Disasters can cause enormous human suffering and loss. But the right laws and policies help keep communities safe, save lives, and ensure assistance reaches people when they need it most. IFRC Disaster Law works with governments, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and partners to strengthen legal frameworks that protect people and reduce risk around the world.
Violence against humanitarian workers and volunteers must stop. But we can’t make it stop without your help. The Protect Humanity campaign needs you – your voice, your involvement and your action – to help us put an end to violence against those who risk their lives to help others. We must protect the first responders and volunteers who give everything to protect us. Together, we can #ProtectHumanity.
The Pilot Programmatic Partnership was an innovative and ambitious three-year partnership (2022-2025) between the IFRC, 37 National Societies, and the European Union. Together, we supported 17 million people in communities worldwide to reduce their risks and be better prepared for disasters and health emergencies, while strengthening local humanitarian capacity across 25 countries.
Shelter and settlements programming is a vital part of humanitarian assistance delivered by the IFRC and our National Societies. It is important not only in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but in helping to restore communities’ dignity and build their resilience to future shocks and hazards.
The Republic of Madagascar, one of the world’s most disaster-prone island states, is extremely vulnerable to climate change and faces recurring threats from cyclones, floods, droughts, and epidemics. This document uses the example of Madagascar's recent experience with successive cyclones to make the case for an international treaty that would make disaster preparedness, cooperation and rapid response more effective and efficient.
This document analyzes the potential impact of the Global Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED) through four case studies from Belize, Fiji, Lebanon and Madagascar. The treaty aims to ensure that international assistance reaches communities faster and more effectively when major disasters occur. Download the complete case studies for each country using the toolkit links below.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies areauxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field. Theyhave a special responsibility to support their authorities to develop policies that protect vulnerable people, particularlyfrom disasters and crises. The IFRC serves as their representative in global and regional policy fora, working closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Yangon/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 27 March 2026–One year after a devastating earthquake struck central Myanmar, communities and local responders continue to show extraordinary strength as they rebuild amid overlapping crises. Even as thousands of families work to recover from the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities, ongoing conflict, economic challenges, flooding, and extreme heat have compounded hardship for millions across the country.In the face of these challenges, IFRC support has been critical in helping the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and its network of thousands of trained volunteers to remain a lifeline for communities, often reaching the most vulnerable families in distant and hard to access areas. Support by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 32 National Societies worldwide, as well as other partners and donors, has brought vital assistance to more than 213,652 people across 31 townships.Local volunteers at the heart of a community-driven recoveryFrom the earliest hours of the disaster, MRCS staff and volunteers mobilised to provide first aid, health care, food and safe water, shelter items, and essential household supplies – often travelling from all corners of the country to assist those in need.“One year after the March 2025 earthquake, communities in Myanmar continue to show remarkable strength and dignity,”said Nadia Khoury, Head of Delegation, IFRC Myanmar.“I have just travelled to activity sites in 16 different villages and wards in several of the earthquake-affected areas and was impressed to see how the Myanmar Red Cross has worked with community committees, with village leaders, and through its volunteers to really address the biggest needs of the communities in an inclusive, participatory, and dignified manner,” she added.Flexible assistance: restoring choice, dignity, and faster recoveryA cornerstone of the response has been multipurpose assistance, which has allowed families to choose what matters most as they start to rebuild their lives. After receiving emergency shelter, health support, and essential items, many used grants to repair homes, buy food, replace lost belongings, or pay medical fees.Through MRCS’s strong community networks, multipurpose assistance has been delivered effectively, including in hard-to-access locations. While working in these locations can be challenging and requires careful management, MRCS has put strong systems in place to ensure funds are used safely and effectively. Over the past year, the