Advocacy and diplomacy

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Press release

Humanitarian work should never be a death sentence - yet for many it increasingly is

Geneva, 5 May 2026 - As the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) marks the 107th anniversary of its founding on 5 May and prepares for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8 May, we must confront a stark reality. Humanitarian work has become increasingly deadly, and it is local humanitarian personnel who are paying the heaviest price.Most recently, the conflict in the Middle East has taken an enormous toll on our colleagues. Six volunteers, including four from the Iranian Red Crescent and two from the Lebanese Red Cross, were killed and many more injured while trying to help others.It is the latest example of a deadly trend that is increasingly putting humanitarian personnel – and particularly local humanitarians - in harm’s way.The numbers tell a clear story (IFRC network figures):Thirteen volunteers and staff from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have lost their lives in the first four months of 2026 while carrying out their humanitarian work. Nine of them were killed in violent attacks and four died in accidents while on duty, while many others have faced attacks, injuries and threats.Four members of the Iranian Red Crescent and two volunteers from the Lebanese Red Cross were killed while carrying out their humanitarian duties since the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East in 2026.From 2023 to today, almost 100 volunteers and staff from the IFRC network have died or been killed while serving their communities. This is part of a broader global trend, with 2024 marking the deadliest year on record for humanitarians worldwide.For context, during the previous five years (2018-2022 inclusive), over 30 volunteers and staff from the IFRC network died in the line of duty - around half of them in violent attacks.Prior to 2018, only one other year was comparable - 2017 – which saw one of the single most deadly attacks against our staff and volunteers, when 10 members of the Central African Republic Red Cross were killed on duty. That same year, a total of 32 volunteers and staff were killed by violence and 5 died in accidents.Since 2023, three National Red Crescent Societies have been particularly hard hit, accounting for more than 70 per cent of deaths in the IFRC network. The Sudanese Red Crescent Society has lost 23 volunteers and staff, the Palestine Red Crescent Society 32, and the Iranian Red Crescent Society 15.Figures for deaths of humanitarian personnel killed while on duty from the IFRC network also show that the proportion of those killed in violent versus non-violent incidents has also increased.In 2023, 65% of volunteers and staff from National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies killed in the line of duty, were killed in violent incidents.In 2024, this figure jumped to 92%.In 2025, the figure was 88%So far in 2026, 69% of the IFRC network’s humanitarian personnel killed in the line of duty have died in violent incidents.Lastly, it is overwhelmingly local humanitarian personnel who are paying the heaviest price. Global data from the Aid Worker Security Database (which tracks the violent deaths of all humanitarian personnel globally), shows that in 2025, of the 332 humanitarians who were killed in violent incidents worldwide, 99 percent were local personnel.The data is clear. This is not a one-off spike caused by a single incident or context, but a dangerous trend that threatens the security of humanitarian workers. It also points to a changing risk environment, with an increasingly complex range of actors involved in violence against humanitarian personnel.Each of these numbers tells a story of acceleration; inequality; consequences for humanitarian operations; lack of accountability.International humanitarian law is clear. Humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets must be respected and protected. The emblems of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal are symbols of protection. Attacks on humanitarian personnel are unacceptable, and they must not be allowed to become normalised.The international community must take concrete steps to respect and protect humanitarian personnel and ensure their safe and unimpeded access. States must use their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law.At the same time, more must be done to support the safety and wellbeing of humanitarian workers, particularly local staff and volunteers. This includes investment in training, protective equipment, insurance, and support for them and their families.We call for concrete steps to support measures such as the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, together with our 191 National Societies and 17 million volunteers, stands ready to work with governments, the United Nations, and all partners to turn this Declaration into concrete action for real and lasting protection.It is time this message was heard and acted on. It is time to stop the cycle of violence.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

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Article

The old and the (Re)new

By Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General and CEOOn 5 May 1919, in the aftermath of the First World War, a small group of National Red Cross Societies came together in France with a bold idea. They believed the compassion, solidarity and voluntary service shown during wartime should not disappear in peace. Instead, it should be organised, extended and made available wherever suffering occurred. That moment marked the birth of what would become the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.More than a century later, we mark that founding not only as a historical milestone, but as a reminder of why this network exists.The world we are operating in today is not the one imagined in 1919, nor even the one we knew a decade ago. Humanitarian needs continue to rise, while solidarity and funding are shrinking. Long‑standing assumptions about how international aid works are being tested, and in many cases overturned. Thingswill not go back to the way they were.This is the reality driving the IFRC’s Renewal, our strategic reorientation to double down on what we do best. Renewal is about becoming even more locally led, more focused, more accountable, and even better equipped to serve communities in environments often tougher today than they have ever been.But Renewal will only succeed if it is firmly anchored in ourFundamental Principles.In a world where humanitarian action is increasingly politicised, principles are sometimes treated as outdated or irrelevant. What matters, say some, is what works; not what lies behind, not the philosophy behind decisions. I disagree. Staying true to core principles, however contexts change, is what means organizations like ours maintain guardrails around our decisions. Even as we operate in a very different world to ones of decades past, we’re recognizable, and our work is extensive and impactful, because our principles remain consistent.Take neutrality. It allows our network to reach people others cannot. It allows us to stay when access narrows and pressure intensifies. It keeps our focus where it belongs – on the consequences of crises, not on assigning blame.Impartiality and independence are just as essential. They are what allow communities to see the Red Cross and Red Crescent as their own, rather than as an extension of any government, donor or agenda. Without that trust, access erodes. Without access, response becomes impossible.This is why Renewal is not a departure from who we are. It is a continuation of the founding vision of 5 May 1919 – a belief that a strong humanitarian network must be anchored in local action, global solidarity and shared principles. Renewal is about deepening localization. It is about focusing our efforts where our impact is greatest. It is about being more agile, more accountable, and more transparent in how we use resources entrusted to us. It is about using technology unimaginable in the past to enhance the very things our founders believed most essential.Renewal is also about shifting even further away from notions of community-dependency towards local ownership – supporting National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to lead, not follow, and ensuring that international support strengthens, rather than replaces, local capacity. Renewal means doing things differently, but always doing them with the same integrity our network has always held central.Choices ahead will not be easy. Which country gets support and which doesn’t? Who gets prioritized and who doesn’t? How do we apply our principles of impartiality when the fundings get even more earmarked? While we grapple with these questions, we must be absolutely clear about what does not change.Efficiency and principles as well as speed and trust must go hand in hand. A humanitarian system that modernises but loses credibility with communities is not stronger – it is weaker.More than a century after our founding, our relevance will be measured by whether people still trust the Red Cross and Red Crescent on their doorstep. Renewal is how we protect that trust for the future – by becoming more local, more focused and more accountable, while remaining true to the values that have sustained our network for generations.

