Large-scale power disruptions in and around Kyiv leave 200,000 people without heating

Kyiv/Budapest/Geneva, 14 January – Ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and the resulting damage to heating and electricity networks have left large parts of Kyiv and nearby districts without essential services at the height of winter.Around 800 residential buildings in Kyiv City are without heating and electricity, affecting around 200,000 people. Other hard-hit regions include Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel, where heating systems are almost completely down.The Ukrainian Red Cross, supported by IFRC and other partners, is scaling up its emergency response to support people who have been left in the dark and cold. Red Cross teams, in close coordination with the State Emergency Service, serve hot meals and warm drinks and provide phone charging stations in heating points across the capital and its suburbs, serving around 700 people daily. Psychosocial support is also available, with 10 psychologists and several trained volunteers deployed to assist people.Emergency repairs to energy systems are ongoing, but further attacks on energy infrastructure are likely, meaning humanitarian support will continue to be critical.Spokespeople from IFRC and the Ukrainian Red Cross based in Kyiv are available for interviews. For more information or to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Budapest: Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020In Geneva: India Roberts-Smillie, +41 76 372 6251

So far and so cold: How the 'snow-how' of Norwegian Red Cross helps Arctic Communities prepare for emergencies

IFRC announces closing of Humanitarian Service Point at Sea and partnership with SOS MEDITERRANEE

Budapest/Geneva, 9 December 2025– The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) regrets to announce the closing of its operation supporting people on the move on the Central Mediterranean, delivered in partnership with SOS MEDITERRANEE aboard the Ocean Viking search and rescue vessel.Despite exhaustive efforts, the IFRC has been unable to secure the necessary resources to continue the operation beyond 2025. As a result, IFRC network staff will no longer be present on board the Ocean Viking, and SOS MEDITERRANEE will cover the vessel’s operational costs alone.This mission has been a lifeline for thousands, rescuing people from the Mediterranean’s perilous waters and providing them with safety, dignity, and care. In the past four years, IFRC network teams onboard Ocean Viking helped save more than 8,600 people, including 2,200 children.“It brings us tremendous pain and sadness to have financial constraints directly impact such a vital and lifesaving operation,” said Maria Alcazar Castilla, IFRC Deputy Regional Director for Europe. “We are grateful to all our partners who supported this important initiative, from funding to sending staff onboard and advocating on behalf of migrants.”On board the Ocean Viking, IFRC teams provided post-rescue humanitarian services, including medical care, first aid, psychosocial support, food, and information about asylum procedures in Europe. Over the years, the IFRC teams participated in 156 rescue operations, distributed 96,000 meals, provided 6,500 medical consultations, and helped deliver 3,200 ‘safe and well’ messages to families of survivors. This work was carried out in an increasingly restrictive and dangerous environment, making the delivery of impartial humanitarian assistance ever more challenging.“We thank SOS MEDITERRANEE for their partnership over the years. Search and rescue operations remain a humanitarian necessity, ensuring that people in distress at sea are brought to safety. Even though our cooperation is ending, we wish for their work to continue for as long as it’s needed,”added Maria Alcazar Castilla.While IFRC’s work at sea concludes, our commitment to people on the move remains steadfast. Red Cross and Red Crescent teams continue to provide humanitarian assistance along migration routes, from disembarkation to integration. This includes Spain, Italy, and Greece, where National Societies are present on the coastlines, and many others across Europe and beyond, offering health care, psychological support, safe shelter, food, and assistance with reconnecting families.Globally, through more than 600 humanitarian service points, migrants and displaced people can access trusted and neutral spaces for support, protection and essential services along every stage of their journey.Note to editors:The Central Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s deadliest migratory routes, with more than 25,000 people having lost their lives or gone missing in the past 10 years. Every day, many people risk their lives at sea, travelling in unseaworthy, overloaded boats.In July 2021, the IFRC entered a partnership with SOS MEDITERRANEE – a European maritime and humanitarian organization conducting search and rescue operations to save lives in the Central Mediterranean. The operation is conducted from the rescue ship Ocean Viking.Since 2021, the IFRC received a total financial support 5.2 million Swiss francs for the humanitarian operation at sea, with the greatest contributions coming from the Swedish Red Cross, Icelandic Red Cross and the Netherlands Red Cross, as well as the Muslim World League. Additional support was received from Canadian Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, French Red Cross, Irish Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross and Monaco Red Cross.Other partners supported the mission through staff deployments, including American Red Cross, Belgian Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, French Red Cross, Hong Kong Red Cross Branch (of the Red Cross Society of China), Icelandic Red Cross, Italian Red Cross, Kuwait Red Crescent, Monaco Red Cross, Slovak Red Cross, and Swedish Red Cross.The Swedish Red Cross, thanks to a generous contribution from the Swedish Post Code Lottery, continues to support SOS MEDITERRANEE in the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency of search and rescue at sea. This project will continue in 2026.· Visuals:Additional photos and video available here: LINK· Audio:An interview on IFRC News, IFRC’s weekly news podcastFor more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Budapest:Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67

World Mental Health Day: New IFRC report reveals why mental health must be part of any emergency response.

Statement: Attack on Ocean Viking deeply concerning, endangering humanitarian workers and survivors in the Mediterranean

Budapest/Geneva, 12 September 2025 –The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) strongly deplores the attack on the search and rescue ship Ocean Vikingon 24 August. At the time of the attack in the Central Mediterranean, 87 rescued people were on board, with five IFRC and nineteen SOS MEDITERRANEE staff.Although everyone disembarked safely, the attack left people severely distressed and caused significant damage to the ship’s bridge and critical rescue equipment. As a consequence, the ship will not be operational in the near future.“This underscores not only the growing risks for those undertaking life-saving rescues in the Mediterranean, but also the dangerous reality facing humanitarian workers worldwide,”said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe.“Threatening rescued people and those saving lives is unacceptable. Wecall on all concerned authorities to ensure accountability and do everything in their power to prevent such an incident from happening again.”Every year, thousands of people attempt to cross the Central Mediterranean, one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Search and rescue operations remain a humanitarian necessity, ensuring that people in distress at sea are brought to safety. For these operations to be possible, humanitarian workers and civilians must never be targeted.The IFRC remains firmly committed to supporting people on the move through its humanitarian service points across the Mediterranean and beyond, ensuring that people forced to take dangerous journeys can access safety, care, and dignity wherever they are.Since 2021, the IFRC–SOS MEDITERRANEE partnership on board the Ocean Viking has had 156 rescue missions, with more than 8,600 people supported with immediate assistance including food, water, medical care, and psychosocial support. This lifesaving work is part of a wider, long-term commitment to protect and assist people on the move across one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.For more information, [email protected] Budapest:Corrie Butler +36 704306506Nora Peter+36 70 265 4020In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 43 67

Faster, closer, safer: Local action backed by global solidarity.

Lost and found at sea: Saving lives, coping with loss, aboard the Ocean Viking rescue vessel

It’s one of the most demanding and unusual humanitarian missions happening in the world today, and it’s being carried out at sea, by the crew of the Ocean Viking rescue vessel. Chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the ship patrols the Mediterranean Sea to rescue people in deep distress at sea. Crew members spend months at sea, living in small births, constantly on the lookout for boats in distress — small dinghies, full of people, lost among the waves.It’s a dangerous assignment. Rescues often happen at night, during times of heavy winds and choppy seas. And it’s not only the forces of nature that make this mission perilous – only a week ago, after this podcast was recorded, the Ocean Viking was hit by multiple gunshots.So why do they do it? How did the people lost at sea find themselves in these perilous situations? And how does the Ocean Viking crew find them on the vast seascape of the Mediterranean? In this episode we take you on board the Ocean Viking with Sara Mancinelli, the IFRC operations manager aboard the Ocean Viking and Camille Coletta, IFRC’s protection coordinator aboard the ship. Please, join us for an immersive audio journey aboard the Ocean Viking, then please subscribe to this channel to hear more compelling audio storytelling as Season 5 of Red Vest podcast gets under way.