IFRC also facilitated using new digital tools to improve transparency, strengthen community feedback, and ensure assistance reaches those most in need, when they need it.Community-led shelters enabling safer, dignified livingIn parallel, the Myanmar Red Cross has enabled hundreds of families to build safe, locally appropriate homes through a community-led shelter approach, with technical assistance and guidance from MRCS and IFRC. Using grants, families select from preferred designs that meet safety standards and incorporate Build Back Safer techniques, including rainwater harvesting, ventilation, sanitation facilities, and solar power. These shelters are built with local materials and enhanced to withstand future hazards such as earthquakes, flooding, and cyclones.Massive needs remain as recovery continuesDespite significant progress, thousands of families still require support to rebuild livelihoods, homes, and essential services. Reconstructing water and sanitation systems, restoring access to health care, and reestablishing sustainable income opportunities will require time and continued investment.“There's still so much to be done this year and in 2027. We've had a remarkable response from the international community. The MRCS has delivered with professionalism, with expertise in a timely manner and we look forward to working together to keep assisting those affected by the earthquake and other vulnerable people here in Myanmar,” said Jonathan Brass,Operations Manager, IFRC Myanmar Delegation.IFRC calls for sustained supportTheIFRC Emergency Appeal for Myanmar remains only 29.4% funded, limiting the ability to scale up recovery activities that communities urgently need. Additional contributions are essential to ensure families can continue rebuilding with dignity and hope.“Recovery is far from over. Now we look forward to the recovery phase through livelihood, additional integrated shelter and sanitation and embedding sustainability and disaster preparedness in our community work,” added Nadia Khoury.Note to editors:Visuals:PhotosandB-roll are available. Story:One year after the earthquake, rebuilding lives and livelihoodsFor more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367
From mountain rescues in Iran to flood response in Yemen, from school health clubs in Lebanon to refugee camps in Jordan, volunteers respond to crises and moments of need within the very communities they call home.They are neighbours, students, parents, and friends; people who choose to act when it matters most.On International Volunteer Day, we celebrate their stories under the theme "Local, everywhere"; stories of courage, kindness, and hope that remind us that humanity knows no borders.Iran: A language of humanityHigh in the mountains of Iran, rescuer Marzieh Saki found herself in a situation where people’s lives were at risk.During a harsh winter, her team was warning hikers of avalanche risks when she saw a group of young men who didn’t respond to her calls.“I warned them, but they didn’t respond. Then, I noticed that they were using sign language,” says Marzieh. “That’s when I realized they were deaf and probably couldn’t hear my warnings.”She rushed toward them, using gestures and expressions to show them the danger.They understood and turned back, just hours before avalanches struck the same area.“That night, I couldn’t stop thinking. If I hadn’t made them understand, they might not have survived. Since then, I’ve been learning sign language and started the Deaf Volunteers Group to train rescuers on how to reach and help deaf people during emergencies.”Her quick thinking saved lives and sparked a movement for inclusion within the Iranian Red Crescent.Jordan: From a journey of displacement to a leadership role in a new communityTwin brothers Mahmoud and Ezz Al-Din Al-Hassan fled war-torn Daraa, Syria, to Jordan in 2012 with a dream to make a difference despite the challenges of displacement due to the conflict in their country.In 2017, they began volunteering with the Jordan Red Crescent, helping organize relief distributions, health campaigns, and Ramadan Iftars, and supporting children through the Orphan Sponsorship Program.Through these experiences, the brothers found belonging and purpose.They later launched their own initiative, “Plant a Smile,” to bring hope and creativity to children who faced hardship.“When you find someone who believes in you and supports you, you can start from zero and create an unforgettable impact,” they say.From refugees to community leaders, their journey shows how volunteer engagement can transform pain into purpose.Lebanon: A full circle of humanitarian inspirationIn the city of Zahlé, Lebanon, a young boy once spent his afternoons in the local park, taking part in playful weekend activities organized by the Lebanese Red Cross Youth Zahle Center.Years later, that boy - Jad Abdel Ahad - returned to the same park, not as a participant, but as a volunteer. The activities he used to participate in shaped his life far more deeply than he ever imagined. Over time, Jad’s dedication carried him from volunteer to Head of the Youth Center, where he began leading the same activities that once inspired him.As he grew in his role, Jad worked not only to animate the park with youth-led engagement but also to secure funding and ensure its continuity as a safe, vibrant community space.