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Article

IFRC strongly condemns the killing of Lebanese Red Cross paramedic Hasan Badawi, while on an ambulance mission

Beirut/Geneva, 13 April 2026: Lebanese Red Cross paramedic Hassan Badawi was killed and another paramedic injured on the evening of Sunday, 12 April, while they were part of a Lebanese Red Cross ambulance team carrying out an emergency medical mission following a previous airstrike in the town of Beit Yahoun, Bint Jbeil district, southern Lebanon.Hassan started volunteering with the Lebanese Red Cross in 2012.The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) strongly condemns this attack on an emergency medical team bearing the protective emblem of the Red Cross.The IFRC extends its deepest condolences to Hassan’s family, loved ones, and Lebanese Red Cross colleagues, while wishing full recovery to the injured.At the time of the attack, the ambulances and their crew were clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem, visible from all sides, and illuminated on the vehicles, in accordance with international humanitarian law. As reported by Lebanese Red Cross, the mission was properly notified in advance through the usual channels, including UNIFIL, to ensure protection and a safe route.Humanitarian workers are not a target.This is the second Lebanese Red Cross volunteer killed while carrying out humanitarian duties since the escalation on 2 March, despite the necessary steps taken to ensure the protection of humanitarian workers.The IFRC reiterates its call that ambulance personnel, medical staff, and Lebanese Red Cross staff and volunteers must be respected and protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]   In Beirut:    Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68     In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367  

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Press release

IFRC mourns Alireza, the third Iranian Red Crescent volunteer in a month to be killed in an airstrike while helping others

Tehran/Beirut/Geneva, 01 April 2026: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) mourns with deep sorrow the death of Alireza Sohbatlou, a 35-year-old relief worker of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS). He was killed on the morning of Tuesday 31 March in an airstrike in the northwestern province of Zanjan, while doing what he had done for 15 years - helping others. The IFRC grieves in solidarity with his family, his loved ones, and his fellow IRCS colleagues. Alireza is the third Iranian Red Crescent volunteer to be killed in just one month of conflict. Three lives have ended while they were saving others in Iran. This must stop.Alireza was a humanitarian. He was a colleague, a person who chose - for 15 years - to give his time, skills and expertise assisting others, through the Zanjan branch of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS). At the time of the strike, Alireza was at the Hussainiya clinic providing humanitarian services to those in need, when the nearby religious site Azam Hussainiya of Zanjan was hit. The Red Crescent emblem is an internationally recognized symbol of neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian assistance; its use is established by law. The symbol identifies those who wear it as people there to help. Ensuring the protection of humanitarians wearing the emblem is not only a moral issue, but an imperative international legal norm. The safety of those protecting and assisting others must be ensuredIn 2026 alone, ten members of the IFRC network globally have now lost their lives in line of duty. Each one leaves behind them families who loved them, friends and colleagues who will miss them, and communities who needed them. Alireza was one of them.For more information: [email protected]    In Beirut:   Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68    In Geneva:  Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 

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Press release

IFRC outraged by the killing of a second Iranian Red Crescent volunteer as the conflict marks one month

Tehran/Beirut/Geneva, 30March 2026: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is outraged by the killing of Dr. Somayeh Mir Abo Eshagh, a 44-year-old volunteer with the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) from Khansar in the Ishafan Province in central Iran. She tragically lost her life during airstrikes, while on duty, on 27 March. Just one month into the conflict, Dr. Somayeh is the second Iranian Red Crescent volunteer killed while saving lives.Dr. Somayeh lost her life while carrying out a Red Crescent mission to provide humanitarian relief assistance and psychosocial support services to those in need. She had dedicated 22 years of volunteering for the IRCS intermittently. IFRC expresses its deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all colleagues at IRCS. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and all humanitarian workers providing life-saving assistance in difficult and often dangerous conditions. Once again, our network is mourning the loss of a colleague. Earlier this month in Iran, Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh, another Iranian Red Crescent Society volunteer, was killed during a search and rescue operation, also in the Ishafan province. Since the outbreak of the conflict, 17 IRCS colleagues have also been injured. The Red Crescent emblem is an internationally recognized symbol of protection, humanity and neutrality; it is essential to respect it and uphold the safety of humanitarian personnel to ensure the delivery of impartial, life-saving assistance to people in need.The killing of Soumaya, and any attack on humanitarians is unacceptable and must be condemned. We continue to call for the protection of humanitarian teams who risk everything to save lives - this is a moral and legal obligation. In just the first three months of 2026, nine members of the IFRC network have lost their lives in the line of duty globally.For more information: [email protected]    In Beirut:   Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68    In Geneva:  Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 

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Article

Another Iranian Red Crescent volunteer killed while assisting others, the fourth in just five weeks: IFRC mourns 20-year-old Abolfazl Dahanavi

Tehran/Beirut/Geneva, 04 April 2026:The International Federationof Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) mourns with deep sorrow thekillingof AbolfazlDahanavi,who was only 20yearsold. Hedied onthemorning ofSaturday 4 AprilinMobarekehCounty,in theIsfahan Province,as a result ofan airstrike,while carrying out humanitarian activities.Abolfazl is the fourth Iranian Red Crescent volunteer killedin the line of dutysincethe conflictbegan on 28 February 2026. He was only 16 years old when he started volunteering for the IRCS,dedicating four yearstoserving othersbefore his life was cut short at 20.Fourvolunteershave been killedwhile saving others-in justfive weeksof conflict.This is unjustifiable.We have mourned before. We have called for protection before. We are calling again with greater urgency and outrage: the killing of humanitarianpersonnelmust stop.The Red Crescent emblem is an internationally recognizedand protectedsymbol of neutral,impartialand independenthumanitarianassistance. Those who wear it are there to help–andmustbe protected.The IFRC extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Abolfazl, and stands infullsolidarity with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and the thousands of volunteers whoseremarkable couragemust be matched with universalcommitmentto protect them asthey continueto serve people in desperate need.For more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Beirut:    Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68     In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 

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Article

Statement: IFRC appalled by the killing of one Iranian Red Crescent colleague

Tehran/Beirut/Geneva, 15 March 2026: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is appalled by the death of Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh, a staff member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) from Isfahan Province, who was killed during a search and rescue operation in Tiran-o-Korun, Isfahan Province, on 8 March.Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh lost his life while carrying out his humanitarian duty to assist people affected by the ongoing hostilities. The IFRC expresses its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all IRCS colleagues. Since the outbreak of the conflict, several other IRCS staff and volunteers have also sustained injuries while carrying out their duties.The Red Crescent emblem is asymbol of protection, humanity, neutrality, and hope. Yet too often, our volunteers and staff are killed while performing life-saving work. This is unacceptable.We stand in solidarity with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and all humanitarian workers providing life-saving assistance in difficult and often dangerous conditions.The safety and protection of humanitarian personnel, as well as respect forthe Red Crescent emblem, are essential to ensure the continued delivery of impartial, life-saving assistance to people in need.Once again, our network is mourning the loss of a colleague. Any attack on humanitarians is unacceptable and must be condemned. We will never stop asking for the protection of humanitarian teams: this is a moral and legal obligation.Since the start of the year, seven members of the IFRC network have passed away while on duty.For more information: [email protected] In Beirut:Mey Al Sayegh, +961 761 744 68   In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

