million CHF ($264 million) – will address short-, medium- and long-term needs and support vulnerable Venezuelan migrants, including refugees, to access healthcare, psychosocial support, income opportunities, protection services and foster social inclusion into host communities. Since 2018, more than 5 million Venezuelans have left their country. Many of them are still not meeting their basic needs. The current pandemic and COVID-19-related lockdowns and border closures have further deteriorated an already precarious situation for many migrants, including refugees, who have lost income opportunities, faced increased discrimination, and encountered endless obstacles that prevented them from accessing basic services and protection. Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said: “Today, the basic needs of vulnerable Venezuelan refugees and migrants remain unmet. Many of them are still unable to access food, water and sanitation, housing, and first aid. In addition, they are now facing significant challenges in accessing healthcare, including COVID-19 vaccinations, psychosocial support, and formal or informal jobs. “Ahead of the International Donors' Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants, which will take place later this week, we call on governments, donors, international organizations and civil society to step up efforts to ensure that no refugee or migrant is left behind. Action is needed now.” The situation is particularly severe for vulnerable groups, such as migrants, including refugees, without a recognized regular status, those transiting in areas affected by armed conflict or held in immigration detention, as well as women, children, elderly people, the LGBTIQ community and people living with disabilities, who are exposed to violence, social and cultural barriers, economic exclusion, and xenophobia. In response to the massive population movement of Venezuelans across borders, more than 6,900 Red Cross volunteers and staff have been mobilized in the Americas since 2017 and will continue to work in coordination with local, national and international stakeholders, as well as with refugees and migrants themselves, to ensure that everyone is safe and treated with dignity. The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, said: “No one should be left unprotected and alone when in need of help. Migration policies must always be guided by humanity and dignity, and in line with international obligations. “Countless numbers of people go missing along the migration path, creating enormous distress for families who are left waiting for answers. States should take all feasible measures to prevent family separation and the risk of migrants going missing or dying. And finally - detention is not a solution to migration challenges. Detention for immigration-related reasons is a last resort. Children should never be detained.” The Americas migration programmes still require funding and will also address environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation and mitigation, as the climate crisis in the region may also affect migrants. The exodus of migrants, including refugees, from Venezuela continues to be the biggest population movement in Latin America’s recent history and one of the largest displacements in the world. The 17 countries included in the Red Cross response are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Under Secretary General for Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services
Niamh Lawless has more than 30 years’ experience in the international not-for-profit, public and private sectors. Prior to joining IFRC she served as the Secretary General of the New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC), where she launched a new Strategic Plan that outlined the roadmap for the future of the NZRC. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Niamh began her career as an auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in Ireland. She served as an auditor in various companies and in the public sector, including with Irish Aid. She then spent a dozen years in leadership roles within finance and corporate services at Barnardos, eventually rising to the position of Deputy Chief Executive. Prior to becoming Secretary General of the NZRC, Niamh was Chief Executive of Scouts New Zealand.
Under Secretary General for Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization
Nena joined the IFRC in October 2020, havingworked on global development issues such as climate change, gender, and fragile and conflict-affected situations for over 30 years. This includes through her previous role as Vice President for Asia and Pacific for the International Finance Corporation (IFC). At the IFC, Nena promoted development finance innovation in a variety of leadership roles, including efforts to build a new architecture for development finance with other institutions, governments and the private sector. She helped shape the World Bank Group strategy, working with the International Development Association on a pioneering private sector window to catalyse greater private investment in low-income and conflict-affected countries.
Regional Director for Africa
Mohammed Omer Mukhier-Abuzein has over 30 years’ experience in humanitarian operations management, development, representation and strategic leadership. In his previous role as IFRC’s Deputy Regional Director in the Asia Pacific, he led programmes on disaster risk reduction, community resilience, climate change management, agriculture, food security, nutrition, community-driven development, livelihoods and National Society development. Mohammed has also held leadership roles in IFRC offices in Iran, Kenya, Pakistan and at our headquarters in Geneva. Prior to joining the IFRC, Mohammed worked at the Ministry of Agriculture in Sudan, the Sudanese Red Crescent, Save the Children Canada, Action Aid UK, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the Cranfield Disaster Preparedness Centre.
Regional Director for the Americas
Martha Keays has worked with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for over three decades in various capacities, including managing complex emergencies and large-scale operations in Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Martha began her career with the American Red Cross as a volunteer. She went on to manage cross-border programmes in partnership with the Mexican Red Cross before joining the IFRC in 1993 as the regional disaster management delegate in Nairobi. After heading the IFRC Regional Delegations in Guatemala and Fiji, she served as Senior Advisor to the IFRC Secretary General in Geneva before returning to the American Red Cross as their Regional Representative in East Africa. Martha has also previously worked as US Peace Corps Country Director in Guatemala, Kenya and Colombia, as well as heading a US-funded development cooperation programme in El Salvador.
Work with us
Discover job vacancies, consultancy opportunitiesandinternships at the IFRC and learn what it’s like working for the world’s largest humanitarian network.
What is a disaster?
Disasters are serious disruptions to the functioning of a community that exceed its capacity to cope using its own resources.Disasters can be caused by natural, man-made and technological hazards, as well as various factors that influence the exposure and vulnerability of a community.
Inclusion, protection and engagement
At the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), we believe that diversity is a fact, inclusion is an act. Through all of our work, we aim to protect and promote a positive change for humanity, based on our humanitarian values and Fundamental Principles.
Malawi Red Cross Society
Trust and accountability
Trust is the foundation of humanitarian action. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement depends on trust—of the people and communities we serve, of our donors and partners, and between each other—to deliver our lifesaving work.