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Ethiopia Plan 2021
IFRC Country Plan for Ethiopia in 2021.
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Philippines Plan 2022
IFRC Country Plan for the Philippines in 2022.
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Press release
Media Advisory: World’s largest humanitarian network gathers in Geneva to shape its response to global challenges
Geneva, 29 November 2019 – The leaders of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will gather next week at the Centre International de Conferences (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, for a series of meetings that will shape the future of the world’s largest humanitarian movement.The Statutory Meetings of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will bring together the leadership of all 190 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, along with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).The Statutory Meetings run from 3-12 December and comprise four separate meetings: The IFRC Youth Forum will take place from 3 to 4 December to ensure the youth voice echoes throughout the Statutory meetings. This gathering is not open to the press. The IFRC General Assembly – the highest decision-making body of the 190-member Federation – will take place from 5 to 7 December. This gathering is not open to the press. The Council of Delegates – the body that also involves ICRC and that meets to discuss matters that concern the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as a whole – will take place on 8 December. This gathering is not open to the press. The International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent - the only gathering of States convened by non-governmental actors – will take place from 9 to 12 December and is open to the press.You can find the full programme here.What’s on the agenda? The climate crisis is at the top of global humanitarian challengesDuring the International Conference there will be a focus on the humanitarian impacts of climate change, drawing attention to key challenges and opportunities, and identifying what can be done now to scale up joint action.Trust in humanitarian actionTrust is the foundation of humanitarian action. Access, support and respect for the Movement’s mission depends on the trust of the people and communities it serves, of the responsible authorities and of the general public. The leaders of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement will discuss trust from the following perspectives: community engagement and accountability; integrity and compliance and principled humanitarian action.Scaling up mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian crisesWhen traumas are invisible, they can be easily overlooked or deprioritized. Yet war and disaster have a devastating impact on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of millions.At the Conference, the Movement will call on all States to prioritize mental health and psychosocial support in situations of war and disasters, as a critical component of first wave humanitarian assistance, and as an integral part of domestic and international emergency response systems.PandemicsThere is a high probability that the world will experience a severe outbreak that could destabilize entire societies. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will discuss ways to confront pandemics, such as early detection, preparedness, flexible funding mechanisms etc.Humanitarian action in the digital eraHow do we keep our promise to the people we serve when it comes to managing highly sensitive digital data? How do we adopt and maintain a principled approach in the digital era and ensure we “do no digital harm”? The impact of digital transformation, both in terms of the potential increase in the scale and scope of humanitarian action and related risks will be open for discussion.International humanitarian law: facing up to the challenges of modern warfareAre the laws of war as we know them up to the challenges posed by new technologies of war? Should we let a machine autonomously act to end a life? Key questions on the table include how to address an increase in urban warfare and its toll on civilians, how to influence behaviour to enhance respect for IHL and how IHL can protect civilians from the different risks they face depending on their gender, age and identity.Key media opportunities Q&A session with IFRC President about current humanitarian priorities and emergenciesFrancesco Rocca, President of IFRC, will participate in a Q&A session about current humanitarian priorities and emergencies, including Syria, Venezuela, migration and the humanitarian consequences of climate change. The Q&A session will take place on 2 December at 12:30 in Press Room 1, Palais des Nations, Geneva.Speed dating event with thematic & regional expertsThe ICRC and IFRC are hosting a speed dating event at ICRC’s Humanitarium, in Geneva, on 5 December, from 09:00 to 10:30. The event will bring together journalists and Red Cross Red Crescent experts on the main issues covered at the Statutory Meetings.International Volunteers Day: Photo and interview opportunities with young volunteers and leaders from across the globeFor the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, young people are our most valuable resource and asset, as they represent more than a half of our 13,7 million active volunteers globally and are a driving force of our humanitarian assistance locally. On 4 December, 167 youth delegates from 140 National Societies will gather in Geneva for a historic Youth Commission election, where candidates will be elected by their peers, young leaders from National Societies.Strategy 2030IFRC’s ambitious roadmap for its local and global humanitarian action – Strategy 2030 – will place climate change and environmental crises at the top of a list of five global challenges that must be addressed in the coming decade. The Strategy will be announced on 5 December by IFRC press release.Escape room: travel back in timeJournalists are invited to participate in an immersive experience at the CICG from 5 to 7 December. When they enter, they are in 2030 and the situation is bleak. They are given the chance to travel back in time to solve today’s global challenges and avoid a pessimistic scenario.‘100 ideas, 100 challenges’ youth competitionThe six winners of the global ‘100 years, 100 challenges’ youth competition will pitch their ideas to National Societies on 6 December from 11:15 to 12:00. From a social inclusion programme for transgender people in Pakistan to an experimental artists’ collective in Colombia to raise awareness about violence and inequality, nothing is impossible for these young people from around the globe.COP 25 and IC 33: Two communities, two conferences, one ambitionOn 10 December from 13:00 to 14:00 two high-level panel discussions – one in Geneva and one in Madrid – will host a live dialogue about climate adaptationHumanitarian TrailFrom 4 to 12 December, the general public and schools have the unique opportunity to explore the Humanitarian Trail - an interactive visit through Geneva’s historical sites and special events that highlight the Red Cross Red Crescent journey from its origins to present and future challenges.Immersive experience on Place des NationsFrom 5 to 12 December, the exhibition Humanitarian Crises and Digital Dilemmas will offer a unique interactive experience, giving visitors the chance to see how digital technologies, from social networks to biometrics and connectivity, are transforming humanitarian crisis from the perspective of the people affected by them.For media accreditation to the conference, please contact: Benoît Carpentier, +41 79 213 24 13, [email protected] Vaessen, +41 79 405 77 50, [email protected]
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Nigeria 2021 Plan
IFRC Country Plan for Nigeria in 2021.