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Press release

IFRC condemns the killing of a Lebanese Red Cross paramedic in Lebanon

Beirut/Geneva, 11 March 2026 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is outraged by the killing of Lebanese Red Cross volunteer paramedic Youssef Assaf, who succumbed to the injuries he sustained while carrying out his humanitarian duty to assist and save lives.Youssef Assaf was among the Lebanese Red Cross ambulance volunteers who responded to people affected by hostilities following an airstrike in Majdal Zoun, Tyre in South Lebanon, on 9 March. While assisting in the evacuation of the wounded, he sustained serious injuries and later succumbed to them.Youssef had joined the Lebanese Red Cross ambulance and emergency teams in Tyre on 27 June 2025. Like many Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers around the world, he dedicated himself to serving people in need, providing life-saving assistance and comfort to those affected by crises, in line with the seven fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.The IFRC extends its deepest condolences to Youssef’s family and loved ones, as well as to the leadership, volunteers, and staff of the Lebanese Red Cross, who have lost a dedicated colleague. The IFRC also expresses its concern over the injuries sustained by three Lebanese Red Cross paramedics while carrying out ambulance missions at two separate locations. Two paramedics were injured on 7 March in Arnoun Al-Shaqif (Nabatieh, South Lebanon), and a third was injured on 9 March in Majdal Zoun (Tyre district, South Lebanon) during the same incident in which Youssef sustained the injuries that later claimed his life.At the time of the attacks, the ambulances were clearly marked with the protective Red Cross emblem, visible from all sides and illuminated on the vehicles, in accordance with international humanitarian law. As is standard practice for Lebanese Red Cross operations in conflict areas, these missions were properly coordinated through the usual channels.The IFRC reiterates its call that ambulance personnel, medical staff, and Lebanese Red Cross staff and volunteers must be respected and protected at all times. Under international humanitarian law, medical and humanitarian personnel must not be targeted and must be allowed to carry out their life-saving work safely.Despite the risks, the Lebanese Red Cross continues to provide vital humanitarian services across Lebanon, supporting people affected by the ongoing hostilities and those displaced from their homes.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575 In Beirut:Mey El Sayegh, +961 03 229 352 

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Press release

IFRC warns harmful information is putting lives at risk during crises

Geneva, 5 March 2026 – Harmful information is undermining life-saving humanitarian action at a time when disasters are affecting more people, more often, according to the World Disasters Report 2026, released today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).Between 2020 and 2024, disasters affected nearly 700 million people, caused more than 105 million displacements, and claimed over 270,000 lives – with the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance more than doubling (INFORM Severity index).The World Disasters Report 2026 warns that harmful information and dehumanising narratives are increasingly undermining trust, putting the lives of humanitarian workers and communities at risk. In polarized and politically charged contexts, humanitarian principles such as neutrality and impartiality are increasingly misunderstood, misrepresented or deliberately attacked online.Drawing on evidence from crises across the world, the report emphasises that trust has become one of the most critical, and fragile, assets in humanitarian action.Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General, said:“In every crisis I have witnessed, information is as essential as food, water and shelter. But when information is false, misleading or deliberately manipulated, it can deepen fear, obstruct humanitarian access and cost lives.”Global examples of harmful information in action:Spain: During floods in Valencia, false narratives online accused the Spanish Red Cross of diverting aid to migrants, fuelling xenophobic attacks on volunteers.South Sudan: Rumours that humanitarian agencies were distributing poisoned food caused people to avoid life-saving aid and led to threats against local Red Cross staff, temporarily disrupting operations.Lebanon: Overlapping crises saw false claims that volunteers were spreading COVID-19, favouring certain groups in aid distribution, or providing unsafe cholera vaccines, eroding trust and endangering vulnerable communities.Bangladesh: Despite delivering first aid and assistance across multiple districts during a period of political unrest, volunteers faced widespread accusations of inaction and political alignment, leading to harassment and long-term reputational damage.The report highlights that around 94 per cent of disasters are managed by national authorities and local communities without international assistance. However, while volunteers, local leaders and community media are often the most trusted messengers, they operate in increasingly hostile and polarised information environments.Mr. Chapagain added:“Without trust, people are less likely to prepare, seek help or follow life-saving guidance; with it, communities act together, absorb shocks and recover more effectively. Maintaining trust is not optional – it is a humanitarian necessity.”The World Disasters Report 2026 calls on governments, technology companies, humanitarian agencies, communities and local actors to recognise that trustworthy information is a matter of life and death. Recommendations include:Technology platforms:Prioritise authoritative information from trusted humanitarian, health and local actors in crisis contexts. Provide low-bandwidth, multilingual, and locally relevant tools and transparently moderate harmful content.States and policymakers:Invest in evidence-based regulation and support local data systems that monitor crises and harmful information, strengthening transparency, accountability and an environment that enables principled humanitarian action.Humanitarian agencies:Embed harmful information preparedness into humanitarian operations as a core function, with trained teams, standardised tools, predictive analytics, and strong community engagement to anticipate, detect, and respond to harmful narratives.Communities and local actors:Act as trusted messengers, support digital and media literacy, participate in rumour tracking, and ensure local perspectives shape responses to safeguard access and trust – recognising that communities are central to the solution.The World Disaster Report 2026 is available to policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and the public, providing a roadmap for building resilience to harmful information before, during, and after crises.Note to editors:Link to World Disaster Report 2026Link to Executive SummaryFor more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Geneva:Tommaso De Longa,+41 79 708 4367India Roberts-Smillie,+41 76 372 6251