IFRC statement about the incident on the Ocean Viking

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply concerned by the incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon (24 August 2025), when the humanitarian rescue vessel Ocean Viking was struck by multiple gunshots.Thankfully, no individuals were physically harmed. However, this serious event has jeopardized the safety and well-being of both our humanitarian personnel and the rescued individuals on board.The IFRC is actively working to support all those affected and to look into the circumstances surrounding this violent act.Today, humanitarian workers operate in increasingly perilous environments, often putting their own lives at risk to save others. Their mission must be respected and protected at all times. Humanitarian operations must always be respectedandprotected.

Heatwaves and wildfires in Europe: Red Cross and Red Crescent teams protect people at high risk during scorching heat and fires

As heatwaves and wildfires sweep across Europe – putting lives and livelihoods at risk – Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are responding to escalating emergencies that are hitting hardest on those most vulnerable to their effects.Extreme heat claims thousands of lives every year and the most at risk include older people, outdoor workers, people on the move or experiencing homelessness, and communities in fire-prone areas. “Heatwaves and wildfires are no longer isolated events; they are becoming the new reality for millions across Europe,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbeson, IFRC Regional Director for Europe. “Summer after summer, we see that heatwaves are becoming deadlier, fires more intense, and the people most at risk are often the least prepared.”The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) network has mobilized to provide safety tips, check on the most vulnerable and support efforts to battle wildfires. During Europe’s recent heatwave, Red Cross teams are sharing health advice and safety tips, including on how to stay cool and manage sun exposure, recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses, store medication properly and provide care to pets.Helping people stay coolIn Spain’s southern coastal city of Malaga, the Red Cross has set up a “climate refuge”, air-conditioned down to the low twenties, to help residents “cope with the heat in comfort and with company, avoiding the isolation and loneliness” that extreme heat can impose, as people are forced to stay indoors.In other parts of the country, Spanish Red Cross volunteers help people with reduced mobility cool down at the beach through their assisted bathing service. This seemingly small act can make a world of difference to help someone cool down.In Vienna, the Austrian Red Cross is running summer cooling centres, now receiving up to 40 visitors per day. While it is open to all visitors who seek respite from the heat, it particularly addresses older people, children, and people with chronic illnesses.In Greece, the Red Cross activates an Early Action Protocol before heatwaves hit – and volunteers distribute water, isotonic drinks (that help replace fluids and electrolytes), food, and sunscreen, and perform wellness checks with mobile first aid teams.  In North Macedonia, the Red Cross volunteers are addressing the severe risks faced by people on the move in such hot weather.“We are seeing an uptick in heat-related medical conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn and heat stroke,” says Sandra Tomovska, the national field coordinator at the Red Cross of North Macedonia.“People lack access to drinking water and shade during their long, exposed journeys on foot. The heat also intensifies their psychological stress.”The mobile teams are distributing hydration supplies and sun protection to people on the move while coordinating with authorities to ensure safe transit amid extreme heat.Extreme temperatures across the continent contribute to intensified wildfires. From Türkiye and Greece to France and Norway, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams mobilize to support responders battling fires. They are providing first aid and delivering water, food, and other essential items to affected people.  Extreme heat doesn’t have to become a disaster As climate change pushes average temperatures higher, it is also leading to more frequent extreme heat events. They are arriving earlier, lasting longer, and hitting harder. But it doesn’t have to become a disaster if communities are warned well in advance and prepared. The IFRC urges everyone to take simple, lifesaving steps:• stay hydrated• avoid peak heat hours• check on older people and neighbours• and learn to recognize signs of heatstroke.Strengthening local capacities, such as training volunteers and equipping communities to better cope with and adapt to extreme heat, can mean the difference between life and death.Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are embedded into their communities, which means that they can get help to the right place faster.“Preparedness saves lives. It allows us to protect people before, during, and after emergencies. When we have systems, partnerships, and training in place before an extreme weather event, we can respond within hours — not days,” adds Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen.Stay cool, stay safe: Learn more about heatwavesPractical tips and tools to protect yourself and your community Heat waves | IFRC

World Water Day 2025: From glaciers to the kitchen sink, a story of water and resilience from two mountain villages in Tajikistan

"The situation was particularly challenging ... We had to bring water from glacial melt water in the mountains, located 3,000 meters above sea level and 10 kilometres away from the village."Dr. Saadi Izatov, Head of the Health Department at the Red Crescent Society of TajikistanIn the shadow of Tajikistan's towering mountains, a daily struggle plays out for the people who call these remote villages home. Families with sufficient economic status, purchase water for their needs.Other families, for whom the economic burden does not allow for permanent water storage, are forced to trek for hours across rugged terrain to collect water from distant glacial streams and springs. It’s an exhausting routine that defines life in communities like Sangchashma and Nilu.This reality reflects a startling paradox: while Tajikistan holds 60 per cent of Central Asia's water resources, it faces the region's most severe challenges to water access – with nearly half its population lacking safely managed water.The villagers had either to collect water from the mountains or pay for the water brought by water tankers, which was a big financial burden for low-income families in these remote villages of the Hisor district. The 7-to-10-kilometer journey to collect water wasn’t just inconvenient - it was a fundamental barrier to development.Children missed school, productivity suffered, and waterborne diseases threatened public health.“Often, when we ran out of water, my sons had to get water from a spring, which is very far away,”explains Ms. Adolat Sharifova, a resident of Sangchashma village. “Because of this, they could not go to school on such days. Buying water is an impossible burden for our family.”From glacier to villageThese are some of the reasons the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan (RCST), with support from the Japanese Red Cross Society and the IFRC, embarked on an ambitious project to change this reality.The project aimed not just to provide water infrastructure to Sangchashma, but to build community resilience and ensure access to clean water would be sustainable over the long term.For Sangchashma village, this meant laying an extensive network of heavy-duty water pipes across steep mountain terrain in order to reach the water’s source: high altitidue mountain glaciers."The situation was particularly challenging in Sangchashma village," explains Dr. Saadi Izatov, Head of Health Department at RCST. "We had to bring water from glacial melt water in the mountains, located at 3,000 meters above sea level and 10 kilometres away from the village."Rugged terrain was not the only challenge. In May 2024, unexpected mudflows rushed down local gullies and streams, severely damaged the initial construction work, requiring repairs. The mudflows highlighted another ongoing challenge: the impacts of climate change as warm weather melts glaciers at a more rapid pace, making soil less stable and susceptible to rapid erosion. This degradation of the terrain can lead to occasisonal, suddentorrents of mud and water.Despite the technical challenges, the project has transformed life for over 3,400 residents. In Sangchashma village, 300 households now have access to clean water, and importantly, the local primary school with 520 students and the village mosque are now connected to the water supply.In Nilu village, 225 households benefit from a new water system that brings spring water from 7 kilometres away. In addition, 25 water-distribution points were installed across the two villages, with special consideration for households with disabled family members.“Now the situation has changed,”says Adolat Sharifova. “We have water all day around. What you have done is you have given water to the people, and I cannot express words of my gratitude.”Locally led, community drivenProject managers say its success lies in its community-driven approach. Local authorities and community members contributed their labor and resources, covering up to 30 per cent of the construction costs.The local water department in Hisor district played a crucial role by providing technical expertise in the design of the water piping systems.Meanwhile, 44 volunteers were trained in hygiene promotion and disease prevention, and local water committees were established in both villages to maintain the water structures together with the local water department.The IFRC’s approach to WASHSimilar stories are unfolding around the world as the IFRC network and its partners engage with communities to find locally driven solutions that are participatory and community-led."Access to clean water is fundamental to health, dignity, and development," explains Oyungerel Amgaa, the Regional Health and Care Manager for the IFRC, based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. "That's why our National Societies work closely with communities to build systems that last long after project completion, with local water committees ensuring sustainable management."The IFRC approach focuses on four key principles: dignity, access, participation, and safety. This means ensuring that:Everyone has reliable access to clean water they can use for drinking, cooking, and hygieneWater and sanitation systems are designed to withstand environmental challenges and climate impactsCommunities are actively involved in decisions about their water and sanitation infrastructureSpecial attention is given to the most vulnerable community members, including those with disabilitiesAs climate change continues to impact water and sanitation services globally, the IFRC has renewed its commitment to innovative, community-led solutions.Learn more about the IFRC’s work in water, sanitation and hygiene:IFRC water, sanitation and hygiene webpageRead more IFRC World Water Day 2025 stories:World Water Day 2025: Angola Red Cross and IFRC bring safe, treated water and hygiene messages to communities hard hit by cholera | IFRCWorld Water Day: After the quake, Red Cross brings life-changing water to Vanuatu’s hidden communitiesWorld Water Day 2025: Clean water is about safety, health and so much more