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Timor-Leste Plan 2021
IFRC Country Plan for Timor-Leste in 2021.
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Podcast
Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen: Two years since Ukraine conflict escalation, ‘we have helped 18 million people’ but the needs are still immense
IFRC’sregional director for Europetalks about the conflict that has impacted not just the European continent, but the entire world.Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesenexplains how the principle of neutrality — along with an inspiring level of humanitarian solidarity— has helped the IFRC assist some 18 million people impacted by the crisis. She explains why mental health services are now at the forefront of our response and she takes on several other hot humanitarian topics, from climate change to migration and the inclusion of women in humanitarian leadership.
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Colombia Plan 2021
IFRC Country Plan for Colombia in 2021.
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Article
Heat Action Day June 2: How the Iraqi Red Crescent helps communities brave the heat and stay safe from rising climate threats
By the time the sun rises across much of Iraq, the heat has already taken hold. For farmers in remote villages, street vendors in cities, and traffic officers directing vehicles under a punishing sun, heatwaves are more than an inconvenience—they are a growing threat to health and survival.Iraq today is on the frontline of the global climate crisis. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, severe water shortages, and intensifying dust storms have converged to create a harsh new reality—one that affects millions, especially the most vulnerable.As we mark Heat Action Day in 2025, a global awareness raising event initiated by the IFRC, we take a look at what is being done by one Red Crescent National Society in one of the world’s hottest zones.It’s the story of how the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is taking a very pro-active, localized and people-centered approach to climate action, not only addressing the immediate risks of heat waves, but also laying the groundwork for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future.Staying cool and safe in one of the world’s hottest zonesIndeed, Iraq is one of the world’s most impacted countries when it comes to skyrocketing temperatures and it’s seen some of the world’s most extreme heat waves in recent years. These blistering weeks of 50°C-plus temperatures come on top of a host of other climate-related challenges, from drought to dust storms.Iraq’s Euphrates River is five meters below normal levels. Its share of the Tigris and Euphrates has dropped by 80 per cent. Water scarcity due to a variety of factors has led to the desertification of over 27,000 square kilometers of farmland, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, while temperatures soar above 50°C during peak summer months.Nowhere are these intersecting crises more visible than in governorates like Al-Muthanna, one of Iraq’s most impoverished areas. There, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society has launched multiple projects to ease the strain, including solar-powered water desalination stations that each produce 5,000 liters of safe water per hour.These projects reduce dependency on costly fuel, lower emissions, and bring dignity to communities long deprived of basic services."The impacts of climate change are no longer abstract," says Nawar Abdulkader, the head of IRCS’s Construction, Water and Sanitation Department. "They’re happening here and now, especially in places like Al-Muthanna where water shortages and extreme heat are making everyday life harder and more dangerous."A local resident from one of the affected areas put it simply: "This water station brought us hope. For years, we lived without basic services—no clean water, no support. Now, we finally feel seen."Preparing people to beat the heatBut the IRCS’s climate response extends far beyond infrastructure. With the early arrival of summer and intensifying heatwaves, IRCS is actively reaching out to vulnerable groups—especially outdoor workers like street vendors, construction workers, farmers, and traffic police—with heat awareness campaigns across the country.Volunteers distribute health brochures, hydration tips, and protective gear to help people reduce their risk of heatstroke and dehydration. This aligns with this year’s global theme for Heat Action Day “Recognizing and responding to heat stroke,” but it’s also become a central part of the IRCS’s yearly campaigns, which are grounded in practical, local knowledge and trust."We’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as a brochure or a bottle of water can protect someone’s life in the heat," says one IRCS volunteer. "This is about giving people tools they can actually use."The IFRC is also playing a role in supporting the IRCS in implementing key initiatives focused on climate-risk assessment and anticipatory action. These projects help the Red Crescent and communities better understand the specific climate risks facing communities, while enabling early, preventative measures that protect lives and livelihoods before disasters strike.From green roots to clean waterLong-term solutions are equally vital. In schools and communities, the IRCS has planted climate-resilient trees, rehabilitated school gardens, and promoted eco-friendly habits to reduce desertification and improve well-being.Since 2018, it has also rehabilitated 17 public facilities in Al-Muthanna alone—including schools and health centers—bringing essential services closer to people affected by heat and drought.When the storms roll inClimate change is also exacerbating another serious public health threat—dust storms.Iraq already experiences more than 180 dusty days a year. With predictions indicating this could rise to 270 by 2050, sand and dust storms are becoming a growing