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Press release

IFRC statement at UN Palestine Conference: More aid must reach Gaza now

Statement at High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State SolutionIFRC statement for the plenary session delivered by IFRC Humanitarian Affairs Advisor, Andrea Canepa on behalf of IFRC Permanent Observer Dylan Winder.Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France for organising this important conference.Much has been said on the unbearable situation being faced by people in Palestine and the challenges humanitarian actors are facing.The humanitarian space to provide life-saving goods and services has been rendered almost non-existent. We have called, since the beginning of this conflict, for an immediate, sustained and unhindered flow of aid to be allowed into Gaza, at the scale needed to meet the immense needs, and in line with universally accepted international rules and principles. This has perhaps never been more urgent as we hear from our Palestine Red Cresent Society colleagues in Gaza. They are receiving people fainting and sick due to hunger at their medical facilities, whilst they cannot even feed themselves or their own children. Member States must ensure access for humanitarian assistance and protection, and they must consider and address the conditions and specific access challenges facing local humanitarian actors such as PRCS. Local humanitarians are often far from the limelight, but they are the ones sustaining what is left of the humanitarian response. PRCS continues to provide a wide array of health services across Gaza, including ambulances and field hospitals, adapting to impossible operational conditions to maintain services and reach people where they are.We cannot accept any mechanism that does not allow humanitarian aid to be distributed in accordance with humanitarian principles. As we have seen, this strips human beings of their dignity, fails to respond to the level and complexity of needs, and creates drastic security risks, including people being killed and injured. PRCS ambulances and hospitals are having to deal with regular mass casualty events with people reporting they were trying to access food at distribution sites. We call on Member States to support longstanding and accepted modes of aid delivery specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs and to protect the dignity and life of the population affected, recognizing the role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and all those impartially providing a life-saving response.Excellencies,We are also facing a crisis in the protection of civilians, including of humanitarian and medical personnel. Since the start of this crisis, more than 50 PRCS staff and volunteers have been killed, including 30 in the line of duty. This cannot continue. Failure to protect humanitarian workers in Palestine leaves them unprotected everywhere. We have seen Red Cross Red Crescent staff and volunteers killed in the line of duty around the world, including in Magen David Adom, the National Society of Israel. Concrete measures are needed by Member States to provide accountability to the victims, halt further attacks and reinstate respect for the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem and all humanitarians. This includes ensuring there is accountability for the killing of 8 PRCS members, alongside 7 fellow medics, in March this year, in an attack that was not the first nor the last, but that shocked our collective conscience.We recognize the continuation of the hostage situation, and of the medical and humanitarian personnel being deprived of liberty and call for respect for the life and dignity of all people affected.Lastly, despite its relentless efforts, PRCS is facing extreme and mounting challenges to its operations in Gaza, but also in the West Bank. Conditions and access restrictions in the West Bank severely impact the population and PRCS’ ability to reach people in need. Member States can and must ensure this Conference leads to immediate action to address and prevent further deterioration of the situation in the West Bank, that appropriately address the root causes, and to support and protect the indispensable role of PRCS within the healthcare and humanitarian response. This is a humanitarian catastrophe. More aid must reach Gaza now.Thank you.

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Podcast

Big challenges, uncertain times. A talk with Loyce Pace, IFRC’s new regional director for the Americas

How will technology shape the way we respond to emergencies? What is ‘human biology’ and how is it connected to human rights? What are the big challenges ahead for global health during uncertain times? Loyce Pace, IFRC’s new Regional Director for the America, is well placed to explore these questions. With a long background in community and global health advocacy, she most recently served as Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Before that she played key roles coordinating the United States’ global response to health crises. Tune in to see how she sees the big challenges facing the Americas, from climate-related disasters to migration, outbreaks, and more.

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Podcast

Speaking up for people caught in crisis: Unpacking ‘humanitarian diplomacy’ with IFRC’s Dylan Winder

Most people have some idea of what is meant by diplomacy. But what is ‘humanitarian diplomacy?’ Dylan Winder, permanent observer to the United Nations and director of global humanitarian diplomacy at the IFRC, says it’s about speaking up and finding solutions for people caught in crisis, who find themselves in vulnerable situations but don’t have a voice in the halls of power. These days, it also means standing up for local people who try to help their vulnerable neighbours. “By far the majority of humanitarian workers killed or injured in crisis situations are local workers,” he says. “That has to change and be recognized as a critical issue for the global community.”

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Press release

Amman Declaration 2024: A unified call for future-ready humanitarian action in the MENA region

We, the leaders of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (RCRC) in the Middle East and North Africa, participating in the 11th MENA Conference, held in Amman, Jordan from 2 to 3 September 2024.We recall the "Baghdad Declaration" adopted at the 10th RCRC MENA Conference held in Baghdad in 2018, and appreciate the achievements of the RCRC National Societies in the MENA region, both collectively and individually in implementing the commitments of the Baghdad Declaration, while recalling some commitments that have not been fully implemented as a result of the deteriorating humanitarian challenges that the MENA region witnessed in the previous period, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change, protracted conflicts and displacement, which have had devastating global repercussions and major health, social and economic impacts on communities and individuals in the region.Given the escalating and unprecedented humanitarian needs, it is imperative for National Societies to evolve and adapt to enhance their effectiveness and preparedness in responding to future challenges. This requires both individual and collective efforts, ensuring a well-coordinated and unified approach to humanitarian action.We reaffirm the resolutions adopted during the International Meetings of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, particularly the Seville Agreement 2.0 which emphasizes on Coordination within the Movement to achieve collective impact. We highlight the critical importance of coordinated humanitarian action by all components of the Movement, in line with this agreement. Additionally, we underscore the resolutions focused on strengthening integrity within the Movement, upholding comprehensive commitments to community engagement and accountability, and the development of the legal and statutory-base frameworks for National Societies.We reaffirm our commitment to the outcomes of the Regional Movement Conferences for the Africa and Asia Pacific regions held in 2023, specifically endorsing the Nairobi Declaration and the Hanoi Call for Action.In line with our focused discussion on the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and in light of the continued escalation of hostilities against civilians, volunteers, medical personnel and facilities and grave violations, we express our full solidarity with the Palestine Red Crescent Society, call for the application of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and call on all parties to work to de-escalate and enable safe, sustainable and unrestricted humanitarian access within the entire Gaza Strip, and remove obstacles to the work of humanitarian organizations, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society.We call on all National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to continue their efforts to urge the international community to secure a safe route for medical and emergency medical services teams and relief convoys where needed, and to ensure respect for the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem.We salute the volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent for their unwavering dedication and commitment. We also honor and pay tribute to those who have tragically lost their lives in the noble service of humanity.We, the leaders of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the MENA region, have gathered under the theme "Humanity is Action and Compassion" where we discussed: our commitment to coordinated humanitarian action, strengthening the capacity and capabilities of National Societies amidst an unprecedented changing environment, empowering youth and volunteers as central elements of resilience and preparedness leading to more effective humanitarian responses across the MENA region, catalyzing efforts to ensure that our response becomes financially sustainable and capable of facing future challenges. We agree to:•Ensure that National Societies in the MENA region are strengthened to be better prepared to confront emerging humanitarian challenges and navigate the complexities of multifaceted crises, in line with the auxiliary role of National Societies in the humanitarian field and in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Fundamental Principles.•Work together to support the official recognition of the auxiliary role of National Societies in their countries, to strengthen their humanitarian status.•Commit to assisting National Societies in the MENA region in identifying key areas for capacity building and developing resilient, comprehensive strategies to enhance their readiness, responsiveness, adaptability, and sustainability.•Stress the need to ensure an effective humanitarian response with local leadership and efficient coordination among components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and other key stakeholders at all levels.•Emphasize the crucial importance of locally led humanitarian responses, supported by robust coordination among International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement components and key stakeholders at all levels.•Strive to ensure effective coordination and comprehensive, sustainable cooperation within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the MENA region. This approach respects the essential role of National Societies and leverages the complementary strengths of the Movement's components to achieve optimal humanitarian outcomes for communities.•Mobilize our collective and complementary efforts on humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy to ensure that human values are promoted, and that positive changes are made in the interest of protecting and supporting the most vulnerable people.We call on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the support of relevant National Societies, to promote a stronger understanding of and learning from, effective implementation of the Seville Agreement 2.0, thus enhancing the coordination and operational capacities of Movement components.•We support National Societies in the MENA region in pursuing innovative and diversified funding strategies and implementing respectful partnerships through effective resource mobilization mechanisms.•We enhance the financial management systems and policies of National Societies to ensure sustainability, integrity, and accountability.•We leverage the opportunities offered by the digital transformation to enhance our ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to emerging humanitarian challenges and crises, while actively mitigating risks related to data protection.•We invest in empowering and engaging youth by expanding and diversifying opportunities for them to continuously develop their knowledge, leadership, and technical skills. We also ensure their active participation in decision-making at all levels and in relevant, effective, local humanitarian actions.•We support the outcomes of the MENA Youth Forum 2024, held virtually on 1 September 2024.•We implement measures to protect, support, and retain volunteers while recognizing and valuing their contributions.We, the leaders of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the MENA region, agree to prioritize the implementation of the practical commitments under the Amman Declaration 2024, with the support of the IFRC Regional Office, in line with an Implementation Guide the Amman Declaration 2024 to be subsequently developed, while ensuring effective monitoring of progress.In conclusion, we express our gratitude to the Jordan Red Crescent Society for hosting the 11th Conference for the Middle East and North Africa, and we extend our thanks to the leaders and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their strong support of both the Conference and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. We also commend the Saudi Red Crescent Society for their role in supporting this conference and appreciate the participation of observers from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.Adopted in Amman, Jordan on 3 September, 2024

