Red Cross activates Early Action Protocols at the first signs of drought in El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia

Panama City, 11 June 2026 — The Red Cross Societies of El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia have activated their Early Action Protocols to protect more than 22,000 people at the first signs of drought. In all three countries, the lack of rainfall could worsen as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, which, according to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), entered its active phase on 11 June.Early Action Protocols are instruments that bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, public authorities and the Red Cross, and are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached, so that aid can be mobilized before damage occurs."Drought is a slow-motion disaster: it does not arrive in a single night and it rarely makes the headlines, which is why aid runs the risk of arriving too late," explained Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. "The difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is almost always decided before the impact. This time, thanks to weather forecasts, pre-agreed joint action and anticipatory financing, we know that the moment to protect people is now."In Colombia, El Salvador and Guatemala, the activation of the drought Early Action Protocols is based on data gathered by the three countries' meteorological services, which point to the same forecast: rainfall well below normal for the June-to-August quarter, just as the agricultural cycle begins.In El Salvador, the General Directorate of the Environmental Observatory warned of a rainfall deficit between May and July. In Guatemala, the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) forecasts El Niño-related conditions with a 70 per cent probability, along with below-normal rainfall. In Colombia, a cartographic analysis by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) estimates a more than 50 per cent probability of below-normal rainfall and a moderate drought index by August.National Red Cross teams had been waiting for this scientific data to launch the readiness activities funded by the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). In total, this fund has 1.2 million Swiss francs (CHF) — around 1.5 million US dollars — available for early action against drought in the three countries. This funding is not allocated all at once: it is released in stages, as forecasts reach the risk thresholds agreed in advance among communities, public authorities and the Red Cross, so that each tranche of aid is mobilized just before the impact, not after.IFRC-DREF resources will make it possible to assist 10,000 people in the departments of Morazán and La Unión, in El Salvador; another 10,000 in municipalities of Guatemala's Dry Corridor, such as Chiquimula, Jalapa and Quetzaltenango; and 2,400 in the Colombian departments of Tolima and Cesar.Although each context is different, the measures follow the same logic: to act before the disaster strikes and to protect, at the same time, the food security, livelihoods, health and water access of affected communities — areas that droughts tend to hit simultaneously.The Red Cross will support families in the most vulnerable situations through cash transfers to safeguard food, obtain fuel and cover basic needs without depleting their assets. Teams will also provide safe drinking water as sources begin to run low, supplies to protect crops and livestock, and training in adaptive farming practices, hygiene and the prevention of heat-related illnesses.Worldwide, only one in every 10 dollars allocated to humanitarian action is invested in reducing or mitigating disaster risk. "It is critical that governments, cooperation agencies, financial institutions and international organizations invest in anticipatory action, early warning systems and forecast-based humanitarian action as essential mechanisms to protect lives, reduce economic losses and strengthen resilience," said Pace.For more information, contact: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199

The Colombian Red Cross has assisted in the return of over 5,300 people so far in 2025 as part of its National Migration Strategy