“Those moments shaped who I am today; they taught me about teamwork, empathy, and community spirit. When I was old enough, joining the Red Cross felt like a natural step. As Head of Youth Center now, it feels incredible to organize activities for children in the same park where I once played. I’ve seen firsthand how much these moments can inspire young people, just as they inspired me.”What began as childhood memories evolved into a sustained commitment to service, a story of coming full circle.Libya: Restoring dignity at seaIn Zuwara, Libya, one of the most memorable moments for volunteers unfolded during a late-night rescue operation for refugees who had just survived a dangerous sea crossing. Many arrived exhausted, dehydrated, and terrified after their ordeal.Among them was a young mother, who clutched her baby tightly, too frightened at first to let anyone approach him. Volunteers recall how Hidayah Ahmed Saki stepped forward with calm reassurance, offering water and gentle words until the mother slowly allowed her child to be examined.As soon as she saw her baby receive care, she began to relax and even helped comfort other women nearby.Colleagues say moments like these reflect Hidayah’s strength: her ability to meet people in distress with empathy, patience, and a quiet presence that reassures even in the most chaotic situations.Hidayah herself describes the heart of her work this way:“That moment reminded me that humanitarian work is not only about providing medical aid, but also about restoring trust and dignity. Even small gestures, like offering water or listening, can make a life-changing difference.” Her story is a reminder that in emergencies, compassion is as essential as any medical skill, and that dignity can be restored through the simplest acts of humanity.Palestine: Inclusion that transforms disabilityIn the West Bank, Mohammad Daoud once felt isolated and without direction. A wheelchair user who had faced both physical and emotional challenges, he retreated into silence after witnessing traumatic scenes during a raid on his town.When Palestine Red Crescent volunteers learned about his situation, they began visiting him regularly, offering psychological support and gentle encouragement until he slowly found his voice again. As he continued to improve, Mohammad asked to join their volunteer team.Nearly three years later, he has become a first responder, an active participant in youth activities, and a young man who continues to learn, read, write, and grow with determination.Mohammad describes how the Red Crescent transformed his life:“The Red Crescent opened doors I never imagined I could enter. My disability was never a barrier to learning and growing. Thanks to the opportunities they gave me, I became a first responder and take part in every activity. If I was able to do it, others can too.”He now uses his experience to inspire others, reminding volunteers and community members alike that determination can break any barrier and that every act of service builds a stronger, more inclusive world.Saudi Arabia: Finding joy amid painFor Zainab Mustafa Al-Abdullah of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, volunteering began with a visit to bring joy to children with cancer in Al-Ahsa.“It was one of the most beautiful initiatives I’ve taken part in,” she says. “The joy and hope on the children’s faces made me realize that life is still full of goodness.”While handing out small gifts, she met a young girl named Taraf whose words changed her outlook.“She looked at me, smiled, and said, ‘I love you. I'm grateful I’m still alive so that I can receive gifts and play with you every day.’“Those words from a nine-year-old taught me that life is beautiful despite its hardships,” says Zainab. “They made me appreciate health, gratitude, and the importance of staying hopeful.”Her story shows how acts of kindness can heal both giver and receiver.Yemen: Strength in the heartIn Hadramout, Abdullah Abubakr Habshi Assagaf joined the Yemen Red Crescent during a flood emergency. Among the people he assisted was an elderly man who struggled to walk yet worked tirelessly to support his family.“That scene made me realize the true meaning of volunteering — it is not merely a task we perform, but a feeling of responsibility and a desire to bring happiness to others,” says Abdullah.“Every time I take part in humanitarian work, I learn that true strength does not come from the body, but from the heart that never gets tired of giving.”His words echo the spirit of countless volunteers who keep giving, no matter the hardship.One humanity. Local, everywhere.Across the Middle East and North Africa, these stories reveal what "Local, everywhere" truly means.Volunteers are not waiting for change to arrive; they are the change.They remind us that humanity begins at home and radiates outward.Volunteers are the heartbeat of humanity, local in action and global in spirit.Find out more about our "Local, everywhere" campaignMore stories from the Middle East and North Africa:Healing far from home: The Egyptian Red Crescent’s lifeline for Gaza’s evacueesFighting fire with humanity: Syrian Arab Red Crescent responds as wildfires ravage villages
