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Egypt 2023 Plan
IFRC network country plan for Egypt in 2023.
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Algeria Plan 2022
IFRC Country Plan for Algeria in 2022.
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Press release
Red Cross Red Crescent report reveals extent of the impact on people forced to flee their homes by floods, fires and drought around the world
Geneva, 28 October 2021 – A new report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the British Red Cross sheds light on the devastating impact of the climate crisis happening today across the globe: the displacement of people from their homes, their lands, and their countries. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are at the forefront of this emergency across the world. Through an analysis of climate-related displacement data across 11 countries – Australia, Fiji, Germany, Honduras, Iraq, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Samoa, Tuvalu and Yemen – the report provides new insights into their work to assist displaced communities, but also into the measures taken to prevent displacement when possible. Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General, said: “Drought in Iraq, bushfires in Australia, floods in Germany, cyclones in Mozambique – climate-related disasters are happening everywhere right now forcing millions of people to leave their homes. At COP26 and beyond, we will make clear that urgent action and investment at the local level is needed to protect communities from climate-related displacement and to respond to its devastating impact when it occurs.” The latest data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) shows that in 2020, 30.7 million people were internally displaced by disasters. This is more than three times as many people displaced by conflict and violence. Weather-related events such as floods and storms, but also wildfires, landslides, extreme temperatures, and drought accounted for almost all the disaster-related displacements. The research finds that displacement creates devastating humanitarian impacts and disproportionately affects already marginalized groups, including people with existing health conditions, children, and indigenous communities. The case studies of the German Red Cross and the Mozambique Red Cross illustrate how displacement can cause existing health conditions to worsen and new health risks to emerge. In Iraq, climate change has increased the risks to children’s health, nutrition and cognitive development. Climate change also poses a real threat for indigenous communities for whom the destruction of sacred spaces, flora and fauna represent an irreplaceable loss as highlighted by the Australian Red Cross. In a world where overlapping crises have become the new normal, underlying vulnerabilities and humanitarian challenges are also exacerbated. In Yemen, for instance, where conflict collides with extreme flooding and the spread of diseases, millions of people have become internally displaced. With its local presence across the country, the Yemen Red Crescent can reach disaster-affected people even in active conflict zones to provide health and psychosocial support, food, and essential items. Ezekiel Simperingham, the IFRC's migration lead said: “We need to act locally before communities are displaced and invest in adaptation and early action to combat climate risks. Climate financing must empower communities to react and respond, particularly those with the highest risks and the lowest capacities.” You can read the full report here. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: In Geneva: Marie Claudet, +33 786 89 50 89, [email protected]
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Press release
IFRC, Republic of Korea National Red Cross and Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sign a landmark agreement to strengthen humanitarian efforts
Geneva/Beijing/Seoul, 18 September 2023 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Republic of Korea National Red Cross (KNRC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA), have officially signed a partnership agreement. This agreement focuses on providing help and support to countries affected by climate-related disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Started in 2012, the IFRC, KNRC, and ROK MOFA have maintained a strong partnership focused on building skills of national societies to prepare and respond to disasters. This foundational agreement serves as a cornerstone for the newly expanded cooperation. Key areas of work outlined in the agreement include helping local communities better handle disasters and emergencies. This includes early warning systems, anticipatory actions and expanded disaster response activities. Support for IFRC’s emergency appeals and for international collaboration are also part of this agreement. This partnership addresses a wide range of global challenges, such as climate change, health emergencies and food insecurity. It outlines a comprehensive plan for work in areas like adapting to climate change, responding to crises and disasters, improving health and well-being, securing food and livelihoods, sharing knowledge and humanitarian work. Xavier Castellanos, the IFRC Under Secretary General said: "The Republic of Korea is the first country to transition from an aid recipient to a donor country, and its rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has captured the world's attention. Through this agreement with the MOFA, we look forward to implementing the factors and strategies that led to this achievement in countries affected by disasters.” Park Jin, Minister of MOFA said: "Our government and the Korean Red Cross have been actively working together to support temporary settlements for displaced people in Turkey. We look forward to working with the IFRC, which has a global humanitarian aid network and capabilities, to provide more efficient and country-specific support." As Chul-Soo Kim, President of the Korean Red Cross said: "In the context of evolving disasters and conflicts caused by climate change, we expect that the revision of the MOU will expand the cooperation and coordination with the MOFA and the IFRC. The Korean Red Cross will strive to fulfil its humanitarian responsibilities in conflict and disaster situations around the world." As the global community faces increasing humanitarian needs, this collaboration aims to make a substantial impact. The IFRC, the KNRC, and the ROK MOFA anticipate that their combined efforts will result in more effective responses, increased resilience to disasters and better support for vulnerable communities worldwide. The signing of this partnership was one of the key highlights of the IFRC Under Secretary General, Xavier Castellanos' recent visit to the Republic of Korea. In addition, he also took part in the World Knowledge Forum and held extensive dialogues with the KNRC, governmental representatives and other important collaborators. More information For photos from the signing ceremony: link For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: [email protected] In Beijing: Kexuan TONG, +86 13147812269 In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 192713641 In Geneva: Mrinalini Santhanam, +41 763815006
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Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Cluster Plan 2021
IFRC Country Cluster Plan for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in 2021.