Today, on International Migrants Day, we honour the journeys, dignity and resilience of those who move, as well as the humanity behind every act of welcome.The Colombian Red Cross demonstrates this commitment every week in its auxiliary role, when its staff and volunteers support Colombians returning on flights from the United States.What started as an unexpected request has evolved into a well-organised, compassionate and deeply humane response centred on protection, active listening and adaptability.As of 16 December 2025, the Colombian Red Cross has assisted 5,334 people arriving on 47 flights operated by the Colombian Air Force to El Dorado Airport, thanks to support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF).The first step: facing the unknownElizabeth Becerra, leader of the Colombian Red Cross migration team, recalls the chaos of those first few hours:“When we received the call from the Foreign Ministry the night before the flight arrived, we immediately activated the preparation process together with the different mission areas of our National Society,” she recalls. “Although we were facing an unknown scenario, our staff and volunteers arrived with a clear mission: to assist our fellow citizens with compassion and dedication. Some accompanied children, while others provided psychosocial support, shared a hot meal or provided primary healthcare, once again demonstrating the humanitarian commitment that characterises us.”That first night marked the start of a learning journey that has led to a response grounded in the principles of humanity, impartiality, and profound respect for people's rights.As the flights continued, support increased. Volunteers brought colours, plasticine and open hearts to welcome those returning home.Then, at the request of the Foreign Ministry, teams began accompanying people on their journey home and providing care during the flight. They listened to stories for over five hours, bearing witness to moments of catharsis and relief, and adapted each service to meet people's individual needs.“The children told us about events they had experienced months earlier. For them, it was reassuring to be on a plane that would take them home,” explains Elizabeth.As they got to know and understand the needs and preferences of the migrants, the team adapted their response. A hot empanada or a ponimalta became more than just food — they were a symbol of a warm welcome home.“The faces are etched in your memory when you give someone an empanada, they look at it, look at you, and start crying. It's strange for you because it's just an empanada, but for someone who has gone through this process, it's a psychosocial empanada; it's food that makes them feel at home,” says Fabiana Parra, Project Officer at the Colombian Red Cross.Expanding the scope: support from IFRC-DREF“We then realised that we needed both an air and a ground response. So we started looking for resources and deployed even more,”Elizabeth explains.That's when the support of the IFRC network came into play. Thanks to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the Colombian Red Cross was able to increase its on-the-ground assistance, providing hydration, food, legal guidance, psychosocial support, personalised care, safe shelter and the simple yet powerful gesture of asking, "Would you like some coffee? How would you like it?” Because dignity begins with choice."It's impossible not to be moved when you see their faces as they enter the accommodation service. After so much uncertainty and exhaustion, it's almost unimaginable for many to be able to rest in a clean bed in a quiet room with privacy and choose from a buffet breakfast,” says Elizabeth. “In those small gestures, they feel they can finally breathe. For them, it's like touching the sky.”“This humanitarian response has transformed the way we understand our daily work. We have witnessed hugs that had been years in the making, parents and children being reunited after long periods of silence” Elizabeth continues.“We have accompanied families who arrive at the airport on flight after flight, clinging to the hope of hearing news from their loved ones, with our hearts in our hands. Amidst all these stories, we have also felt how love can bridge distances through a simple phone call, bringing comfort, relief and dignity to those who need it most.”National Migration Strategy 2024–2030The immediate response work at El Dorado Airport is just one visible sign of a deeper commitment.In line with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement's Global Migration Strategy, the Colombian Red Cross formalised its National Migration Strategy 2024–2030 in 2024. This long-term, rights-based framework recognises migration as a human right, committing the institution to providing multisectoral, humane and inclusive support throughout the country.The strategy strengthens protection pathways, expands access to healthcare, integrates legal and psychosocial support, promotes social inclusion and reinforces humanitarian diplomacy and coordination with local, national and international authorities."Everyone has been involved in this process, from our managers to those who support us in administrative areas and the mission teams,” explains Elizabeth. “It has been deeply meaningful to see how, even from behind a desk, humanity can be transformed into a concrete response for our fellow citizens. That is priceless.”Every Thursday over the past year, as the flights arrive, Red Cross teams have encountered people who are exhausted and emotionally drained. The following morning, after resting, showering and eating a hot meal, the teams see renewed faces, reunited families and people who feel at home again.

Red Cross and the European Union call for increased and local humanitarian investment in Latin America and the Caribbean in response to rising crises and disasters