'At a tipping point': Hardship for Ukrainians abroad

Kyiv, Budapest, Geneva, 14 February 2025 –A new report from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) highlights that financial hardship is pushing more displaced Ukrainians to return home even to front-line areas where devastation and the threat of violence remains high.The reportpaints a stark picture of people pushed to their limits both inside and outside of Ukraine. For those abroad, support systems are weakened, and living costs continue to rise. For many, especially older individuals, debt is mounting, healthcare is inaccessible, and the daily struggles are becoming overwhelming.“People are reaching a tipping point—between the hardship of displacement and the uncertainty of returning to potentially dangerous areas. Whether they stay or go, their needs are growing and require sustained support,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe.“Once they return to Ukraine, the humanitarian needs are significant – ranging from food and necessities to assistance finding employment. Still, many are returning to contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, despite the immense challenges that await.”Key Findings from the Report:Economic strains driving people to return: Over half of those returning to Ukraine are doing so due to economic pressures, with 23 per cent reducing their food intake due to lack of resources.Returning to high-risk areas:27 per cent of returnees are settling in areas near the front lines, despite serious security risks. A shocking 79 per cent of returnees to frontline areas report urgent unmet humanitarian needs.Debt: One in three returning refugees are currently in debt, with 12 per cent facing crippling debt they are unable to pay back.Older populations at severe risk:54 per cent of displaced elderly Ukrainians rely on government aid, which is often insufficient. 32 per cent are living alone, increasing their vulnerability.Declining support: A drop in projected international aid in 2025 is putting critical humanitarian programmes at risk. The IFRC currently faces a CHF 280 million funding gap to sustain essential services for those affected.With millions of Ukrainians facing worsening conditions both at home and in host countries, the IFRC is urging governments, donors, and humanitarian partners to step up support for displaced populations.“Without urgent funding and policy action, we are pushing people into an impossible choice: poverty abroad or insecure conditions at home. We must do better,” said Ebbesen.The IFRC network continues to deliver critical aid, including emergency cash assistance, mental health support, and essential winter supplies to vulnerable populations in Ukraine and host countries globally.With one of the largest humanitarian responses in history, 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are supporting people impacted by the Russia-Ukraine International Armed Conflict across the globe.However, sustained funding and policy commitments are crucial to ensuring displaced Ukrainians can rebuild their lives with dignity.*This analysis is based on data collected from 5,400 displaced Ukrainians, returnees, and communities affected by the crisis inside and outside Ukraine. It covers six countries across Europe as well as Ukraine.For more information, contact:For all media inquiries, reach out [email protected] Kyiv: Anastasiia Shvets, +380 99 408 5860In Budapest:Corrie Butler, +36 70 430 6506; Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367; Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109

Migration: A father pens a poem of pain and loss after rescue turns to tragedy

“On the shore of death, your journey ended.Your little heart, still unripe, could not endure.It was filled with love, overflowing until the very last breath.You left, my beautiful one, my little one…”These are the painful, mournful words of a father grieving, written in the hours after his seven-year-old daughter suffered a cardiac arrest — shortly after she herself was rescued from a boat in distress in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Her name was Rahaf and she and her family had just been brought on board the search and rescue ship Ocean Viking, which is run by SOS Mediterranee and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).Shortly after the rescue, Rahaf, who had an underlying heart condition, went into cardiac arrest. After CPR by the team on board, she was airlifted to a hospital in Malta. Tragically, she did not survive the journey and passed away in the helicopter.Plunged into grief, her father put his pain into words, which he inscribed with a ballpoint pen on a simple piece of white paper. He then asked that this poem and the story of his daughter be shared with the world — as an homage to his daughter and to bring attention to the situation facing people crossing the Mediterranean.The family of four was among a group of 92 migrants rescued from a boat in distress in the Central Mediterranean, near Malta. Here is the full version of the father's poem:“On the shore of death, your journey ended.Your little heart, still unripe, could not endure.It was filled with love, overflowing until the very last breath.You left, my beautiful one, my little one…Your gentle voice has vanished foreverLeaving behind a father, a mother, and a sister—Lost, wandering between sea and sky.How could your kind heart leave your dears suddenly?You bore the hardship of travel, the cruelty of the waves—All for what?For a dignified life. Yes, you have found it now, Rahaf. You are in eternal bliss.May your soul rest in peace, my love.”An ocean of human sufferingSadly, Rahaf’s death is not an isolated case. The Mediterranean is one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. At least 115 children lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean in 2024 alone.Since 2014, more than 31,000 migrants have drowned or gone missing during the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea.Behind every number is a person: a child, father, a sister—risking everything in search of safety.To help avert more tragic stories and unnecessary deaths, the IFRC remains committed to the rescue efforts and to working aboard the Ocean Viking to ensure that people lost and in distress in the vast Mediterranean receive critical life-saving care they need, as well as psychological support to help them deal with the stresses they have been through.Supported with an ongoing emergency appeal to support their operations in the Mediterranean, the IFRC operates what it calls a “humanitarian service point” or HSP on the Ocean Viking. This floating, mobile HSP offers several critical services, including medical care, psychological support, and other kinds of counseling to help migrants cope with what they’ve been through and prepare for what may lie ahead when they finally reach a European port and new challenges arise.

Climate change, economic uncertainty and the future of volunteering: IFRC youth leader takes on the hot issues impacting young people

When Bas van Rossum was elected to represent youth on the IFRC Governing Board, he was the youngest person to ever serve in that role. Now as he steps down as president of IFRC’s Youth Commission, he talks about the challenges that defined his tenure. “Young people are perhaps the closest to the front lines,” he says in this special episode, recorded during the IFRC Youth Forum and released on the first day of the IFRC General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. “So it's really important that we listen to young volunteers and that we give them space to really shape the direction we're heading.”

Behind the scenes: ‘The new normal’ means the job of getting ready for disaster never ends

