The IFRC media team is available 24/7 for the latest updates on disasters and emergencies. We can also provide experts and comment on the world’s biggest humanitarian issues.For media enquiries, please contact us [email protected]
The 2025 Annual Report of the Global Route-Based Migration Programme highlights the work of 66 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Americas, delivering humanitarian assistance and promoting the safety and dignity of people on the move along some of the world’s most complex migration routes. In 2025, the Global Programme reached over 1.17 million people, including more than 1 million people on the move, through 143 Humanitarian Service Points and other services. Amid shifting migration dynamics, funding constraints, and a growing trend towards returns, the report showcases how the IFRC network adapted its operations, strengthened cross-border cooperation, and advanced humanitarian diplomacy. It also features case studies from Colombia, Lebanon, Chad, Europe, and Montenegro, illustrating efforts to improve access to support, reinforce local capacities, and influence policy and practice along migration routes.
This resource page brings together documents, tools, and practical guidance to support Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in strengthening their emergency coordination, information management, and decision-making capacities through Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs). The resources aim to promote scalable and context-appropriate approaches that enhance situational awareness, operational readiness, anticipatory action, response coordination, and early recovery. Please also see more resources below, including EOC case studies from around the world as well as the IFRC's EOC Implementation and Readiness Assessment Tool.
Panama City, 1 June 2026 — Although forecasts point to a below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today recalled that high cyclonic activity is expected in the eastern Pacific. The organization called for sustained investment in preparedness, anticipatory action and early warning systems across more than 25 countries1 in Central America, North America and the Caribbean that are exposed to tropical cyclones.For the 2026 season in the Atlantic basin, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, with a 55 per cent probability, below-average cyclonic activity relative to the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.This year, NOAA notes, there would be between eight and 14 named storms. Of these, three to six would become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes — that is, Category 3 or higher. By contrast, the agency forecasts, with a 70 per cent probability, a more active season in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it predicts between 15 and 22 named storms, of which nine to 14 would become hurricanes and five to nine of those would reach major hurricane strength."We will say it again and again: a single storm is enough to destroy communities, overwhelm public services, and displace and endanger hundreds of thousands of people," said Cristian Torres, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC for the Americas. "Forecasts are critical so that we can act before disasters strike, but beyond knowing how many storms there will be, it is essential to reduce people's vulnerability, expand the coverage of early warning systems, and develop, fund and test inter-agency protocols that protect them from the multiple hazards they face," he added.As part of its commitment to preparedness, the IFRC has already prepositioned in Panama, Santo Domingo and other strategic locations across the region enough relief supplies to provide immediate assistance to up to 60,000 people affected by a large-scale emergency. The stock includes hygiene and kitchen kits, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, cleaning and construction tools, solar lamps, water treatment units and water purification supplies, among other items.Aware that mobilizing humanitarian aid in record time requires the participation, knowledge and collaboration of multiple actors, the IFRC also relies on simulation exercises as a critical tool to test crisis and disaster response mechanisms and protocols.The most recent, held this past May, aimed to measure and improve mobilization times, customs procedures and the inter-agency response capacity of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in the face of potential flooding caused by hurricanes.The exercise involved mobilizing Red Cross water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialist teams and equipment across these three countries. The initiative brought together civil protection, customs and foreign affairs authorities, along with the National Red Cross Societies. It was supported by European Union humanitarian funding and the German Red Cross, and was carried out within the framework of the Regional Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance, the instrument of the Central American Integration System (SICA) for organizing, facilitating and coordinating humanitarian assistance among its member countries.Another of the preparedness measures driven by the IFRC ahead of the hurricane season is the adoption of early action protocols. These protocols bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, which are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached. Depending on the context, these actions may include cash transfers ahead of an emergency to protect homes and livelihoods, the relocation of essential goods, the reinforcement of critical infrastructure, or the evacuation of people in situations of greater vulnerability.When these systems work, communities receive timely alerts, authorities have more time to coordinate evacuations, and humanitarian teams can mobilize aid before the impact occurs. In Central America alone, the IFRC currently has five early action protocols for floods and tropical storms, financially supported by its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF)."Prepositioning relief items, simulation exercises and early action protocols make it