Bogotá, 7 November 2025. The European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Colombian Red Cross have issued a joint call to increase investment in, and localise, preparedness and response to humanitarian crises in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2025 alone, more than 34 million people in this region require urgent assistance.This appeal was made at a meeting in Bogotá, Colombia entitled: "From commitment to action: humanitarian innovation in European Union–Latin America and Caribbean cooperation." The meeting was held in anticipation of the 4th CELAC–EU Summit, which was held in Santa Marta, Colombia, on 8 and 9 November.The event brought together Colombian authorities, government representatives, multilateral organisation representatives, and Red Cross representatives, who proposed new forms of cooperation focused on local action.'"In a scenario of growing crises, the Colombian Red Cross reaffirms its commitment to people's lives and dignity, and is dedicated to strengthening its strategic alliances with the European Union, the Red Cross family, and other key stakeholders to deliver rapid, coordinated, and innovative responses," said Dr Judith Carvajal de Álvarez, president of the Colombian Red Cross. "We call for increased investment in community preparedness and resilience, which is essential to ensure that aid reaches where it is needed.'"At the event, Hadja Lahbib, the European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, announced an increase of €21.5 million in European Union humanitarian cooperation in the region. Lahbib reviewed the EU's efforts to provide assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, acknowledging the magnitude of the humanitarian challenges in the region. She also visited Quibdó in Colombia and spent time with communities affected by violence and disasters."In Colombia, communities have seen floods wash away their homes, violence drive families from their land and armed groups take their young people away. Yet, across the country, volunteers, local leaders and first responders continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and determination,'"said Lahbib."The EU backs these efforts with practical support, from providing humanitarian funding and disaster preparedness training to protecting the most vulnerable, including women, young people, and displaced families. We act through collaboration because that is how lives are protected and hope is rebuilt."At least one in four disasters worldwide occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean, causing annual economic losses of US$58 billion and putting the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable communities at risk. This is exacerbated by the fact that millions of people in the region live in areas under the control or influence of armed groups.Global trends project an alarming increase in the frequency of hazards, with the number of disasters expected to reach 560 per year — or 1.5 per day — by 2030.A strategic shift towards locally led humanitarian actionAt the meeting, participants agreed that traditional response models are inadequate for dealing with increasingly protracted and interconnected crises, which are characterised by the impact of climate change, structural inequality, violence, economic instability and forced displacement. In this context, they reaffirmed the strategic and ethical imperative of locally led humanitarian action.Specific recommendations included transitioning to flexible, multi-year funding mechanisms, bolstering civic space and the leadership of local stakeholders, and leveraging instruments such as the Global Gateway to invest in inclusive and sustainable humanitarian systems.They also emphasised the importance of consolidating humanitarian cooperation between CELAC and the EU. The Red Cross urged states to make decisions and allocate resources to reinforce international humanitarian law, reduce disaster risk, provide assistance to displaced people, build climate resilience and deliver health and protection services."Investing in local humanitarian action is not a future goal; it is a present-day decision that involves transferring power to where it belongs: to the communities and local actors who are already spearheading preparedness, response and the path to resilience," said Xavier Castellanos, IFRC's Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Coordination."One of these key local actors is the National Red Cross Societies. Guided by their principles and working alongside the population and public authorities, they prevent crises, respond to them, and ensure that people recover with dignity and humanity."The meeting also promoted the triple nexus approach, linking humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding. Successful examples were highlighted in Colombia, Haiti, and Central America, where cooperation between local and European actors has strengthened community resilience through early warning systems, primary health networks, and protection mechanisms for migrants.Finally, it was emphasised that isolated approaches are no longer viable, and there was a call to move beyond traditional, donor-centred frameworks and promote partnerships based on mutual trust, shared governance and long-term commitments.Download the Statement: “From Commitment to Action: Humanitarian Innovation in EU-LAC Cooperation”For more information, contact:[email protected] Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199Angie Juliet Romero +57 320 4314860

National Society Investment Alliance announces grants to 14 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies

Following a rigorous review process, the National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA) has allocated approximately 3.1 million Swiss francs in 2025 to support the sustainable development of 14 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies operating in complex emergencies, protracted crises, and fragile contexts.A joint pooled fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the NSIA provides flexible, multi-year funding to support the sustainable development of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that carry out critical humanitarian work under extremely challenging environments.The NSIA awards grants in two key funding categories: It can allocate up to 750,000 Swiss francs of “accelerator”funding to National Societies over a maximum of five years, and it also awards “bridge grants” of up to 50,000 Swiss francs over 12 months that aim to help National Societies lay the ground for future investment from the NSIA or from other National Society Development (NSD) initiatives.In 2025, the NSIA Office received 32 eligible proposals, 17 for accelerator funding and 15 for bridge grants. The National Societies selected for accelerator funding in 2025 are the following:Colombian Red Cross SocietyJordan National Red Crescent SocietyPakistan Red CrescentSalvadorean Red Cross SocietySomali Red Crescent SocietySouth Sudan Red CrossThese National Societies will receive strategic funding to support their journey toward long-term organizational sustainability and impact. All six National Societies have previously received NSIA grants.The Colombian Red Cross Society will strengthen institutional efficiency and humanitarian impact through a national digital management system, unifying data and governance tools to enhance transparency, coordination, accountability and donor confidence.The Jordan National Red Crescent Society will expand its Commercial First Aid services by establishing a new training center, generating sustainable income while empowering communities, especially refugees, women, and youth, to prepare for and respond to emergencies.The Pakistan Red Crescent Society will expand equitable access to safe blood and diagnostic services by upgrading laboratories and launching new mobile units, ultimately improving healthcare access for underserved communities.The Salvadorean Red Cross Society will establish a new clinical laboratory and imaging center, translating prior NSIA support into a self-sustaining health service that expands access to affordable diagnostics and reinforces the Society’s financial autonomy.The South Sudan Red Cross will drive its digital transformation by deploying new management systems, training staff and volunteers, and strengthening ICT infrastructure to enhance efficiency, accountability, and readiness in humanitarian response.Bridge grants awarded to eight National SocietiesIn addition to the accelerator grants, the NSIA has awarded bridge grants to eight National Societies: Belize Red Cross Society, Bolivian Red Cross, Guatemalan Red Cross, Honduran Red Cross, Lesotho Red Cross Society, Tanzania Red Cross-National Society, Timor-Leste Red Cross Society, Venezuelan Red Cross.2025 bridge initiatives continue to strengthen the foundations of National Societies and setting the stage for larger investments, by improving financial sustainability, governance, and institutional systems.Several initiatives, such as in Venezuela, Bolivia, Lesotho and Guatemala, will focus on restoring operational capacity and developing comprehensive resource mobilization strategies to ensure long-term income generation and donor confidence.Others, such as Timor-Leste and Honduras, plan modernization of commercial first aid services and human resource systems, improving efficiency and transparency, as well as financial sustainability.The Belize Red Cross is redefining its strategic direction through a new strategy and business plan, while Tanzania Red Cross is investing in social enterprise models and education structures to enhance financial resilience and youth engagement.Collectively, these initiatives reinforce the institutional backbone of National Societies and prepare them for future strategic investments, enabling more sustainable, accountable, and locally led humanitarian action.The NSIA continues to be a vital instrument for enabling National Societies to strengthen their sustainable institutions and deliver effective locally led humanitarian action, when humanitarian needs are increasing and funding dropping.As highlighted in the NSIA Annual Report 2024, emerging impacts show that well-targeted investments, even small ones, can generate significant returns, for example, improving governance, financial sustainability, and humanitarian service delivery across crisis and fragile and protracted contexts.Ultimately, NSIA investments offer a transformative opportunity to National Societies operating in the most complex contexts to advance their strategic priorities, strengthen institutions and eventually contributing to more resilient communities, and lasting humanitarian impact.For more information, please click here to visit the NSIA webpage.