Central Europe is experiencing its biggest floods in decades. But that is only the latest round ofclimate-related phenomena — from heat and cold waves, to storms, wildfires and landslides — that have pushed many communities to the breaking point.As some worry this is becoming ‘the new normal’, those whose job it is to protect people from these emergencies say preparing for multiple, overlapping crisis will become more important than ever.“As Europe is warming much faster than the rest of the world, floods are occurring more frequently and with more unpredictability,”says Andreas von Weissenberg, the IFRC’s Head of Health, Disasters, Climate and Crises in Europe. “Scaling up climate adaptation action and strengthening preparedness is a must.”But what does that mean in a region already dealing with an international conflict, mass migration, an increase in communicable diseases, continuedrisk of earthquakes,as well as human-induced disasters such as industrial and transportation accidents?For Red Cross and RedCrescent National Societies, it means continuing to play a key role in helping people and communities prepare for future crisis, even while responding to ongoing emergencies.“Europe and Central Asia is a large and complex region that is facing an unprecedented escalation in several types of hazards, in addition to the risk of recurrent and severe flooding,” saysMegan Krolik, IFRC’s National Society Preparedness Coordinator for Europe.Even as communities struggle to recover from floods, wildfires or earthquakes, they must also be thinking about — and getting ready for — whatever comes next. As part of these affected communities, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies must address these challenges head on.“It is more important than ever to ensure that we have the necessary skills, resources, and capacities to effectively manage domestic disaster responses, as well as the larger, cross-border humanitarian crises, both of which are becoming more and more frequent,” Krolik says.‘Sustainable preparedness’National Societies impacted by the Ukraine conflict have seen first-hand the need to scale up their own institutional preparedness.“In the past year of the emergency response operation in Ukraine and the impacted countries, the operational preparedness of National Societies has become a clear priority,”says Krolik, adding that the lessons learned from this experience are being turned into operational analyses that enable National Societies to make a high level of preparedness sustainable over the long term.In addition, operational reviews required as part of IFRC’s funding mechanisms help the IFRC and National Societies analyze hazards and challenges, as well as the capacity of each National Society, and then develop the best possible preparedness strategies.The IFRC has also been working with National Societies on a range of preparedness efforts across Europe and Central Asia:• The creation of 11 new Emergency Operation Centres to help coordinate regional responses.• The launch of a new platform, called X-Stock, by five National Societies in southeastern Europe, for managing warehouse space and relief supplies in real time.• The participations of more National Societies in regional and national emergency simulations.• Scaling up of disaster response team training on many aspects of emergency response.The Slovak Red Cross is one of the National Societies going through this preparedness transformation.“Over the past two and a half years, we have witnessed an influx of displaced people from Ukraine,” saysKatarína Rakická, Operations Manager at the Slovak Red Cross (SRC). “The SRC has been engaged in the provision of support and services for the displaced population that was transiting through the country, as well as for those who have decided to stay and settle down.” Due to the complex situation, there is a renewed commitment to National Society strengthening.“We have prioritized disaster preparedness and have developed a work plan to strengthen our response capacity, with a particular emphasis on migration,” Katarína states.The Slovak Red Cross is not the only National Society in the region putting its response capacity to the test.The Lithuanian Red Cross has a highly skilled staff and a willingness to further develop its disaster management team. But prior to the Ukraine conflict, it had never been involved in such a large-scale emergency response.“The arrival of migrants and refugees from Ukraine has provided the Lithuanian Red Cross with significant experience in handling emergencies," notes Eray Atay, IFRC’s Senior Preparedness Officer in Europe. "This situation has helped them develop their operations, expand their teams, and enhance their response capacities.”A shared concernNow the Lithuanian Red Cross, along with other European National Societies, is going even further by developing contingency planning for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) events. This is particularly relevant due to the proximity of a nuclear power plant to the Lithuanian border.“This concern is shared by other National Societies in the Baltic region and in Central Europe,” Eray says. “This is due to the presence of numerous nuclear and chemical plants, and the potential for accidents or conflict-related incidents.”CBRN preparedness is a key topic in the Preparedness for Effective Response (PER) workshops which the IFRC is rolling out across the region.“Developing contingency plans tailored to each National Society's mandate and capacities is crucial,”Eray adds.“These plans help National Societies in the region to define their roles and responsibilities, ensuring they can effectively respond to various disaster scenarios that may impact their countries.” Sharing regional stockpilesThe COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the need for regional preparedness, and in particular, cross-border stockpiling and transportation strategies, according to Nebojsa Medojevic, IFRC Disaster and Crisis Preparedness Delegate in Europe.This is one reason that five National Societies in the southeast European region created the X-Stock Platform for managing warehouse space on a regional basis.This helps them enhance cross-border emergency management through shared real-time management of emergency stock.“The X-STOCK platform was created as a virtual warehouse to improve regional preparedness, enabling real-time stock management and facilitating emergency relief”, he says.The fact that 11 European National Societies have establishedEmergency Operations Centers (EOCs) will also helpNational Societies strengthen crisis management, internal communication and data analysis, he adds.“EOCs have played a crucial role in monitoring and responding to emergencies,”according to Nebojsa. “Many National Societies have extended the concept to their field branches, based on exposure and vulnerability to potential future disasters.”