possible to protect lives, reduce economic losses and speed up recovery after a disaster," Torres explained. "But rules can also save lives and build community resilience, which is why we call on all countries in the region to advance the international treaty for the protection of persons in disaster situations, currently under consultation at the United Nations."This treaty seeks to ensure that the protection of people exposed to or affected by disasters does not depend on chance, but on clear commitments and coordinated action. Its adoption, expected in 2027, would facilitate international cooperation and reduce the obstacles that can delay the arrival of aid. It would also improve the conditions for Red Cross Societies, as auxiliary to the public powers, to continue assisting the most vulnerable people: women, girls, older people, people on the move or with disabilities, and communities affected by violence and poverty.This season, shaped by the influence of the coming El Niño phenomenon, illustrates how risk can shift and take different forms across the continent. While Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic continue to recover from hurricanes Beryl, Oscar, Rafael and Melissa, other areas face different threats. The Central American Dry Corridor, parts of Chile and areas of the Andean region are bracing for possible droughts, while Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay anticipate heavy rains and flooding.In all of them, Red Cross teams are already working with communities to get ready.Against this backdrop, where climate, health and social risks accumulate and overlap with growing frequency, the IFRC calls for investing without delay in measures that enable States, communities and the Red Cross itself to better protect people in the face of multi-hazard scenarios. Because, as underscored at IFRC's recent XXXIII Pre-Hurricane and Recurrent Hazards Conference, when risks pile up, the difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is usually decided before the impact — in the level of preparedness already in place, and in the capacity to act before the disaster occurs.For more information: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo +50769993199In Geneva: Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96
Beirut/Tehran/Geneva,26May2026 —Three months since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon and Iran, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is warning that multiple silent humanitarian crises are deepening across the region — with long-term consequences for health systems, food security, displacement, and community resilience.While international attention has shifted elsewhere, millions of people continue to face displacement, damaged healthcare systems, disrupted livelihoods, andgrowingchallengesto accessing essential services.Ongoing geopolitical tensions and restrictions affecting regional transportation routes, including through the Strait of Hormuz, continue to hinder humanitarian supply chains and increase the cost of delivering aid. “Behind the headlines, multiple silent crises are deepening with consequences that will last for years,”saidCristhian Cardoza, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). “Families are being pushed beyond breaking point — struggling to afford food, medicine, fuel and shelter, while damaged health systems, displacement, and economic pressure continue to drive humanitarian needs higher every day.”Health systems under severe strain in Iran In Iran, the humanitarian consequences of the escalation continue long after the ceasefire. The conflict has seriously disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide, including 56 Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS)centresnationwide. For patients living with chronic illnesses, disruptions to healthcare and medical supply chains are becoming life-threatening.Restrictions affecting transport routescontinue to complicate access to critical medicines and equipment.Despite the pressures, IRCS teams have continued large-scale humanitarian operations across the country, including search and rescue, emergency medical care, and psychosocial support services.Food insecurity deepens across LebanonAnother alarming trend is rapidly emerging:nearly onein four people in Lebanon — around 1.24 million people — are now expected to face acute food insecurity between April and August 2026, according toanalysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The deterioration is being driven by continued hostilities,prolongeddisplacement, economic collapse, and soaring fuel prices. Fuel prices in Lebanon have risen sharply since the escalation, withdiesel increasing by more than65 per cent, according tothe World FoodProgramme.At the same time,the Minister of Agriculture has warnedthatapproximately 22 per cent ofagricultural land in affected areas has been damaged, further undermining food production and livelihoods. Over1 million peoplein thecountryare currently displaced, with manypeople,especiallyfromthesouth,unable to return home due to ongoing hostilities and destroyedinfrastructure,nowliving in tents following the intense recent hostilities. Protectionconcerns and funding gapthreaten humanitarian responseThe IFRC also reiterated urgent concerns over attacks affecting healthcare workers, ambulances, and humanitarian responders.In Iran and Lebanon combined,sixRed Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have been killed while carrying out humanitarian worksince the recent escalation. “Our teams on the ground are clear - what they need above all else is protection,”saidMrCardoza.“These brave staff and volunteers should not have tofear for their lives when they get an emergency call and travel in theirambulances.“Hospitals, ambulances, medical personnel and humanitarian workers mustbe respected and protected.”The IFRC warned that severe funding shortfalls are threatening the continuity of humanitarian operations across the region.“Behind these numbers are real consequences,”continuedMrCardoza.“Operations may need to be scaled back, supplies delayed or cut, and there will be people we cannot reach.”The IFRC’s Emergency Appeal for Iran is currently only four per cent funded, while the Lebanon appealremainsunder 14 per cent funded.The IFRC called on donors and the international community to provide sustained and flexible funding to support emergency operations, recovery efforts, and longer-term humanitarian needs across the region.Spokespeople are available in Beirut,Tehranand Geneva.For more information or to set up an interview contact: [email protected] Geneva:Tommaso DellaLonga,+41 79 708 4367Matthew Carter, +44 7557 802463In Beirut:Mey El Sayegh, +961 03 229 352