Humanity across the Americas: How the Red Cross is assisting people on the move

The history of Latin America and the Caribbean is marked by migration. Thousands of people move every day from north to south, from south to north, between Caribbean countries and between the continent and other regions of the world.People on the move, and the communities that host them, are not alone. In countries of origin, transit and destination, local Red Cross teams offer them assistance and protection.Along the migration routes, IFRC member National Societies in the region operate a network of Humanitarian Service Points that provide critical health, nutrition and psychosocial support to people in very vulnerable situations, regardless of their age, gender or beliefs, their reasons for leaving home, or which direction they are travelling.This includes migrants who are being returned to their country of origin by the national immigration authorities of other countries.Protection and assistance for returneesOne example is the work being done by the Red Cross in Honduras.In 2024, nearly 47,000 Honduran migrants returned home, equivalent to more than 128 people per day, according to the International Organization for Migration. In January 2025, 90 Hondurans migrants returned daily, for a total of 2,700.In close coordination with the state authorities, the Honduran Red Cross operates two public shelters that receive people who were unable to complete their journey northwards, including unaccompanied children and adolescents.At these centres, the Red Cross provides information, legal advice and looks after people’s physical and mental health. Returning migrants are often afraid to return to their communities so the Red Cross also provides support in assessing the risks and working to help people find a pathway to safe and successful reintegration.In 2024, at the Belén Care Centre for Migrant Children and Families, the Red Cross assisted more than 14,300 people, 59 per cent of whom were children. The year before, in 2023, the centre also assisted thousands of migrants, a large percentage of which were children. The words of the woman who manages the centre for the Honduran Red Cross still rings true today."All the cases in the centre are tough to listen to, all of them,”Gabriela Oviedo said at the time. “People come in frustrated and upset because they did not achieve their objective of reaching their destination.”Similar stories are unfolding in other Latin American countries. The Mexican Red Cross, for example, has activated its national emergency plan in response to the possible increase in returns this year. The plan provide for pre-hospital care, psychological first aid, hygiene kits, food kits and other relief items to those in need in the states of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Tamaulipas.In Colombia, Red Cross has already provided assistance at El Dorado Airport in the country’s capital Bogota, to more than 200 migrants who arrived on the first two flights of people forced to return from the United States. The Red Cross offered health assistance, psychosocial support and counselling, with special attention to children and adolescents.At the same time, in Ecuador, Red Cross teams are also coordinating with national authorities to provide humanitarian assistance at Manta and Guayaquil airports as flights arrive.The Venezuelan Red Cross has also started to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants upon their return to Venezuela. Its services focus on primary health care and psychosocial support, in coordination with the national government authorities.The team of 40 multidisciplinary volunteers, doctors and first-aid workers also provided personal hygiene kits, refreshments, and medicines to people arriving on the first two flights of returnees landing at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela.Social inclusion is also keyColombia and Ecuador are also examples of countries where Red Cross teams provide another indispensable service: support for social and economic inclusion.In Colombia, for example, more than 2.8 million Venezuelan people have settled in the country in the last six years. Of these, 52 per cent are women and almost half of them is in need of protection.In Cundinamarca and Bogotá, the Colombian Red Cross is strengthening the resilience of women through shelters, offering specialized sexual and reproductive health services, distribution of protection kits and training to prevent gender-based violence. It also promotes community initiatives against xenophobia and discrimination.This intervention targets women of all ages, including women and girls displaced by violence, and includes nutritional assessments, access to medicines and safe spaces that promote their emotional well-being.“We have a safe space for children where they can play, have fun and grieve while their parents attend trainings on employability, and workshops on life and social skills, to enable them to start over,”says Erika Cardona, Director of Humanitarian Affairs for the Colombian Red Cross.If migrant and displaced women decide to stay temporarily or permanently in the community, the Colombia Red Cross’s Centre for Comprehensive Attention and Development supports them in finding employment and offers them spaces to continue their schooling.In Ecuador, the Red Cross works on the social inclusion of migrants who have decided to settle in the country, facilitating access to health, education and employment services.“For people who have decided to stay permanently or temporarily in the country, we have created free and voluntary associations”, says Roque Fabián Soria Vasco, president of the Ecuadorian Red Cross. “Through our job bank, they can access jobs according to their abilities, for example bakery, tailoring, beauty, among other options”.Usually, new arrivals do not have the means to buy food, basic goods or pay rent. There, the Ecuadorian Red Cross provides cash assistance and support to the small businesses of the migrant and host population. Red Cross is always thereEvery country faces unique challenges around migration flows. For the IFRC, the priority is to support people in vulnerable situations, according to their needs and regardless of their migration status, in accordance with our Fundamental Principles.In total, there are 22 countries in the Americas where local Red Cross teams work to ensure that the dignity and rights of migrants are respected and protected. The services they offer include:Pre-hospital care:First aid, health monitoring and medical assistance.Basic medical care: Healing of ampoules, provision of hydration serums and assessment of signs and symptoms.Provision of humanitarian aid: Delivery of food kits, personal hygiene and other basic supplies.Basic psychological support: Counselling and emotional support.Restoring family links: Providing tools and means of communication to promote family reunification and contact with loved ones.Information on available services: Guidance is provided on the resources and services available in the different areas to support the reintegration of people forced to return to their country of origin.To learn more, visit our migration programmes page.

Red Cross Amazon Alliance aims to safeguard lives and strengthen community resilience

Panama/Geneva, 19 December – In response to escalating threats posed by the climate crisis, increasing disasters and biodiversity loss, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has announced the reactivation of its Amazon Programme, The Red Cross Alliance for the Amazon.This initiative, initially uniting the National Red Cross Societies of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, aims to enhance community resilience and support those affected by climate impacts in the Amazon rainforest. The Red Cross’s local presence and global reach make it a key partner in protecting Amazonian communities and ecosystems. With branches and volunteers embedded in all nine Amazonian countries, the Red Cross combines deep local knowledge with expertise in risk reduction, climate resilience, and humanitarian operations to address the region’s growing needs.The Amazon, home to 10% of all known species and responsible for generating 20% of the world’s oxygen, is nearing a tipping point. Deforestation, wildfires, and extractive activities—compounded by extreme climate events such as floods, fires and prolonged droughts—threaten the lives and the livelihoods of over 40 million people, including 350 groups of Indigenous Peoples.“At the heart of our proposal is the convergence of indigenous knowledge, Red Cross experience, and technological and research developments. This formula, implemented in close coordination with states, indigenous peoples and other stakeholders, will maximise efforts to strengthen community resilience andanticipate and respond to crises affecting Amazonian populations”, said Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Under Secretary General, National Society Development and Operations Coordination.The Red Cross Alliance for the Amazon focuses on disaster risk management and climate resilience, community health, sustainable livelihoods and response to disasters and climate displacement. Harmonising, maximising and streamlining the Red Cross work in these areas will help anticipate and reduce the impact of hazards which could be exacerbated by the climate crisis in the coming years.From January to August this year alone, fires destroyed 62,268 square kilometres of the Amazon, an area twelve times the size of the city of London. Compounded by a historic drought, this devastation has severely affected access to health and food and increased the risk of climate-induced displacement.Faced with such multi-crisis scenarios, the Red Cross is already working in several communities in the Amazon. In Ecuador, volunteers are working with indigenous peoples to implement agricultural techniques that reduce the risk of droughts, contributing to income diversification and ecosystem restoration to improvefood and economic security.In Colombia, the Red Cross provides health care and access to medicines in remote and hard-to-reach areas.The Red Cross Alliance for the Amazon builds upon solid experience. Red Cross Societies in Amazonian countries havecollaborated with over 53 Amazonian communities to promote community health and reduce the risk of disasters. This new effort seeks to scale up these successes while aligning with the IFRC’s global expertise in climate resilience and disaster management. For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected]   In Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199 In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367  / Hannah Copeland +41762369109 