Recommendations from IFRC Governing Board Oversight Group on Russian Red Cross

As the world’s largest humanitarian network comprised of 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the IFRC advocates for delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance, even in the most complex scenarios.The situation in and around the international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine is an extraordinarily difficult geo-political and operational context that poses tremendous risks for civilians and the humanitarian workers operating in this environment. Given the context, this work is challenging and often performed in less-than-ideal and dangerous circumstances.Allegations against the Russian Red Cross (RRC) have understandably raised concerns among the people we serve and within our network. We need the trust of the communities we serve to ensure access and deliver humanitarian assistance. Trust is the cornerstone of our work. To maintain this trust, the IFRC established a dedicated Governing Board Oversight Group (GBOG) to examine these allegations.On 24 September 2024, the IFRC Governing Board endorsed the GBOG findings and recommendations for the RRC.The GBOG found that RRC has humanitarian access and delivers humanitarian services in accordance with the Principles of Humanitarian Action. It also recognized that the context is highly sensitive and there are no long-term humanitarian solutions to complex geopolitical challenges. The IFRC Governing Board endorsed that the IFRC continues working with the RRC to implement the recommendations, noting that actions have already been taken in certain areas to address some of the recommendations.RecommendationsThe recommendations offered by the GBOG and endorsed by the IFRC Governing Board will contribute to further strengthening the RRC programs. The GBOG recommends the RRC strengthen its frameworks for child safeguarding and protection. Additionally, it urges reviewing agreements with entities that may compromise the RRC's ability to adhere to the Fundamental Principles in its work to support affected people. Also, the RRC involvement in every activity with partners needs to be strictly limited to those within its humanitarian mandate or alternatively should be discontinued. In consultation with the IFRC, the RRC is currently developing a comprehensive Policy on Child Safeguarding, a Good Partnership Policy and Partner Integrity Assessment Questionnaire. This also includes workshops and training to ensure staff at all levels are well versed in handling these sensitive issues.The GBOG identified the need to enhance compliance of the RRC with its Code of Conduct and ethical standards. The structure of the RRC, which includes over 80 regional branches that act with a high degree of independence, and the vast size of the country, which spans 11 time zones, further compound these challenges. The GBOG recommends comprehensive training across all branches on key Movement and IFRC policies and revisions to the Code of Conduct to strengthen child protection, data privacy and social media use.Another area of focus for the GBOG involved the coordination of humanitarian assistance in the four territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. The GBOG recognizes that the humanitarian imperative guides the work of the Red Cross and must take precedence over open and difficult political issues. Paramount in this recommendation must be advocacy for pragmatic and innovative solutions and the will to engage in dialogue among all parties to ensure protection of lives and health of people concerned.The IFRC Governing Board also endorsed the GBOC recommendation to be guided by a similar approach to addressing humanitarian needs in Crimea.Cognizant of the current challenges, the GBOG recommends that communication channels should be established between RRC and URCS to address humanitarian needs.The GBOG recommends that the RRC continue to advocate for a Red Cross Law within Russia to underscore the National Society’s auxiliary role in the humanitarian field.The Russian Red Cross remains an IFRC member, and its President remains its representative on the IFRC Governing Board.Advisory GroupThe Governing Board Oversight Group (GBOG) was established by the IFRC Governing Board on 25 April 2024 to address allegations against the RRC. While not an investigative entity, the GBOG functions as an advisory body tasked to gather information and assess the RRC’s adherence to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The group presented its work in September of 2024 after a comprehensive analysis of interviews, document reviews and field visits. Throughout the process, the RRC has been cooperative and the IFRC will continue to work towards implementation of these recommendations.Russian version:Рекомендации Группы Правления МФОККиКП по наблюдению относительно Российского Красного КрестаЯвляясь крупнейшей в мире гуманитарной сетью, состоящей из 191Национального общества Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца, МФОККиКП выступает за оказание гуманитарной помощи, необходимой для спасения жизней, даже в самых сложных ситуациях.Ситуация в рамках международного вооруженного конфликта между Россией и Украиной и вокруг него представляет собой чрезвычайно сложный геополитический и операционный контекст, который создает огромные риски для гражданского населения и сотрудников гуманитарных организаций, работающих в этих условиях. Учитывая сложившийся контекст, такая работа является сложной и часто выполняется в далеко не идеальных и опасных условиях.Обвинения в адрес Российского Красного Креста(РКК) по понятным причинам вызвали обеспокоенность людей, которым мы служим, и среди членов нашей сети. Для обеспечения доступа и оказания гуманитарной помощи нам необходимо доверие сообществ, которым мы служим. Доверие—это основа нашей работы. Для сохранения такого доверия МФОККиКП учредила особую Группу Правления по наблюдению(ГПН) для рассмотрения данных обвинений.Двадцать четвертого сентября 2024года Правление МФОККиКП приняло выводы и рекомендации ГПН в отношении РКК.ГПНустановила, что РКК имеет гуманитарный доступ и предоставляет гуманитарные услуги в соответствии с принципами гуманитарной деятельности. ГПН также признает, что ситуация является крайне сложной, а долгосрочных гуманитарных решений сложных геополитических проблем не существует. Правление МФОККиКП поддержало продолжение работы МФОККиКП с РКК для выполнения рекомендаций, отметив, что в отношении некоторых рекомендаций уже были приняты соответствующие меры.РекомендацииРекомендации, предложенные ГПН и одобренные Правлением МФОККиКП, будут способствовать дальнейшему укреплению программРКК.ГПНрекомендуетРКК укрепить свою систему защиты и обеспечения безопасности детей. Помимо этого, ГПНнастоятельно призывает пересмотреть соглашения с организациями, которые могут поставить под угрозу способность РКК придерживаться Основополагающих принципов в своей работе по оказанию помощи пострадавшим. Кроме того, участиеРКК в любой деятельности с партнерами должно быть строго ограничено теми партнерствами, которые соответствуют гуманитарному мандату Национального общества; в противном случае такие партнерства должны быть прекращены. В настоящее времяРКК в консультации с МФОККиКП разрабатывает комплексную Политику в области обеспечения безопасности детей,Политику добросовестного партнерства и Анкету для оценки добросовестности партнера. Данная деятельностьтакже подразумевает проведение семинаров и тренингов, чтобы сотрудники на всех уровнях были хорошо осведомлены о данных деликатных вопросах.ГПНподчеркнула необходимость более строгого соблюдения Кодекса поведения и этических стандартов вРКК. СтруктураРКК, которая включает в себя более 80региональных отделений, действующих с высокой степенью независимости, и огромные размеры страны, которая охватывает 11часовых поясов, лишь больше усугубляют данные вызовы. ГПНрекомендует провести всестороннее обучение по ключевым вопросам политик Движения и МФОККиКП во всех отделениях, а также внести изменения в Кодекс поведения для усиления защиты детей, конфиденциальности данных и использования социальных сетей.Еще одним вопросом, рассмотренным ГПН, стала координация оказания гуманитарной помощи на четырех территориях—Донецкой, Луганской, Херсонской и Запорожской областях. ГПНпризнает, что во главе работы Красного Креста находится гуманитарный императив; он должен превосходить по важности незакрытые и сложные политические вопросы. Первостепенное значение в этой рекомендации отводится продвижению прагматичных и новаторских решений и стремлению к диалогу между всеми сторонами для обеспечения защиты жизни и здоровья затронутого населения.Правление МФОККиКП также одобряет рекомендациюГПН о необходимости руководствоваться аналогичным подходом к удовлетворению гуманитарных потребностей в Крыму.Осознавая текущие проблемы, ГПНрекомендует установить каналы связи междуРКК иОККУ для удовлетворения гуманитарных потребностей.ГПНрекомендуетРКК продолжать выступать за принятие Закона о Красном Кресте в России, чтобы подчеркнуть вспомогательную роль Национального общества в гуманитарной сфере.Российский Красный Крест остается членом МФОККиКП, а его Председатель—представителем в Правлении МФОККиКП.Консультативная группаГруппа по наблюдению Правления (ГПН) была создана Правлением МФОККиКП 25апреля 2024года для рассмотрения обвинений в адресРКК. Не являясь органом, проводящим расследования, ГПН выполняет функцию консультативного органа, которому поручено собирать информацию и оценивать соблюдение РКК Основополагающих принципов международного Движения Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца. Группа представила результаты своей работы в сентябре 2024года после всестороннего анализа интервью, изучения документов и поездок на места. На протяжении всего процесса РКК сотрудничал с ГПН. МФОККиКП продолжит работу по выполнению этих рекомендаций.

World Mental Health Day: By helping others, a young volunteer learned how to help herself

When Gunel Abbasova was a young student, she dreamed of doing something to help others. But for some time, conflict in her country kept from her realising those dreams.“Due to displacement from Aghdam, the conflict left many traces in my life: my unfinished dreams, my lost childhood, and my inability to pursue higher education,” she says. “Little Gunel had already grown up, but her dreams had not yet come true. I always thought that when I grew up, I would become a lawyer and help people in need.”But then Gunel discovered a new way to help others, as a volunteer with the Aghdam district branch of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society. Gunel explains that throughout these difficult experiences, the National Society gave her hope and helped her realise her potential.“Time passed, year after year, and I was losing hope,”she recalls. “However, when my hopes were nearly exhausted, I happened to meet a person who informed me about the Aghdam branch of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and said there was a need for volunteers. He mentioned that I could be a part of this community's mission as a volunteer without financial compensation.“Normally, each of us expects some financial support in return for the work we do, even if it is small. But somehow, I didn't think about it for a second. I had already made my choice. I believed that I would find myself there, and indeed, I was not wrong.The Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society became the sun shining brightly on me after the rain..”Now Gunel is one of many volunteers helping to bring mental health and psychosocial support to people as part of a project supported financially by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the IFRC.The project is called “Bridging the Gap between Community Needs and Local Capacities and Capabilities of the Civil Society Actors in Azerbaijan” and it aims to strengthen the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) capacity of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzRCS).The National Society soon became a place where she could develop her knowledge and skills. However, Gunel still felt that something was missing.“Years later, I had given up on the idea of studying, but I began to develop myself at the National Society. I visited many regions and cities, received training from professional and educated trainers, and increased my knowledge and skills.”“I started to feel happier. I participated in the distribution of humanitarian aid, provided first aid, met many people, and made friends. But there was still something missing. Sometimes I was very weak. Sometimes I ran away from situations as the fear of losing did not allow me to move forward.”“As I developed, I began to search for myself. Who am I? Where am I? Where should I be? I asked myself these questions all the time. One day they announced a new training. When I heard the name of the training, a spark arose in me. At that point in my life, I needed exactly that – mental health and psychosocial support training.”‘Now I have found myself’The mental health and psychosocial support field helped her fill the missing void in her life, made her understand herself better, become happier, and improve her relationships with people.“While attending training and participating in activities in this field, I better understood myself and my aspirations. Over the years, I reached a level where I could inform other people on this topic. As an AzRCS volunteer, I started working with children aged 5-12 in schools, conducting psychosocial sessions for them.Now I have found myself, and I know that it is impossible to be healthy without mental health. I can handle stress and take care of myself. I conduct awareness sessions for community members on this topic. If people are aware of their mental health, they can cope more easily with psychological issues and traumas. They realise that there is hope and light in their lives.”“I am stronger now. I want people to unite and support each other in difficult situations, just like we do at the National Society. I am very grateful to the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support team who helped me.”Learn more about how the IFRC and its member National Societies support people with mental health and psychosocial services.Mental health and psychosocial support at IFRC5 top tips on maintaining mental health from Red Cross first-responder volunteersUruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventableBreaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflictEuropean Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

Taking on the ‘toxic’ hero narrative: Red Cross youth volunteer leader says it’s time to change the way we speak about and work with young volunteers

It’s quite common to refer to volunteers and first-responders as ‘heroes’. After all, they often risk their lives to save others. But in some cases, can that hero narrative do more harm than good? Ukraine Red Cross volunteer and IFRC Youth Commission member Maryna Kozhedub answers unequivocally ‘yes’, especially for young volunteers. Calling them heroes in conflict situations puts unreal expectations and pressure on people who are also impacted by crisis. “I am absolutely against hero narratives,” she says. “I'm about the narrative that volunteers work hard, but they are humans who have needs and should be protected and cared for, because this pressure would be enormous for anyone.”