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Migrants are #NotAlone

Across the globe, people who migrate or are displaced from their homes face unacceptable risks. But people on the move are not alone in their journeys. Whether at land or sea, the work of the IFRC Network aims to save lives, reduce risks and provide access to essential services.

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Speech

IFRC Secretary General statement at UNGA High-level Ministerial Side event on Sudan

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Our inaction today is extracting a heavy and unacceptable price on the people of Sudan. The IFRC has been working closely with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society before and since the onset of this conflict. We closely coordinate with ICRC. The Sudanese Red Crescent Society has more than 40,000 trained volunteers. It has access and reach to all 18 States and across both sides of the conflict to deliver life-saving assistance. IFRC launched an Emergency Appeal to help scale up response in support of Sudan and neighbouring countries. Sadly, the response to the appeal has been very poor and many of the services may have to stop in coming months. Excellencies – I join you all to call for an end to this inaction because the price Sudanese people are paying is inexcusable. First—let’s have the heart to demonstrate solidarity and commitment to all crises, irrespective of their global profile. Let’s have the moral courage to treat all people affected by crises equally as they all deserve our attention and resources. Second, let’s get the funding to the local actors that have the infrastructure and trained personnel on the ground. So far only a tiny portion of the USD 1.5 billion raised for this crisis has reached local actors. Investing in them maximises the impact of every dollar spent. Third, let’s ensure safety, access and non-politicization of humanitarian action. Sadly, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society has already lost 5 volunteers while on duty. The sacrifices and courage of these volunteers, these local actors form the backbone of our humanitarian efforts. They must be protected at all costs. Together in partnership and solidarity, we can substantially alter the trajectory of the current inaction in Sudan to make a lasting, positive difference. Thank you.

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Article

IFRC statement at the High-Level Pledging Event for Sudan and the Region

Excellencies, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been working closely with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society in close coordination with other Movement partners before and since the onset of this conflict. The Sudanese Red Crescent Society is the largest humanitarian responder in the country. It has more than 40,000 trained volunteers. It has access and reach to all 18 States and across both sides of the conflict to deliver life-saving assistance. The IFRC has launched Emergency Appeals to scale up response in support of the Sudanese Red Crescent and National Societies in neighbouring countries to provide dignified and safe assistance to people on the move. Excellencies – today I call on the international community to make following commitments: First - Ensure Protection: The IFRC calls on all parties to the conflict to take all precautions to avoid civilian injuries and loss of life, and ensure critical civilian infrastructure is protected. Second – Ensure Access: Sudanese Red Crescent Society and other first responders must have the humanitarian space to conduct their lifesaving work. The IFRC is deeply concerned at reports of increased cases of violence affecting civilians and reports of surging cases of sexual and gender-based violence. Third – Ensure resources: We urge world leaders, to urgently increase their funding so that local organizations including the Sudanese Red Crescent Society have sufficient resources to save lives. The people of Sudan need our support today and, in the weeks, and months to come. Their lives are on the line. The world cannot afford to look away. Thank you.

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Article

Statement to the UN Security Council Ministerial Open Debate on climate change, peace and security

On behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and our 191-member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, I am pleased to address the Security Council Ministerial Open Debate. Our National Society volunteers from their local communities tell us that the climate crisis is the number one humanitarian crisis that communities face around the globe, threatening human security. Currently, 90% of all disasters are climate and weather-related, resulting in the deaths of over 410,000 people in the last decade, and impacting 1.7 billion people. The impacts of climate crisis are compounding other crises – food insecurity, disease outbreaks, water shortages and large population movements – reversing development gains thereby impacting global peace and security. Although the climate crisis affects us all, the science and data shows that we are not all impacted equally. Our focus must be on the communities most impacted and at risk, especially those in fragile settings. Mr/Madam President, While we know that a one-size-fits-all solution to reducing climate risks does not exist,the IFRC proposes three important shifts to address the magnitude of the climate crisis before us: Focus on community leadership, ownership and reach – Investing in large scale disaster risk reduction, climate mitigation and adaptation, at the community level, where it is most needed and has the greatest potential impact is essential. Local organizations are critical to designing and implementing climate action, and channeling climate finance to the right places, to those most in need. They must drive the change. Fill the financing gaps –Some 30 of the most climate vulnerable countries ­­– a majority of which are fragile contexts ­– receive only $1 per person per year in climate adaptation funding. We must change how we finance climate action. There must be a more integrated approach to humanitarian, development, climate and peace financing, putting the needs of the communities at the center. The funding must reach the local level to build and empower localinstitutional and responsecapacities and solutions. The empowered local communities form the foundation for peaceful societies. Forecasting and anticipatory action –We all must scale upearly warningand early action systems that provide communities with information and funding to act before climate events become disasters. This means giving local organizations more direct access to finance and decision-making processes through mechanisms like IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), that provides direct funding to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who play a key role in protecting people from the impacts of climate change. We all – whether from the humanitarian, development, climate or peace sectors – must work together to address both immediate needs and strengthen long-term resilience to prevent and alleviate human suffering and thereby contribute to the maintenance of human dignity and peace in the world. Thank you.