World Toilet Day 2024: Everyone, everywhere deserves access to a toilet they can use safely and with dignity

In 2024, 3.5 billion people still live without access to safely managed sanitation. That's nearly half of humanity lacking one of the most basic human needs – a safe and private toilet. Even more concerning, an estimated 419 million people still practise open defecation, which not only increases the risk of infectious diseases, but also puts people—particularly women and girls—in unsafe and vulnerable situations.For the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, ensuring access to safe and dignified sanitation is not just about building toilets – it's about understanding and addressing the diverse water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs of all community members."Equitable access to WASH services and facilities is a human right," says Alexandra Machado, IFRC Senior Officer for WASH in Public Health. "Water, sanitation and hygiene are fundamental for life, and for the dignity, health and wellbeing of everyone -- regardless of their age, disability, social status, gender identity, ethnicity or sexual orientation."Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide are working to ensure that sanitation facilities are accessible, safe, and appropriate for everyone. On World Toilet Day, let’s look at a couple of examples.Making a Difference: Community-led sanitation in remote, underserved areas in ColombiaThe Colombian Red Cross has been active in promoting community-led sanitation improvements, particularly in remote and underserved areas including Tumaco, Buenaventura, Condoto, and Timbiqui. These projects included installing and upgrading sanitation units in schools, homes, and community centres, directly benefiting children and families in both urban and rural areas.Through workshops and hygiene campaigns, they’ve engaged community members to build and maintain latrines, which has significantly reduced the risk of water and sanitation related diseases. This effort is a collaborative approach that involves both local authorities and community representatives, enhancing ownership and sustainability.For example, in Santa Rita primary school, upgrades to the sanitation facilities now serve 140 students, fostering better hygiene at school which can be a catalyst for change in the wider community.Kenya: ‘Together we can end open defecation’Across Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross is supporting communities to adopt healthy WASH behaviours—including the building and using of latrines—to improve their hygiene and reduce their risks of infectious diseases.Through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), Red Cross teams are partnering with the Kenyan government and WASH charities, such as Dig Deep, in a bid to end open defecation. Trained Red Cross volunteers regularly go out into their communities and educate people on why they should use latrines, how they can build their own simple pit latrines in their homes, and the importance of handwashing and other related hygiene practices to stay healthy.Volunteers’ consistent engagement is already starting to pay off, with widespread uptake of latrines and positive WASH behaviour change observed within many communities covered by CP3.“We used to have diarrheal diseases every now and then. And even we had cholera, which is fecal related. But when CP3 was introduced by the Red Cross, it has really assisted us in health education and even in tackling those diseases,” explains Lucina Bett, Sub-County Public Health Officer in Bomet County, Kenya.Find out more in this new video:The IFRC’s approach to WASHSuccessful WASH programmes are participatory and community-led. Our approach focuses on four key principles: dignity, access, participation, and safety. This means ensuring that:Everyone has access to sanitation facilities they can use with dignityFacilities are designed and built so that all people can use themCommunities are actively involved in decisions about their sanitation facilitiesPeople feel safe and comfortable using toilets, day and night"Vulnerability to violence is increased by a lack of safe and secure sanitation infrastructure," explains Peter Mamburi, IFRC Regional WASH Coordinator for Africa. “That's why our National Societies work closely with communities to ensure facilities are well-lit, private, and located in safe areas.”On World Toilet Day, we renew our commitment to leaving no one behind in sanitation. Because everyone, everywhere deserves access to a toilet they can use safely and with dignity.--Want to learn more about the IFRC’s work in water, sanitation and hygiene? Visit https://wash.ifrc.org or contact [email protected]