Red Cross teams respond to 'historic' floods across Central Europe

Budapest/Geneva, 16 September 2024 – Central Europe is experiencing its biggest floods in decades, which may soon become the new normal, warns the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).Thousands of Red Cross volunteers in Austria, Czech Republic, Moldova, Poland and Romania are working around the clock to respond to the needs of affected people. In the last few days, torrential rain from Storm Boris has caused massive flooding in these countries, leading to flooded homes, power outages, transport disruption and damaged infrastructure.“As Europe is warming much faster than the rest of the world, we are facing a possible future where such floods are not called historic, but frequent or even annual. We must brace ourselves to adapt to this new reality,” says Andreas von Weissenberg, the IFRC’s Head of Health, Disasters, Climate & Crises in Europe.Among the worst affected areas is Lower Austria, where 1,750 people had to leave their homes and go to temporary shelters. Many of them lived through a similar crisis during the floods of 2002 and are now in fear of losing everything once again.More than 2,500 Austrian Red Cross volunteers and staff are responding, assisting with evacuations, setting up temporary shelters and caring for displaced people.In eastern Romania, the floods have already claimed the lives of six people. In the hardest-hit counties of Galati and Vaslui, more than 5,000 homes have been flooded and hundreds of people have been evacuated.The Romanian Red Cross has distributed 20 tonnes of food and drinking water and launched an appeal for donations to support the affected people.Other countries in the region including Germany, Hungary and Slovakia remain on high alert, with Red Cross teams coordinating with local authorities and ready to respond. Rainfall is due to continue on Monday, while water levels are expected to peak during the week.“While countries in Europe have made significant steps in understanding and preparing for climate risks, the implementation is lagging behind the rapidly increasing risk levels,” says Andreas von Weissenberg.“We need to scale up climate adaptation action - including locally led approaches and strengthening local capacities - and build preparedness and resilience,” he adds.Note to editors:Photos from Romania: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/4401Photos from Austria: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/4402For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Budapest: Nora Peter +36 70 953 7709In Bucharest: Diana Hohol +40 730 865 106In Geneva: Hannah Copeland +44 7535316633

European Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

In the first few months after Svitlana arrived in Burgas, a city on Bulgaria's eastern Black Sea coast, she lived in a shelter and made money by playing violin on the streets.The former music teacher who fled conflict in Ukraine also received support from the Bulgarian Red Cross in the form of food, clothes and hygiene kits. Eventually, she found a job at the Burgas Opera House as a stage assistant.Now Svitlana is able to share her creative gifts in the form of music and art therapy sessions for other people impacted by the conflict in her homeland.“When people hear a song in their native language, from their homeland, it makes them feel better,” she says, adding that music and art – and the conversations it leads to – also help people feel more comfortable and integrated in their new communities.Svitlana’s music and art therapy sessions are just one of many examples of how Red Cross National Societies in Europe are using people’s inherent creativity to help them through a tumultuous and difficult time.A complimentary therapyIn a world where stress and anxiety are constant companions, expressive therapies that use the creative process have gained traction in recent years as a complement to traditional psychotherapy.Amidst the displacement crisis stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, Red Cross National Societies have stepped forward with a wide-range of innovative approaches to support the mental well-being of people forced to flee their homes.Spearheaded by the EU4Health programme, funded by the European Union's DG Sante project, this initiative aims to deliver crucial mental health and psychosocial support to people displaced from Ukraine.Representing one of the most substantial responses to mental health crises in emergencies within the Red Cross and Red Crescent family, the partnership between DG Sante and the IFRC has introduced diverse forms of art therapy tailored specifically to the needs of affected communities.These therapeutic interventions offer an avenue for people to articulate and process their experiences, facilitating a sense or healing and hope amidst the prevailing uncertainty.FriendshipThe Finnish Red Cross, for example, organized an event for Ukrainians under the theme of friendship. Surrounded by scraps of paper, markers, glue and other craft supplies, the children wrote messages on cards that they then shared with loved ones.In making the thank-you cards, they used words, drawing and pictures cut out of magazines to express their feelings. They also learned and wrote down some Finnish words, further encouraging a sense of belonging in their new communities. One child made a birthday card for his father. The event was defined by a spirit of happiness and togetherness.‘Personal growth’One local branch of the Portuguese RedCrossorganized a handicraft workshop specifically tailored for Ukrainian women. While children attended school or spent time at the Red Cross safe space, women make handicrafts that, at the same time, help them learn Portuguese, acquire new craft skills and feel more integrated in their new communities.Their participation not only facilitated skill development but also contributed to a boost in self-esteem. "It was a significant challenge for everyone involved, but it led to personal and professional growth," said one of the participants.What does happiness look like?One project organized by the Romanian Red Cross asked Ukrainian children at the Multicultural Humanity Centre to reveal on paper what happiness looks like to them. Using coloured pencils and a lot of imagination, the children opened their hearts."I am happy when I have my sister, my family and my stuffed toys by my side," nine-year-old Yeseniia wrote on her card.The art therapy offered by the Romanian Red Cross is just one part of a larger comprehensive approach that aims to meet the participants’ urgent and basic needs. This includes health services and psychosocial support, thematic workshops for children and parents, Romanian and English language courses, life skills activities, and hot meals.Back in Bulgaria, the music and art therapy sessions organized by Svitlana are also a chance for her to find comfort after a harrowing ordeal that forced her to leave her home in Dnipro, Ukraine.Svitlana remembers how her house was constantly trembling during the air raids. “I’m grateful to live under a peaceful sky,” Svetlana says.The content of this article is the sole responsibility of IFRC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

IFRC calls for humane implementation of the European Pact on Asylum and Migration

The European Parliament has approved the European Pact on Asylum and Migration, now the focus shifts to implementation. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) asks all European Union (EU) Member States to guarantee humane conditions for asylum seekers and migrants affected, never losing their focus on human dignity and human rights. The IFRC has concerns. The Pact focuses on the normalization of detention and speedier processes at borders. Both are worrying. Detention damages people. Quick decisions can risk returning people who should be granted asylum. In the Pact’s implementation, EU countries must ensure the systemic use of detention is avoided at all costs, and that individuals are always treated as individuals.Effective collaboration and solidarity between EU states will be vital too. The Pact maintains the principle that asylum seekers remain in the country where their application was first registered to be entitled to accommodation and other services. This will not encourage other Member States to help relocate asylum seekers and share responsibilities. Nor, in our view, will a tougher regime reduce the number of migrants coming to Europe, as the Pact assumes.As the EU and its Member States begin to implement the Pact, it’s essential that migrants continue to get assistance, support and humanitarian aid. We need to ensure the Pact is operationalized in a way that upholds the welfare, rights and dignity of all migrants. This is why it is crucial that humanitarian organizations such as the IFRC and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are part of dialogue on the implementation.Appealing to the European Union and its Member States, Ezekiel Simperingham, the IFRC's migration and displacement manager says: “The IFRC is calling on the European Union and its Member States to remember that at the heart of these decisions are real people with hopes and fears. We need to treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter where they come from. This is how we can make sure everyone's rights and dignity are protected.”More information:For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Brussels:Eva Oyon: +3222350922In Geneva:Mrinalini Santhanam: +41763815006

EU4Health and the IFRC

Adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Commission's EU4Health programme seeks to boost pandemic preparedness and build stronger, more resilient and more accessible health systems. A key part of the EU4Health programme includes an historic and ambitious partnership with the IFRC to provide psychological first aid and mental health services to people throughout Europe who have been impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.

Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen: Two years since Ukraine conflict escalation, ‘we have helped 18 million people’ but the needs are still immense

IFRC’sregional director for Europetalks about the conflict that has impacted not just the European continent, but the entire world.Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesenexplains how the principle of neutrality — along with an inspiring level of humanitarian solidarity— has helped the IFRC assist some 18 million people impacted by the crisis. She explains why mental health services are now at the forefront of our response and she takes on several other hot humanitarian topics, from climate change to migration and the inclusion of women in humanitarian leadership.

IFRC Global COVID-19 study: vaccine bank an ‘essential element’ of next pandemic response

Geneva/Panama City/Buenos Aires – 31st January 2024Governments need to prepare for the next pandemic by establishing an international ‘vaccine bank’ which ensures the availability and distribution of vaccines equitably in all regions of the world.That’s the central recommendation of a new report following a huge study into the impact of COVID-19 and authorities’ reactions to it. The report is being released exactly four years on from the IFRC’s first Global COVID emergency appeal, on 31st January 2020.The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) commissioned researchers from the Humanitarian Observatory, an IFRC reference centre hosted by the Argentine Red Cross, to carry out a major research project. For it, they’d carried out interviews with 16,027 people, working in collaboration with 90 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies.People from different sectors were asked about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic partners from the private sector and trade unions also collaborated in conducting the surveys.Participants were chosen to represent people working or active in six societal sectors - healthcare, academia/education, transport, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the corporate sector and the media. The study looked for both common trends and contrasts across geographies and sectors. Its aim was to develop recommendations so that the next pandemic can be handled better than the last.The study – ‘Insights Gained by Strategic Sectors During the Pandemic’ – found:Nearly 70% of people in all sectors and regions had a high fear of catching COVID-19. People in the Americas and/or working in healthcare had the highest fear.More than half of all respondents said their personal finances were affected by the pandemic.54% of participants interviewed said their government handled the pandemic well. The percentage was highest across Africa and lowest across the Americas.Almost half of all respondents working in healthcare and the media felt ‘discriminated against’ for the role they played during the pandemic.The vast majority of interviewees said they received no priority for vaccinations despite the important roles they played during the pandemic.The main recommendations of the report include:Creating a global vaccine and antidote bank to ensure the availability and distribution of supplies equitably in all regions.Establishing priorities for vaccination or delivery of medicines to those who enable the world's citizens to receive food, medical care, news and education.Carrying out a communication campaign from a supranational body that values the actions of the essential sectors to legitimise their tasks and recognize their work.José Scioli, Director of the Humanitarian Observatory of the Argentine Red Cross said:"Some of the answers to the main challenges require establishing efficient processes on a global scale. That is why it is so central to take these global lessons to ensure that we can all – as humanity as a whole - learn from our experience and emerge stronger. We are convinced that we are capable of learning from our past to improve the present and future. With the insights from the Humanitarian Observatory’s study, we can promote the exchange of information to improve our societies."Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Under Secretary General said:“The COVID-19 pandemic led to the biggest worldwide disruption to normal life in a generation. But its impacts were disproportionate. Often, for example, vaccines were distributed on the basis of money, not need. Those who contributed most to helping the vulnerable through the pandemic were too often treated the worst. This important study offers a path to handling the next pandemic better. Its ambition and scale means its recommendations carry weight. “The full report can be downloaded in English here, and from here via the ‘Descargar Informe’ link in Spanish, French and Arabic.There are downloadable graphics and animations to add to coverage hereFor more information or to set up an interview: [email protected] Geneva: Andrew Thomas +41 76 367 65 87In Buenos Aires: Jose Scioli +54 911 64551193In Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes +507 6999 3199