Kinshasa/Nairobi/Geneva,04June2026-The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)has deliveredon 3 Junea critical shipmentofSafe and Dignified Burial (SDB) kits and body bagstoBunia, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the ongoing Ebola outbreak continues to claim lives and strain already fragile health systems.Thisshipmentwas airlifted from Dubai to Entebbe (Uganda) andthendepartedfor Bunia by road on 29 May 2026. Itcontained13 SDB kits, supportingapproximately 300 safe and dignified burials. The land route from Entebbe to Bunia takes approximately seven days, underscoring the logistical complexity of reaching affected populations in this remote part of the country.A second shipment, pre-positioned in Kinshasa, is scheduled to arrive in Bunia by air within the week. With the airport now reopened, operational goods can be delivered more quickly. The cargo includes 10 SDB kits and 300 body bags.Theseshipments, part of a broader CHF 2.2 million procurement effort, willprovideoperational equipmentneeded by Red Cross teams tocontinue performingsafe and dignified burials,one of the most vital tools incontainingthe spread of Ebola.“EverySafe and Dignified Burialkit that arrives, and every burial conducted safely and respectfully, helps break a potential chain of transmission. Our volunteers are working in extraordinarily difficult conditions, and they need all the support we can provide, including these supplies, now,” said Bruno Michon, IFRC Ebola response Operations Manager in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Safe and dignified burials are not just a logistical task — they are a frontline public health intervention and an act of respect for families in their most painful moments. Getting these supplies to our teams in eastern DRC is a race against the virus.The IFRC calls onthe international community,donorsand partners to support the regional emergency appeal to ensure that communities in DRC and across the region receive the full scope of life-savingassistancethey urgently need.Link to photos: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/~2e8af4bc27For more information or to set up an interview contact:[email protected] Kinshasa: Catherine Kamatu, +254 728 815 266In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654 In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367 | Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 8396
The IFRC-DREF experienced a pivotal year in 2025, continuing to provide fast, flexible and locally led humanitarian financing in an increasingly complex global crisis landscape. With CHF 77.4 million allocated across 170 operations, the fund supported 83 National Societiesand reached nearly 15 million peopleaffected by crises, including floods, population movement, epidemics, earthquakes and other emergencies. These are just some of the key highlights contained in the IFRC-DREF 2025 Annual Report, which provides detailed reporting on its emergency allocations, anticipatory action and operational performance. As the report explains, 2025 was also a year of transition, marking the final year of the 2021–2025 Strategic Ambition and the move towards the 2026–2030 strategic phase, with renewed emphasis on faster access to funding, stronger localization, accountability and learning.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) is an efficient, fast, transparent, and localized way of getting funding directly to local humanitarian actors – both before and after crisis hits.
The IFRC's Global Route-Based Migration Programmeis the IFRC's operationalization of its route-based approach, launched in 2021 and now extended through 2030. This document outlines Europe's regional strategy for delivering humanitarian assistance, protection, and humanitarian diplomacy along some of Africa’s key migration routes. As part of the five-year extension of the Global Route-Based Migration Programme, the document sets out priorities, targets, and activities across 16 National Societies to strengthen cross-border collaboration and provide coordinated support to people on the move and host communities.
The IFRC's Global Route-Based Migration Programmeis the IFRC's operationalization of its route-based approach, launched in 2021 and now extended through 2030. This document outlines Africa's regional strategy for delivering humanitarian assistance, protection, and humanitarian diplomacy along some of Africa’s key migration routes. As part of the five-year extension of the Global Route-Based Migration Programme, the document sets out priorities, targets, and activities across 18 National Societies to strengthen cross-border collaboration and provide coordinated support to people on the move and host communities.
The IFRC's Global Route-Based Migration Programme is the IFRC's operationalization of its route-based approach, launched in 2021 and now extended through 2030. This is the updated programmatic document for delivering humanitarian assistance, protection, and humanitarian diplomacy along key migration routes across Africa, the Americas, Europe and Central Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. Following the extension of the Programme through 2030, this document outlines its strategic priorities, operational approach, and ambitions to strengthen route-based responses and cross-border collaboration to support people on the move and host communities.
Our IFRC Global Migration and Displacement Platform unites local and global action to ensure that people at risk of displacement, people on the move, and the communities that host them, live with dignity, safety and opportunity.