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World Disasters Report 2016
Our 2016 World Disasters Report was all about resilience: saving lives today and investing for tomorrow. It made the case simply and eloquently for a different approach to humanitarian action, one that strives to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable and at-risk communities. To paraphrase the report: investing in resilience saves lives and money
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Protecting the Amazonian cocoa: innovation, science and early warning from the Ecuadorian Red Cross
In the Ecuadorian Amazon, where the rainforest is integrated into every aspect of life and culture, cacao is more than just a crop; it is a source of sustenance and a tradition.Ecuador is the world's third-largest exporter of fine aroma cocoa, a product that sweetens our palates, drives the local economy, and supports thousands of families in the Zamora Chinchipe region of the Amazon, near the border with Peru.However, cocoa crops are under threat from climate change and phenomena such as El Niño. In major cocoa-exporting countries such as Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, extreme rainfall and prolonged droughts have led to the emergence of pests that have wiped out entire plantations.When plantations are lost, chocolate production declines, poverty increases, and food security is compromised. In this multi-threat scenario, timely information and anticipation can mean the difference between losing or saving a crop.To protect cocoa in the Amazon rainforest, two young volunteers from the Ecuadorian Red Cross branch in Zamora Chinchipe have combined science, innovation and local knowledge to design an Early Warning System to help cocoa-growing families anticipate risks and plan preventive actions.One of the two young women who promoted this initiative is Josselyn Balcázar. She is very clear about the problems facing cocoa-producing communities:‘The problem we identified is the vulnerability of cocoa producers due to the empirical management of their plantations, which does not take into account meteorological measurements in the context of climate change impacts,’ she explains.Technology to the rescue of cocoaThis Early Warning System is called SATHEOBROMA, which refers to theobroma, the scientific name for the cocoa plant. The project was launched in 2023 thanks to the Limitless programme of the Solferino Academy.‘It is a mini weather station that records precipitation, temperature, humidity and other variables daily. This information helps producers to understand when pests are likely to appear, enabling them to take appropriate measures and avoid losing their crops,’ explains Verónica Andrade, national climate change adaptation technician at the Ecuadorian Red Cross.The information is analysed to detect conditions that favour the proliferation of pests such as the well-known monilia, which can destroy entire plantations.While the initiative cannot stop the rains or prevent droughts, it does enable action to be taken before the problem escalates into a disaster. Producers receive alerts so they can act quickly and prevent losses from spreading.‘It's crucial to bring this technology to the field because without local information, we can't prevent problems,’ says Oswaldo Castillo, a Shuar cocoa technician.‘This is a very important initiative so that we can take timely action and avoid low yields,’ says Bolívar Flores, a local producer.A pilot version of the system was installed on one farm to demonstrate its functionality, before being expanded to two more farms. The Ecuadorian Red Cross plans to roll it out more widely in future to benefit additional cocoa-producing communities in the area.The initiative has even caught the interest of local institutions.'With the support of technology and technical assistance, we must prepare so that, when effects occur, we can mitigate and counteract them,' said Karla Reátegui, Prefect of Zamora Chinchipe.'From the prefecture, we also reaffirm our willingness to coordinate actions that will allow us to continue expanding the benefits to more farms and producers,' she concluded.Climate change will continue to present challenges, but with tools such as SATHEOBROMA, agricultural families are not alone.In a world where weather events are increasingly unpredictable, early warning systems are essential for ensuring food security and enabling communities to adapt.This initiative demonstrates that involving communities in decision-making allows us to identify and plan preventive measures, prepare for and respond effectively to multiple crises and disasters, and ensure that resources are directed to those who need them most.