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Article

IFRC statement at the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly #WHA

Mr Chairperson, Director General, Excellencies and colleagues, On behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and its 192-member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, allow me to congratulate the World Health Organization on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. Our presence here today is a testament to the vision of the Member State towards WHO’s constitution, who set for it the most difficult, as well as the most relevant objective: achievement of the highest attainable health standard for everyone, without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social status. But it is also a testament to the WHO’s ability to adapt and grow in the face of disasters, war, and crisis, as well as an ever-shifting social, economic and environmental landscape. As a humanitarian organization founded in 1919, IFRC have faced many of these challenges together with the WHO, and we can be sure that the next 75 years will continue to challenge our abilities. Today, our major challenge of equitable access to health care is more elusive than ever, an issue that can only be resolved through political commitments. In that sense, perhaps the most relevant questions, looking ahead, is not what new challenges the next 75 years will bring, but how we will face them. Will we work in coordinated partnership to address the social determinants of health, or will we continue working in fragmented manner? Will our policies and actions be defined by communities and local actors or from places hundreds of kilometers away? And will we have the courage to invest in trusted, resilient, and quality health care, or continue to be essentially reactive? Political and health leaders at this Assembly have opened many doors in the past two years to make way for meaningful change, and these are questions to reflect upon during this Assembly. Thank you. -- More information about the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly, including videos of the event, can be found on the World Health Organization (WHO) website here.

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Article

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2023

Henry caring for the wounded in Solferino, Hilda helping hurricane victims in Port Vila, Mohamed monitoring the nutritional condition of the inmates in Baidoa prison, Yulima teaching first aid to people with disabilities in Maracay, and Luna rescuing migrants on the shore of Ceuta – they, like many Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers around the world, offer care, a hand of compassion and a life-changing breath of humanity to those who are most vulnerable. #FromTheHeart Today, on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we celebrate the legacy of Henry Dunant – whose vision led to the creation of the worldwide Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – and the countless volunteers who came after him. Their unwavering commitment and exemplary dedication to helping anyone in need, anywhere and to upholding our Fundamental Principles at all times – whether responding to natural hazards, climate crises, conflicts, health emergencies, displacement, or migration – is admired around the world. We nonetheless face tremendous challenges in carrying out our humanitarian action in a world beset by uncertainty and so many complex and multi-dimensional crises. International attention is diverted from protracted and low-visibility crises, and resources are lacking to ensure the continuity of aid to those most in need and sustain the local action of humanitarian organizations and workers who are closest to the affected communities. Natural hazards, climatic disasters and health emergencies are multiplying and reaching unprecedented scale. The parties involved in armed conflicts and violence often ignore some of the most basic rules of humanitarian law and hamper neutral and impartial humanitarian organizations’ access to vulnerable people – access that should be free and safe. While there are those who challenge humanitarian principles, principled humanitarian action is as vitally important as ever. Our Red Cross and Red Crescent family is at the forefront of humanitarian assistance and ensuring protection for those who need it most. The world has increasingly seen how effective our Movement can be in addressing overlapping crises and providing principled humanitarian assistance. Our strength lies in our unity, our determination to carry forward the ideals of neutral, impartial, independent humanitarian action and our commitment to the humanitarian cause. Today, we celebrate the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff around the world, who every day in their respective countries, regions and communities carry forward the determination of Henry Dunant to provide hope and dignity in the midst of despair to people in vulnerable situations without distinction or thought of personal gain. Happy World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day! #FromTheHeart -- Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC President Mercedes Babé, Standing Commission Chair Francesco Rocca, IFRC President

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Article

Myanmar: IFRC Regional Director reiterates need for principled humanitarian assistance

The IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Alexander Matheou, visited Myanmar from 23 to 29 April 2023. The purpose of the visit was to meet the new leadership of the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and to discuss with them the importance of applying the Red Cross’ Fundamental Principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence to provide principled humanitarian assistance in a complex emergency. To this end, Mr. Matheou also met State Administration Council ministries, including the Minister of Health, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of International Cooperation. The Regional Director highlighted the special auxiliary role of MRCS in the provision of humanitarian services in Myanmar, and the importance of respecting its independence and neutrality as it delivers assistance in response to natural disasters, in health crises, and in situations of conflict. Noting the role of the IFRC to support and strengthen the actions and institutional capacity of the MRCS, the Regional Director also called for facilitation of humanitarian assistance, especially in areas that are hardest to reach. He confirmed IFRC’s commitment to supporting the MRCS to respond to humanitarian needs, aligned with the Red Cross’ Fundamental Principles. Mr. Matheou said: “Over 17 million people need humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. It is one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world. No single organization can reach everyone in need or reach all parts of the country affected by the crisis. Like other organizations, we have our limitations. However, Myanmar Red Cross is the country’s largest humanitarian organization, and it has a key role to play in communities across the country, through its local branches and its trained volunteers." "Our job as IFRC is to assist Myanmar Red Cross to fulfil that role in a principled way, to the benefit of as many people as possible in Myanmar, in response to both natural and manmade disasters, and strengthen its role as a local community actor.” With a nationwide network, Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) is the country’s largest humanitarian organization delivering humanitarian assistance across the country. The MRCS, supported by the IFRC network, provides services in disaster management and risk reduction, health and care, mental health and psychosocial support, water and sanitation, restoring family links, and first aid and safety services, amongst others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MRCS assisted millions of people through risk awareness messaging, vaccination support, quarantine support and distribution of protective items, as well as providing oxygen to dozens of thousands of people in need, along with cash assistance to support socio-economic recovery of affected households. In the past two years since the military intervention, the MRCS has assisted hundreds of thousands of people across the country, in hard to access areas such as Chin, Magway, Sagaing, Kayah and Kayin, as well as Shan State and Yangon, through food assistance, cash distributions, medical assistance and non-food items such as hygiene kits, dignity kits, water filters, amongst others. The MRCS works as an auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field, like all 192 National Societies of the Red Cross or Red Crescent around the world. Media contact: In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, Regional Communications Manager, [email protected], +60 19 271 3641