IFRC Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Children from Violence Amid Rising Crises and Disasters

Bogota/Geneva, 7 November – More than a billion children worldwide face threats that endanger their safety, education and dignity, with violence and climate-related disasters undermining their rights and futures. At the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children, held in Bogotá on 7 – 8 November and hosted by the governments of Colombia and Sweden, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for bold, immediate action to uphold children’s rights.“Governments, organizations, and communities must recognize the long-term consequences of failing to protect children,” said Gurvinder Singh, IFRC Senior Advisor on Child Protection. “Violence and neglect in childhood create deep societal impacts, fueling cycles of poverty, health issues, and instability. We are at a critical point: the world must commit to safeguarding children across all ages, genders, and abilities.”Violence and climate disasters are among the most urgent threats to children. Half of the world’s children are still unable to exercise their right to live free from violence, which remains pervasive in both daily and humanitarian settings. Children are exposed to physical, emotional, and sexual violence in spaces meant to protect them, such as homes, schools, and communities.Simultaneously, climate-related disasters — floods, heatwaves, and storms — are increasing the risk of harm, displacement, and exploitation for children. As climate emergencies escalate, so must investment in child protection, focusing on early warning, early action, and proactive measures to safeguard children before disasters strike. This is especially true for those children too often left out and left behind in their communities, such as those with disabilities.Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies bring vast experience in implementing localized programs to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. They work to ensure safe, equal, and uninterrupted access to quality, inclusive education and learning opportunities. Scaling up these evidence-based initiatives is essential to advancing child protection and achieving the goals of this Ministerial Conference.IFRC Vice President Natia Loladze, said, "We know children are tremendously at risk in disasters, conflicts and health crises. The time to act is now. Protecting children in humanitarian and displacement settings is both a moral obligation and an investment in the future."The IFRC’s 2025-2028 Appeal: Ending Violence Against Children in and Through Education mobilizes partnerships with schools, communities, and public institutions to create safe environments and reduce risks in emergencies. The IFRC collaborates with Ministries of Education, Health, and Climate, as well as local agencies and researchers, to develop risk-forecasting systems that protect children from violence and exploitation, particularly in climate-related disasters such as heatwaves and floods.“Protecting children from violence and disasters is a shared responsibility, and we are – and will continue to be - dedicated to working with communities, public officials and children themselves to ensure that no child grows up hopeless or in fear,” said Colombian Red Cross President, Dr. Judith Carvajal de Álvarez. “Our humanitarian network’s 16 million volunteers uniquely reinforce children’s participation, community systems and key services that uphold children’s rights and well-being".For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Colombia – Rafael Payares +573135644837In Panama - Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199In Geneva – Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367Hannah Copeland +41762369109Notes for editors:Examples of the Red Cross’ work on child protection in the Americas include:Colombia: The Red Cross is implementing a child protection project in areas affected by armed conflict (also active in Honduras) and developing mechanisms for safeguarding children in Nariño and Tumaco. Additionally, the Red Cross runs the "Action and Coexistence Program," which promotes inclusion and fosters values of tolerance, respect, and non-discrimination to prevent violence among children and adolescents.Honduras: The Red Cross manages a center for unaccompanied migrant children and returned migrant families, providing administrative assistance, healthcare, psychosocial support, and promoting social reintegration.Panama: The Red Cross develops programs such as educational brigades and "Blue Schools," which create safe environments in educational spaces, encourage environmental care, and support mental health. It also operates a child protection shelter in coordination with the government, offering healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to children aged 0 to 12.Mexico: The Red Cross has developed a child protection policy and program led by national youth teams to address the protection and mental health needs of children during emergencies and along migratory routes.Costa Rica: The Red Cross collaborates with organizations like World Vision and UNICEF on child protection and participation projects in emergencies, as well as providing medical care and nutrition support for children and adolescents in migratory contexts.Guatemala: In coordination with public officials, Red Cross volunteers offer health and mental health care, humanitarian assistance, and support for returned migrant children. This includes psychoeducation projects and school tutoring aimed at reducing school dropouts. Additionally, they run an awareness program on health, hygiene, and first aid, featuring cartoon characters who teach children about these topics.Ecuador: The Red Cross operates safe spaces for children in migratory contexts, supported by a child protection policy aligned with its national policy on protection, gender, and inclusion. It also runs early childhood projects that assist families with children aged 0 to 6, ensuring protection and family preservation.Trinidad and Tobago: Red Cross volunteers promote access to education and psychosocial support through child-friendly spaces.Cayman Islands: The Red Cross runs an educational YouTube program with animated characters, "Bobo and Teedee," which teach children about hygiene, health, safety, and family coexistence in an engaging way.