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Palestine Plan 2022
IFRC Country Plan for Palestine in 2022.
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Central America Cluster Plan 2021
IFRC Plan for Central America Cluster in 2021.
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Sudan 2023 Plan
IFRC network country plan for Sudan in 2023.
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Somalia plan 2023
IFRC Country Plan for Somalia in 2023.
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Sri Lanka 2023 Plan
IFRC network country plan for Sri Lanka in 2023.
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Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine
The Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine was a publication and storytelling hub run by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement from 1986 to 2023. The Magazine uncovered powerful stories of disasters, climate change, health emergencies and conflict, as told by people around the world.
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Article
Gardens of health: Preparing nutritious meals for new and expectant mothers in Zimbabwe
Bending over her traditional clay cookstove, 38-year-old Lucky Mazangesure stirs the simmering ingredients in a small saucepan: fried-green bananas in stew of tomatoes and onions. As the fire crackles, the scent of woodsmoke mixes with the savory-sweet aroma of the saucy, steaming treat. “Trust me,” she says, “after eating this banana dish you won’t be able to stop.” She can’t resist a quick taste – just to make sure it’s coming out the way it should. “I really love cooking,” she says. “I like tasting the food while cooking. It makes me happy and it keeps my stomach full.” Then she checks on some simmering beans and starts preparing another local delicacy: pumpkin porridge with roasted peanuts, which will be complimented by cooked spinach and broccoli. This diverse meal does a lot more than keep her full, she adds. It gives her body the vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohyrdates she needs to keep herself and her infant, nursing child healthy. Like many new mothers here in Chibuwe, in southeastern Zimbabwe, Lucky is able to prepare these well-balanced meals thanks to a garden at the Chibuwe Health Clinic, which is tended largely by pregnant woman and new mothers who visit the clinic for pre-natal and post-partum care. The garden got started several years ago as part of a larger initiative by the British Red Cross and the Zimbabwe Red Cross to set up gardens for expecting and new mothers at hospitals and local health clinics, where health workers were witnessing worsening nutrition levels among women and young children. In a region hard hit by drought, windstorms, cyclones and flash floods, many legumes, fruits and root crops that are rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals are hard to get. Infant malnutrition here has been on the rise in recent years, with some estimates suggesting that roughly one-third of children under 5 are malnourished. Covid-19 has only aggravated the situation by disrupting regional and local food distribution systems. “It’s hard for expecting mothers in this community to get a decent meal,” says Robert Magweva, a nurse at the Chibuwe Health Clinic, adding that too often, people must rely only on sadza [sorghum], a carbohydrate, and a limited range of leafy vegetables. “It’s a major challenge to have a well-balanced diet here. So the vegetables that are grown in the clinic garden help them to get a well-balanced meal.” As a mark of the programme’s success, most of these gardens are now sustained entirely by the clinics, hospitals and the communities around them, with support of local agriculture experts and local Zimbabwe Red Cross volunteers. Better farming for a changing climate Still, growing one’s own food in this environment is not easy. The climate has generally gotten hotter and drier, with dry spells punctuated by intense storms and winds, and unpredictable rains. Scorching heat evaporates water quickly and can easily whither young seedlings. “At this clinic garden, we were taught smart agriculture techniques as a way of combating the effects that climate change was having on our harvest,” says Beauty Manyazda, another new mother who works regularly at the Chibuwe Clinic garden. “We learnt techniques such as conservation farming and mulching.” Conservation farming is an approach that aims to improve soil moisture and health by minimising the intensive tilling and plowing associated with large-scale crop production. Mulching is one very common conservation technique in which straw, leaves or other organic matter is laid down on the soil between the crops. This keeps moisture from evaporating, while discouraging weeds and providing nutrients to the soil as the mulch decays. Such techniques are increasingly critical as climate change makes farming more difficult. “Our rainfall patterns have changed over the years,” explains Lucky. “We used to get rain in October, when we would sow the seeds for our crops. Now, we get rains in January. So the seeds we put in the ground get damaged waiting for the rainfall.” Meanwhile, storms, droughts and heatwaves have become more and more intense, says Lucky. “Temperatures have continued to rise and this has resulted in regular, violent winds,” she notes. “These winds have destroyed our homes. We also get floods which also contribute to the destruction.” Amid these challenges, the garden provides also provides other nourishing ingredients: the joy and satisfaction of being able to work and provide sustenance while also being among plants, close the soil with other women at her side. “I love gardening,” says Lucky, her baby tied to her back, fast asleep as she picks a handful of chard. “The green nature of the garden warms my heart. With the garden, I know my family will always have a home-grown, nutritious meal.” -- This story was produced and originally published by the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine. To learn about the Magazine, and to read more stories like this, click here.