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Article

IFRC Secretary General on the year ahead: "Hope in the midst of hopelessness"

It’s easy to feel a sense of hopelessness these days – climate crises, people on the verge of starvation in parts of Africa, multiple wars, protracted conflicts, people having to leave their homes out of desperation, shameful cases of exclusion in many parts of the world, rising mental health crises, people not having basic access to water and sanitation. This list can go on and on. While these crises are affecting everyone, the marginalized, excluded, and last mile communities are bearing the brunt of these crises disproportionately. Some 43 years ago, I signed up to be a young volunteer of the Nepal Red Cross. I joined not knowing how my life would unfold and where this would lead. I didn’t fully understand then, but I do now – the mission and mandate of our IFRC network, and the fundamental principles that guide our work with a very simple vision--to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Three years ago, we didn’t know the scale of impact of a global pandemic, international armed conflict in the middle of Europe and all other global crises we have been responding to. In this context, let me share some of my reflections on the current state of play. Reflection on the IFRC’s mandate and relevance As the world grapples with “polycrisis”, our mandate becomes as relevant as ever, if not more. The IFRC is at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in times of disaster, crises, and other emergencies. By providing immediate assistance and long-term sustainable development programmes, the IFRC network puts people at the centre of vital, life-saving assistance. We work to strengthen the resilience of communities in vulnerable settings, ensuring they are better prepared for and better able to cope with our changing world. In a time of great global disparities in terms of access to services, we bridge the gap. The role of truly local organizations like our member National Societies is critical to reach the most disadvantaged sections of societies. Localization is fundamental as crises grow; but resources do not keep pace with them. Business as usual is not going to work. True empowerment of community organizations and decolonization of aid will be critical in 2023 and beyond. Reflection on our fundamental principles, particularly the principle of neutrality The threat to our principles, particularly the principle of neutrality, lies in the fact that the international armed conflict in Ukraine has taken on a much-heightened political dimension. This has placed great pressure on the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. We must maintain a neutral stance and perform impartial aid operations, to ensure our principle of neutrality is observed. While we remain sensitive to the challenges emerging out of the conflict and we will be doing everything in our capacity to deliver on our mandate, it is essential that our fundamental principles remain the bedrock of our actions. Failing to do so will irreparably damage the notion of neutral, independent humanitarian action. Amid rapid changes in the global humanitarian landscape, one thing remains constant – that’s our fundamental principles. Our values and principles transcend all the divisions that exist in the world. Reflection on current trends We closely monitor the global trends that impact our work. Climate and Environmental crises have been at the forefront. Social issues like the erosion of trust, migration and displacement, inequality, global health and food crises are directly linked to our mandate. Economic issues like the cost-of-living crisis and energy crises will impact our work. Technological issues, like the opportunity created by digitalization as well as the risks arising from the digital divide and those linked to humanitarian data security, will have to be considered. We must also be mindful of the global political landscape and current lack of global political leadership able to deal with multiple crises. The international armed conflict in Ukraine will significantly impact the geopolitical landscape and will exacerbate the humanitarian situation across the globe. We must be humble enough to acknowledge that there is no humanitarian solution to most of these crises. There must be a political solution and we must support and advocate for the same. Reflection on our ambitions Our ambitions are simple as we deal with these trends. We will continue to be bold in our support to our membership both on humanitarian action and in building resilience. We will work harder to build a trustful relationship with our membership and governance structure. We will invest more in National Society transformations leveraging the power of youth and volunteers. Advancing gender and inclusion will require consistent push. We must do more to be a learning organization that continuously evolves. Within the family, we will continue to build mutually respectful movement cooperation. We will expand our humanitarian diplomacy efforts and further strengthen our highly professional partnership with all partners. Further building on the new operating model and new resourcing architecture, we will develop more inclusive IFRC wide approaches. We will accelerate our digitalization journey. We will continue to strengthen agility and accountability. Respectful workplace, issues of fraud and corruption, sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, racism, and discrimination will be dealt with proactively and decisively. The world is full of daunting challenges. But it is also full of people and organizations committed to confront them and work together to bring about positive change. We are one of those organizations. We will lead from the front, working with our membership and their volunteers. We will be bold in our actions, but calm and composed in our approaches. There will of course be challenges along the way, but we will always move forward with integrity. We will have to be at our best when the challenges are the greatest. And we will have to always bring hope amid hopelessness.

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Press release

IFRC welcomes landmark UN Security Council resolution as a critical step towards scaling up humanitarian action in crisis-hit countries

Geneva, 9 December 2022– The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) welcomes the UN Security Council’s landmark resolution protecting humanitarian action in countries where UN sanctions apply. This resolution will facilitate the timely delivery of life-saving and timely support to people living in the most fragile and vulnerable environments. “This landmark resolution is critical in that it helps to reduce the needs of millions of people impacted by the multiple ongoing crises around the world. It will facilitate the work of the IFRC and its network of 192-member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to deliver timely humanitarian assistance to communities who need it the most,” said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC. The legally binding decision is unprecedented for National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and will help them to continue providing aid to the communities they serve and save lives. However, it is only a first step. “States must now give effect to this exemption in their domestic systems so that humanitarian actors can scale up support to communities where needs are and in particular in situations where UN sanctions apply,” remarked Mr. Chapagain. To request an interview or for more information, please contact: In Washington: Marie Claudet, +1 202 999 8689, [email protected]

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Speech

Universal Health Coverage: IFRC Secretary General addresses the Third Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Health

It is an honour to co-host today’s event as part of the Group of Friends on Universal Health Coverage and speak on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, comprising 192 National Societies and millions of staff and volunteers. Universal Health Coverage, which embodies the right of all people to quality, accessible, affordable, and available health services, reverberates deeply with the IFRC’s core mission to act in the interest of the most vulnerable and alleviate human suffering. Since 2018, we have been scaling up our work on UHC and aligning ourselves with the WHO’s programme of work. As a member of UHC2030, we supported Country Focus Groups before and after the 2019 High Level Meeting to share lived experiences, challenges and achievements in UHC from populations often left behind. This year, the IFRC conducted country consultations across the world with communities and civil society groups to identify barriers to accessing basic health services and to provide key inputs to the State of UHC Commitment report. Despite all progress, we’re witnessing that many vulnerable groups and marginalized populations lack access to lifesaving health services. One year from today, the High-Level Meeting on UHC must serve as a juncture for making the political commitments to strengthen health systems for future generations. First, we must prioritize the health needs of the most vulnerable, especially in situations of disasters, climate crisis, health emergencies and violence. Governments must tackle stigma and discrimination and build trust by integrating vulnerable communities into policy making itself. Women and girls have reported greater difficulties in accessing healthcare, and people on the move are often completely left out of national health schemes. Second, we must invest in ensuring safety and protection of community health workers and volunteers, including our Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, who have a deep understanding of the risks, vulnerabilities and inequalities that affect the health status of their communities and represent a key resource by working with the formal health system to deliver services. The role of community first responders in ensuring improved and timely coverage of essential health services became even more obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Third, governments should develop community health strategies through improved collaboration between public health services, communities, and civil society organizations. More investment is needed in scaling up risk communication and community engagement as a key component of people-centred health systems. We strongly believe in empowering communities and ensuring their meaningful engagement in decision making. Our National Societies, as neutral and impartial actors, can translate the needs of communities into policy, social protection systems, infrastructure, laws and governance issues. Health systems should also be backed by better public health emergency laws that enable systematic responses to pandemics and health emergencies – we have just launched a guidance on public health emergency law to support this. Lastly, and importantly, there is no health without mental health, especially in crisis situations. Health system strengthening means integrating and resourcing mental health and psychosocial support services for all who may need them. Excellencies, colleagues, access to health services is not a privilege and should not be treated as such. We cannot afford to lose the opportunity of next year’s High-Level Meeting and cannot waiver: achieving Universal Health Coverage is the only way forward. We are committed to continuing work with governments and other partners to implement our shared commitments to UHC and stronger health systems for everyone, everywhere. Thank you.