hazard. They reduce visibility, strain public health systems, and disproportionately affect children, the elderly, and people with chronic respiratory conditions.To mitigate these risks, IRCS teams regularly conduct outreach in high-risk areas—providing masks, raising awareness on staying indoors, and supporting health workers with protective supplies.Health, hope, and human dignityAll these combined impacts translate into rising needs for healthcare. For this reason, the IRCS has expanded its services:72 safe water stations serve 150,000 people dailyMobile clinics reach remote communitiesFood parcels and cash assistance support families pushed to the brinkOngoing health campaigns raise awareness in areas at riskThese efforts are part of a larger strategy: not just to respond to peak heat events, but to build resilience. The Iraqi Red Crescent is investing in people’s ability to withstand shocks—today and in the years to come.
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Lesotho Plan 2021
IFRC Country Plan for Lesotho in 2021.
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Article
Heatwaves: IFRC Global Heat Summit to tackle the ‘invisible killer’
With heatwaves becoming more frequent and extreme — and claiming more lives — they are increasingly being recognized as one of the deadliest consequences of climate change.A global heat summit hosted by the IFRC on Thursday 28 March (13:30 CET)seeks to raise the alarm about the growing urgency of heatwaves and the threat they pose to human health and well-being.Organized in partnership with USAID, the summit aims to stimulate dialogue and investment around solutions that will save lives and mitigate costs through improved preparedness, early warning, coordination and rapid response, among other things.USAID Administrator Samantha Power and IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain will be joined by leaders from across the globe who are developing innovative solutions to lessen the impacts of extreme heat events. The summit is open to all whoregister for the online live stream. Extreme heat is generally defined as prolonged periods with temperatures above 37 C. But recent heatwaves have far surpassed normal expectations. In Brazil, recently, temperatures in some cities topped 60 Celcius. In parts of North Africa and Southeast Asia, heatwaves routinely reach into the 50s.“Parts ofSouth America and Australia are just emerging from their two hottest summers ever,” notes IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain. “Worldwide, 2023 was the hottest on record -by a huge margin. Half the world’s people – 3.8 billion in fact – simmered under extreme heat for at least one day last year.”“And right now, there’s an unprecedented closure of schools across South Sudan. It’s due not to conflict or economic woes, but an extraordinary surge in temperatures to over 42°C (108°F).”For the IFRC, the Summit will also be the occasion to launch a two-month campaign of action on extreme heat ahead ofHeat Action Day on June 2nd. The campaign will include an online toolkit to help guide people spread knowledge and prepare for the northern hemisphere’s summer season, which for many has already begun.Silent killersHeatwaves are sometimes referred to as ‘silent’ or ‘invisible’ killers because the people who succumb often die in their homes and their deaths may not be initially ecognized as being caused by prolonged heat.However, health authorities and climate scientists are seeing a clear correlation between high temperatures and higher death rates in many parts of the world.Heatwavesacross Europe killed more than 60,000 people in 2022; in theUnited Kingdom, roads melted and almost 3000 died.India sees at least 1,000 deaths a year attributable to extreme heat. In the United States, the number is similar. According to The Lancet,China is on track to see between 20,000 and 80,000 heatwave deaths a year. However, it is widely believed by researchers that these numbers vastly underestimate the real impact of extreme heat.Who is most at risk?Heatwaves can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease, or respiratory conditions such as asthma are also at elevated risk for suffering health complications due to heatwaves.Additionally, certain populations who spend time outdoors during the hottest parts — agricultural workers, day labourers, road workers and civil servants who work outdoors — are at particularly high risk.People who face housing insecurity, such as people who are homeless and people who live in informal settlements and slums, or who lack access to medical care or places where they can cool down (parks, beaches, cooling stations, air-conditioned spaces, etc.) are also at an increased risk.Urban AreasCities and densely populated areas face a unique challenge in respect to climate change and extreme heat because of their innate urban infrastructure. This phenomenon can be explained by the “urban heat island effect,” in which the construction materials typically used to build urban infrastructures absorb and retain heat more than natural material resources would.This, in conjunction with highly concentrated human activity, informal settlements, dense substructures and populations, and minimal open green spaces, all perpetuate extreme heat.What IFRC is doingBy 2025, the IFRC seeks to help 250 million people become better protected from heat in at least 150 cities and towns. IFRC seeks to do this by enabling climate-smart action to help global communities prepare, respond, and recover from climate disasters.IFRC’s Global Climate Resilience Platform aims to enhance the resilience and build the adaptation skills of 500 million people in the most climate-vulnerable countries. The IFRC’sEarly Warnings for All Initiative aims to provide early warning of extreme weather to everyone on earth by 2027 – this includes extreme heat. And the IFRC regularly raises the alarm through its network of 191 National Societies and via global advocacy and international events such asHeat Action Day on 2 June, 2024.