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Why disaster preparedness cannot wait
Geneva/Washington DC – The world has been planning for the future in the mistaken belief that it will resemble the past. But as COVID-19 coincides with cyclones in South Asia and the Pacific and vast locust swarms in East Africa, the need to prepare for a world of unexpected shocks has become clearer than ever. Epidemics, floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires are all expected to become more frequent and severe, affecting hundreds of millions of people each year. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global wake-up call. And as leaders of international organizations, we understand both the grave threat and the potential opportunity for change that it represents. In particular, COVID-19 and recent climate disasters have shown that we must step up investment in preparedness now, instead of waiting for the next crisis to hit. The choice is clear: delay and pay, or plan and prosper. We know that investing in disaster preparedness is worth it – both in terms of human lives saved and economic returns. Research by the Global Commission on Adaptation, for example, shows that benefit-to-cost ratios for climate-adaptation investments range from 2:1 to 10:1. To be sure, preparing for major shocks involves substantial outlays. Building resilience to climate impacts could cost $140-300 billion annually by 2030, while meeting World Health Organization minimum standards for pandemic preparedness will require up to $3.4 billion per year. But these sums are small compared to the costs of not being prepared. Natural disasters already cost hundreds of billions of dollars a year; with a 2˚C increase in temperature, according to one estimate, damages from climate change could reach $69 trillion by 2100. The human cost is high, too. An analysis by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) last year found that doing nothing could increase the number of people who need international humanitarian aid because of floods, storms, droughts and wildfires every year – currently 108 million – 50% by 2030. The total could nearly double, to 200 million people, by 2050. Moreover, the coming year represents a critical window for investing in resilience, because governments will spend trillions of dollars to restart economies after the pandemic. The danger is that financial resources, and with it the political appetite for change, will then shrink. That is why now is the time for the rich world to help poorer countries reboot their economies and boost their resilience to future threats, including climate change. One of the most important things governments can do today is invest in better collection and analysis of data on the disaster risks their countries face. Simply having 24 hours’ notice of a storm’s arrival or foreknowledge of an impending heat wave can cut the resulting losses by 30%, while spending $800 million on early-warning systems in developing countries would save $3-16 billion per year. For example, although Cyclone Amphan recently wreaked havoc on India and Bangladesh and killed dozens of people, early-warning systems saved countless more lives. Accurate forecasts, along with decades of planning and preparedness, enabled the two countries to evacuate more than three million people and keep the death toll far lower than it would have been in the past. Governments and international organizations are now working to make early-warning technology more accessible and effective through a new risk-informed early-action partnership. This initiative aims to make one billion people safer from disasters by 2025, partly by scaling up so-called forecast-based financing, which uses weather projections to give vulnerable communities the resources they need to prepare. Innovative financing schemes like these, which are supported by the German and British governments, among others, can save lives and reduce the damage when storms and heat waves hit. But none of these solutions will be effective if funding and threat information don’t reach the local level. Communities and local organizations are often the first responders in any crisis, and it is vital that they be empowered to act. Before Cyclone Amphan made landfall, for example, the IFRC sent funds to the Bangladesh Red Crescent chapter, which helped 20,000 vulnerable people receive dry food and drinking water, first aid, safety equipment, and transportation to cyclone shelters. At the same time, the chapter helped implement COVID-19 safety measures, such as disinfecting shelters, making additional space available to allow for social distancing, and providing personal protective equipment. Local communities are also often in the best position to identify effective solutions. After Typhoon Ondoy struck the Philippines in 2009, for example, people living in informal settlements worked with city officials to design resilient housing that could withstand future flooding. As countries emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic over the coming year, world leaders will face a watershed moment. By ramping up investments in disaster preparedness, they can shape their legacies and set humanity on a safer course for the next decade and beyond. By Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General and a member of the Global Commission on Adaptation, and Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the World Resources Institute and a member of the Global Commission on Adaptation. View the opinion piece in Project Syndicate
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