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Press release

COP27: Now is the time to transform words into action

In response to the Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan, a statement by President Francesco Rocca and Secretary General Jagan Chapagain of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): While leaders have been meeting at COP27 for the past two weeks, families are dealing with the very real impacts of extreme weather—unable to wait for promises to transform into action.  Over the past two weeks, the IFRC’s risk watch system put out alerts for some 14 floods in Africa, 18 in the Americas, 35 in Asia Pacific, five in the European Union and two in the MENA region. During this period, four named tropical storms threatened destruction. Wildfires have ripped through communities in ten countries, affecting more than 10,000 hectares. And on Friday, at least three people died as the result of floods in Kigali, Rwanda and 11 in Venezuela. In Ethiopia 185,000 people were displaced. Communities in Africa and Afghanistan continue to grapple with food insecurity, which are alarming compounding crises. Loss and Damage landed on the COP agenda for the first time, and today world leaders have agreed to the establishment of new funding arrangements assisting developing nations, especially those most at-risk of the adverse effects of climate change. We welcome the finance pledges which have been made on Loss and Damage, which are historically important conversations and positive steps forward. These need to be complemented by new and additional finance that reaches the people and communities most at risk – and to be predictable, adequate, and flexible in order to address climate related crisis. We are pleased to see the agreement to operationalize the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage to provide crucial technical assistance to reduce and respond to the impacts communities are already facing. However, we must raise our ambition to reduce emissions and this COP did not deliver on that front. Every increment of global warming matters to save lives and livelihoods, and is therefore critical to keep global temperatures below the 1.5C degrees warming limit.  We welcome the focus on Early Warning Systems in the Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan, which reflects realities at the frontlines of the climate crisis that the IFRC has been bringing to the fore for over two decades. Reducing risk and saving lives, especially in last mile communities, is what our teams around the globe do every single day and it is heartening to see this work being expanded. To be most effective, early warnings must be followed by early action and these systems must be rooted in the communities—including those hardest to reach and families stuck in protracted crises. As the humanitarian impacts of climate change keep growing, so too should the finance for adaptation, ensuring it reaches the most affected and most at-risk. As the legacy of the “implementation COP,” global investment needs to reach the local level.  It is time to turn words and commitments into action at the national level, to bring the agreement to life and make a real difference in the lives of people and communities most impacted by the climate crisis.  As the IFRC network, we are committed to scaling up local action to respond to the climate crisis, working with communities to build preparedness and resilience in face of rising risks and impacts. Climate and environmental crises are a threat to humanity and we all have a role to play. Now we must look forward with focused determination and hope.  Our collective actions can inspire ambition we need to see in the world. Media contacts: In Geneva: Jenelle Eli, +1 202 603 6803,[email protected]

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Press release

COP27: Negotiations are missing the ambition needed to protect those hardest hit by climate change, warns IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is raising concern that progress is stalling at COP27 and that there is a risk that the ambition to deliver and build on commitments made in Glasgow is slipping away. With just a few days left for leaders to take decisive action on climate change, commitments to make steep and immediate emission reductions to stay below the 1.5oC warming limit—and thus limit further human suffering—are falling behind. And while negotiators are grappling with issues designed to limit and respond to the rising human impacts of climate change, technical discussions on delivering new and additional finance for loss and damage, as well as adaptation, are progressing too slowly to meet the needs of people. Instead, the IFRC calls on Parties to build on what was agreed in Glasgow and raise ambition and action on mitigation, adaptation and on loss and damage. “Combating the climate crisis and its effects takes bold thinking and even more ambitious action. World leaders cannot afford downgrading, but must raise their level of ambition to tackle the climate crisis, which is already dangerous for communities around the globe,” said Francesco Rocca, President of the IFRC. “Letting up on ambitious goals sends a clear signal back to countries that meeting their previous commitments is optional. This is unacceptable. Communities—especially those most impacted by climate change—need promises that deliver with new and additional support to meet the scale of needs,” remarked Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC. This is the critical decade for action. The world cannot afford to stall or backtrack on lifesaving commitments. There is no time to delay. Already at 1.1oC warming, IFRC found that 86% of all disasters in the last decade are linked to climate and weather extremes, affecting 1.7 billion people. This is an increase of almost 35% since the 1990s. Communities are being repeatedly hit by extreme events - such as Kenya, which faced floods then locusts and now a drought triggering food insecurity and leading to malnutrition and death across the horn of Africa. “We must invest in local action. Without it, we will still be saying the same things at COP28,” reiterated Dr. Asha Mohammed, Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross. If we are to ever meet the needs of communities suffering these multiple repeated and overlapping events, it is essential to invest in ambitious mitigation, to scale up locally led adaptation and address losses and damages. Parties must respond to the growing demands for finance to reach the local level, reaching communities at the scale needed. These requests must be heard and translated into meaningful decision text. Recent IFRC research demonstrates that many countries and communities are getting left behind when it comes to investment in climate adaptation. Existing funding is not enough to meet current needs, let alone the increased humanitarian impacts of more frequent and intense extreme weather and climate events. According to Maarten van Aalst, Director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, COP27 needs to deliver on three fronts: tangible progress on mobilizing new and additional funding to address loss and damage; more finance for climate adaptation; and increased ambition to implement rapid emission reductions to keep hopes of limiting warming to 1.5C alive. To request an interview or for more information, please contact: In Sharm El-Sheikh:Jenelle Eli, +1 202 603 6803, [email protected] In Washington: Marie Claudet, +1 202 999 8689, [email protected]

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