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Early action key as South Asia copes with four crises in one year
In South Asia, more than 25 million people have been battling four crises in one year. Floods came as COVID-19 and climate change worsened poverty and loss of livelihoods. Thousands of villages have been submerged for months. In north Bangladesh, homes and crops have been destroyed four times. Some of the worst floods in decades followed a cyclone that already caused widespread devastation. Ahead of these disasters, Red Cross and Red Crescent has twice provided early action emergency cash, helping more than 35,000 people most at risk to evacuate safely and recover quicker. This forecast-based action is also being embraced by the United Nations and other agencies as a critical step to address the growing needs of millions of people at the mercy of climate disasters. Millions have been living in tarpaulin shelters on road sides and any high ground available, as their homes have been under water for months. At one point more than half of Bangladesh was submerged. The floods have also affected millions of farmers, destroying crops and threatening to push millions of people, already badly impacted by COVID-19, further into poverty and food insecurity. These floods are testing the resilience of some of the world’s most fragile communities, who have long been trying to escape poverty. Having borrowed money to build a home for his young family only four months ago, 35-year-old Sumon is now faced with a repair bill he can little afford, and ongoing unemployment due to the floods and COVID-19. Khadiza, 19, was forced to leave her house with her two sons – three-months and two-and-a-half years old – when the floodwaters submerged their village in northern Bangladesh. The country has seen three devastating monsoon flood seasons in the past four years. In 2019, more than seven million people were swamped while in 2017 over eight million people were severely affected, losing homes and livelihoods. These floods and water-borne diseases that follow in their wake are putting increased pressure on health-care systems stretched to the limit and struggling to cope with COVID-19. Red Cross and Red Crescent health teams are supporting the most at risk communities to have access to basic healthcare. Janina Begum, 60, came back from her roadside tarpaulin shelter to check on her home that had been submerged for two months. While some people are looking to rebuild, Bangladesh’s monsoon season is far from over and the threat of new flooding hangs in the air. These threats have multiplied with climate disasters happening more often in Asia, the most disaster-prone area in the world. Asharam, 60 unpacks relief items after returning to his home that had been completely submerged in Mahangu Pure village, Uttar Pradesh, northern India. More than 20 million people have been devastated by the floods in India, mainly in Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with many already poorer communities losing their homes and livelihoods. Indian Red Cross and Bangladesh Red Crescent volunteers are doing all they can to provide relief in the most difficult circumstances they have ever faced. The volunteers say they have a duty to support people, who are tackling growing hardships caused by the floods, poverty, COVID-19 and the increasing effects of climate change. Mossamet Sahera, 60, had her home washed away. Sahera was living in a small hut next door to her sister. Her husband left her when she was young because she had a physical disability. Sahera and her sister face an uncertain future. Photos: AJ Ghani (Bangladesh), Rohan Chakravarty (India) and Emon Arafin, (Bangladesh Red Crescent volunteers).
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Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru Cluster Plan 2021
IFRC Plan for Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru Cluster in 2021.
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IFRC Annual Report 2023
Welcome to the IFRC’s Annual Report for 2023. This report details how the IFRC supported the principled local humanitarian action of 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 2023, and how the IFRC network together reached and supported more than 200 million people in crisis.The report takes an indepth look at how the IFRC network not only responded to disasters and crises in 2023, but worked together to anticipate them, reduce their impacts, and ensure that National Societies and communities alike were prepared, informed, and ready to respond.The Annual Report is accompanied by a separate report on how Regular Resources – unearmarked donations – helped the IFRC to provide vital support to National Societies at country, regional and global levels in 2023.
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Central America Cluster Plan 2023
IFRC network plan for Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) in 2023.
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Green Logistics Guide
The Green Logistics Guide provides advice and practical tips on how to improve the environmental sustainability of National Societies' and the IFRC'slogistics and supply functions. The guide covers a range of subjects, all aimed at reducing carbon emissions, reducing waste, or reducing our environmental footprint in other ways. There are examples from across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and references to find further guidance
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