Red Cross helplines offering mental health resources in Ukrainian

The conflict in Ukraine has exposed people to extremely distressing situations. People have lost loved ones, homes and jobs. Many have witnessed traumatic events or are now finding their way in countries, far from friends and family, among people who do not share their language.At times like this, it’s important to have someone to talk to. This is why Red Cross National Societies around Europe are there to offer a listening ear. From Bulgaria to Spain, Red Cross National Societies are offering telephone helplines, staffed by trained staff and volunteers who speak Ukrainian, to offer emotional and psychological support. During times of stress, it’s important to recognize and talk about your emotional well-being. Here below you will find a list of helplines and addresses that offer mental health and psychosocial support in Ukrainian.Гарячі лінії Червоного Хреста пропонують психологічну підтримку українською мовою.Завжди важливо мати можливість поділитися своїми почуттями з кимось, коли ви переживаєте складні моменти. Від Болгарії до Ісландії, Національні Товариства Червоного Хреста в Європі готові вислухати вас. Ви можете зателефонувати на гарячу лінію допомоги, де працюють досвідчені оператори, які володіють українською мовою, щоб надати вам підтримку у важкі моменти.Під час стресу дуже важливо розпізнавати свої почуття і відкрито говорити про них. Якщо ви відчуваєте потребу в розмові з кимось, будь ласка, не соромтеся звертатися до гарячих ліній психологічної та психосоціальної підтримки в країні вашого поточного проживання.Нижче ви знайдете список гарячих ліній та адреси, де можна отримати психологічну допомогу українською мовою.Bulgarian Red CrossHelpline (National Contact Centre):Tel.: 080011466Болгарський Червоний ХрестТелефон гарячої лінії допомоги (Національний контактний центр):Тел: 080011466Czech Red CrossThe official Czech Red Cross website offers information and tools on psychosocial support and crisis preparedness:https://zvladnesto.cervenykriz.eu/en/home/Чеський Червоний ХрестОфіційний вебсайт Чеського Червоного Хреста пропонує інформацію та інструменти з психосоціальної підтримки та готовності до кризових ситуацій:https://zvladnesto.cervenykriz.eu/uk/Danish Red CrossThe Danish Red Cross developed a digital well-being site offering tools and techniques for managing crises, stress, sleep problems, family life, and self-care:www.rodekors.dk/trivselДанський Червоний ХрестДанський Червоний Хрест створив цифрову платформу благополуччя, яка пропонує інструменти та техніки для управління кризами, стресом, проблемами зі сном та сімейним життям і самодопомогою:www.rodekors.dk/trivselHellenic Red CrossMobile Health Unit Department of Thessaloniki:Tel.: +30 2310 531534Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp: +30 6936879405Multifunctional Athens Centre:Tel.: +30 210 5126300+30 210 5140440Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6934724893When: Monday to FridayMultifunctional Thessaloniki Centre:Tel.: +30 2310 270914+30 2310 270496Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6955563471When: Monday to FridayГрецький Червоний ХрестВідділ мобільного медичного пункту у м. Салоніки:Тел: +30 2310 531534Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp: +30 6936879405Багатофункціональний центр у м. Салоніки:Тел: +30 2310 270914+30 2310 270496Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6955563471Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницюБагатофункціональний центр в м. Афіни:Тел: +30 210 5126300+30 210 5140440Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6934724893Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницюIcelandic Red CrossThe Icelandic Red Cross established the Wellbeing4U service platform, implementing various MHPSS activities for adults and children, facilitated by Ukrainian-speaking staff and volunteers. About the Wellbeing4U project:https://www.raudikrossinn.is/english/projects/domestic-projects/refugees-and-migrants/refugees-and-migrants/Facebook group of the Wellbeing4U project:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1127060388638009Website for asylum seekers in Iceland about their rights and services:https://asylum.redcross.is/uk/homeІсландський Червоний ХрестІсландський Червоний Хрест створив сервісну платформу Wellbeing4U,щореалізує різноманітні заходи з психосоціальної підтримки (MHPSS) для дорослих і дітей.Проєкт Wellbeing4U:https://www.raudikrossinn.is/english/projects/domestic-projects/refugees-and-migrants/refugees-and-migrants/Facebook-група проєкту Wellbeing4U:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1127060388638009Вебсайт для шукачів притулку в Ісландії про їхні права та доступні послуги:https://asylum.redcross.is/uk/homeItalian Red CrossThe Italian Red Cross provides psychological support services to people displaced from Ukraine through various channels:The Telephone Psychological Support Service offers immediate psychological assistance:https://cri.it/eu4health/The email service provides information, guidance, and support to displaced individuals who reach out for help:[email protected]Італійський Червоний ХрестІталійський Червоний Хрест надає послуги психологічної підтримки для переселенців з України, через різні канали:Телефонна служба підтримки забезпечує негайну психологічну допомогу:https://cri.it/eu4health/Служба електронної пошти надає інформацію, консультації та підтримку переселенцям, які звертаються за допомогою:[email protected] Red CrossInfoline: Tel.: +48 800 088 136 (from within Poland) or +48 221 520 620 (from abroad).When: Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM.Польський Червоний ХрестІнформаційна лінія: Тел: +48 800 088 136 (з Польщі) або +48 221 520 620 (з-за кордону).Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницю з 09:00 до 17:00.Romanian Red CrossRed Cross call center in Romania:Tel.: +40 37 441 5000Telegram: @RomanianRedCrossViber: +40763983980WhatsApp: +40763983980When: Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 20:00 PM.Румунський Червоний ХрестТелефон гарячої лінії Червоного Хреста в Румунії:Тел: +40 37 441 5000.Телеграм: @RomanianRedCrossViber: +40763983980WhatsApp: +40763983980Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницю з 09:00 до 20:00.Russian Red CrossPsychosocial support helpline:Tel.: 8 (800) 250-18-59.Psychological support is available at the regional branches of the Russian Red Cross, as well as at the Russian Red Cross mobile support point in the Belgorod region.Російський Червоний ХрестГаряча лінія психосоціальної підтримки:Тел.: 8 (800) 250-18-59.Психологічну підтримку можна отримати в регіональних відділеннях Російського Червоного Хреста, а також в мобільному пункті підтримки Російського Червоного Хреста в Бєлгородській області.Slovakian Red CrossHelpline:Tel.: +421 910 910 116When: Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PMLanguage: Slovak, Ukrainian, Russian, EnglishThe helpline could be overloaded; we kindly ask you for patience. You can also write us: [email protected]Словацький Червоний ХрестТел: +421 910 910 116Коли: з понеділка по п’ятницю з 9:00 до 17:00.Мова: словацька, українська, російська, англійськаЛінія може інколи бути перевантажена. В такому випадку, будьте терплячі або напишіть ваше питання або відгук на електронну пошту [email protected] Red Cross"Cruz Roja Te Escucha" service:Tel.: 900 107 917When: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (one hour less in the Canary Islands) and on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (one hour less in the Canary Islands).Іспанський Червоний ХрестПослуга " Червоний Хрест слухає вас ":Тел.: 900 107 917Коли: з понеділка по четвер з 10:00 до 14:00 та з 16:00 до 20:00 (на Канарських островах на одну годину менше), у п'ятницю з 10:00 до 14:00 (на Канарських островах на одну годину менше).Swedish Red CrossThe web hub for MHPSS provides information in multiple formats and languages on stress and integrated psychosocial support:https://www.rodakorset.se/en/get-help/mental-health/Шведський Червоний ХрестВеб-платформа для психосоціальної підтримки (MHPSS) надає інформацію про стрес і комплексну психосоціальну допомогуу різних форматах та на різних мовах:https://www.rodakorset.se/uk/var-hjalp-i-sverige/psykisk-ohalsa/Swiss Red Cross"Helpful" website with important information (e.g. healthcare) including an integrated Telegram Channel: helpful.redcross.chIf you don’t find the information you need you can write to the Telegram channel: Telegram: Join Group ChatШвейцарський Червоний Хрест"Корисний" веб-сайт з важливою інформацією (наприклад, про охорону здоров'я), включаючи інтегрований Telegram-канал: helpful.redcross.chЯкщо ви не знайшли потрібної інформації, ви можете написати в Telegram-канал: Telegram: Join Group ChatUkraniain Red CrossInformation Center:Tel.: 0 800 332 656.To connect to a psychologist, select number 2 in the menu.When: from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 AM to 18:00 PM.Calls from the numbers of Ukrainian mobile operators are free and confidential.You can also leave a request for a consultation by e-mail: [email protected].Червоний Хрест УкраїниІнформаційний центр: 0 800 332 656.Для з’єднання з психологом потрібно обрати цифру 2 у меню.Коли: з понеділка по п’ятницю з 09:00 до 18:00.Дзвінки з номерів українських мобільних операторів безкоштовні та конфіденційні.Також можна залишити заявку для отримання консультації на електронній пошті: [email protected] resourcesWe've also gathered a collection of helpful resources, including articles and tips, to help improve your mental well-being.Video of self-care adviceThe well-being guide14 Day Well-Being KitHow to manage your exposure to news events and social mediaHow do you to talk to children about war?Saying goodbye to loved ones when it's difficultМи також зібрали корисні ресурси, включаючи статті та поради, які допоможуть покращити ваш психологічний стан.Відео з порадами щодо турботи про себеПосібник для доброго самопочуття 14-денний щоденник для доброго самопочуття Як контролювати вплив новинн і соціальних мереж на себеЯк говорити з дітьми про війну?Прощання з близькими людьми, коли це важкоTelegramViberIFRC Psychosocial Center

Survivors stranded at sea: SOS MEDITERRANEE and IFRC call for maritime law to be respected

The Ocean Viking – a search and rescue ship chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE and operated in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) – rescued 234 women, children and men from six boats in distress in the central Mediterranean between October 22 and 26. “People rescued in the central Mediterranean by ships should and must be allowed to disembark in a Place of Safety within reasonable time as is the case for search and rescue operations conducted by authorities and merchant ships. The ever-worsening blockages faced by rescue ships in this stretch of the sea since 2018 are discriminatory and unacceptable. Keeping survivors onboard ships hostages of political debate longer would be the result of a dramatic failure of European members and associated States,” says Xavier Lauth, SOS MEDITERRANEE Director of operations. “The people rescued are absolutely exhausted, dehydrated, with psychological distress, and some requiring immediate medical attention. We provided health care, food, water, hygiene items, psychological first aid and opportunity to call and connect with family members. But they cannot afford to wait any longer, this uncertainty is making the situation unbearable with stress growing day by day. They urgently need a port of safety,” says Frido Herinckx, operations manager with IFRC. People’s right to promptly disembark in a Place of Safety suffers no debate. The current blockage in the disembarkation of the search and rescue operations are grave and consequential breaches of maritime law. The international convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) frames Search and Rescue obligations to States and shipmasters in great detail, from the obligation to respond to and coordinate search for boats reported in distress, to the obligation to assign a “Place of Safety as soon as reasonably practicable”. All circumstances are considered, including the obligation for most able to assist States to cooperate in order to identify a place of safety for disembarkation; the obligation to provide assistance “regardless of the nationality or status of such persons” (Chapter V - Reg 33.1- amendment 2004), as well as the fact that “status assessment of rescued persons” should not “unduly delay disembarkation of survivors”. IMO RESOLUTION MSC.167(78) (adopted on 20 May 2004) As per maritime conventions, the Ocean Viking informed relevant maritime authorities at all steps of the search and rescue operations and asked for the designation of a Place of Safety. We must prioritize and cooperate in search and rescue operations for people on the move regardless of their status, including through clear, safe and predictable disembarkation mechanisms for rescued people. SOS MEDITERRANEE and IFRC urge EU members and associated states to respect maritime law, cooperate in the designation of a Place of Safety for the survivors on Ocean Viking and put an end to the suffering of hundreds of men, women and children.