States must address the humanitarian impact of biodiversity loss by reducing disaster risk and strengthening resilience

Bogota/Geneva -Ahead of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calls on the parties to the Convention to address the interrelationship between environmental degradation, climate change, disasters and the impacts these cause on people, nature and cultural heritage. All this will help achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets.“Biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution are environmental but also humanitarian crises. All increase the risk of food shortages, water scarcity, epidemics and pandemics, more frequent and intense disasters, and forced displacement and migration due to recurrent catastrophes” said Martha Keays, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “We call on all local and national governments, civil society and all COP16 participants to increasing technical and financial commitments to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.”Two specific GBF targets are critical to avoid a situation where, by 2050, 200 million people require international humanitarian aid every year as a result of a combination of climate-related disasters, environmental degradation and resulting socio-economic impacts. ‘Target 8’ aims to increase the climate resilience of ecosystems and livelihoods through mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction, or nature-based solutions. ‘Target 11’ aims to restore, conserve and enhance nature's contribution to human well-being.“It is crucial to accelerate joint action to save nature and lives. Red Cross expertise in convening power and action in disaster risk reduction, locally-led adaptation and resilience-building can directly support the efforts to protect, restore and sustainably use biodiversity”, explained Keays.Local Red Cross teams across the Americas are already implementing measures like protecting mangroves to reduce the impact of flooding, restoring coral reefs, reforesting forests and protecting water sources. These nature-based solutions are complemented with early action systems, forecast-based anticipation and early action protocols that allow the IFRC network to protect people and nature before disasters strike. Examples include:The Argentinian Red Cross supported the restoration of more than 25,000 hectares of natural vegetation after the destructive fires in the province of Corrientes in 2022.The Mexican Red Cross promotes a participatory and localised resilience-measurement which considers and highlights the interconnectedness between systems and sectors, facilitating analysis and collective action across the physical, human, social, financial and natural spheres.In Canada, the Red Cross has supported several indigenous organizations in restoring their lands post-disaster to increase resilience.In collaboration with the Belize Red Cross, Canadian volunteers supported local communities to restore their culture and forests and increase resilience to climate change by planting Maya Nut trees.The Honduran Red Cross and the Swiss Red Cross worked together to help reduce the risk of disasters by combining soil bioengineering and reforestation to reduce landslide risk. This was done via agroecology activities to help recover productive areas, increase food security and provide economic opportunities.In Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Grenada, the Red Cross promotes the sustainable management and restoration of mangrove ecosystems to strengthen the resilience of landscape and to reduce climate risks, while also contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation."We urge governments to integrate biodiversity conservation strategies into disaster management plans and sustainable development initiatives,” said Dra. Judith Carvajal de Álvarez, President of the Colombian Red Cross. “As auxiliaries to public authorities in the field of disaster risk reduction, the Red Cross can help with this. We’ve expertise in ensuring that local, indigenous and scientific knowledge are prioritized. We can also advise on ensuring women are at the centre of all efforts – considering their critical role and contributions and addressing their specific needs."The COP16 will take place in Cali, Colombia from 21 October to 1 November 2024.For more information and to set up an interview, please contact:[email protected] Colombia – Rafael Payares +573135644837In Panama - Susana Arroyo Barrantes +50769993199In Geneva – Tommaso Della Longa +41797084367 Hannah Copeland+41762369109 Note to editors:The IFRC is currently expanding its work on locally-led adaptation, disaster risk reduction and climate change within the framework of its Global Climate Resilience Platform, supported byIFRC Climate Action Journey, which bridges climate, humanitarian, development, private and innovative finance and supportto strengthen community resilience and adapt to climate-related risks. In the Americas, this initiativeincludes approaches on Climate Smart Programming, Early Warning Systems, Anticipatory Action and Nature-Based Solutions in communities in vulnerable conditions due to the impacts of climate change. This work is supported by the Spanish Cooperation, IRISH AID, USAID, and private sector donors such as the Z Zurich Foundation.As leaders ofthe Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian OrganizationsIFRC is also committed and reducing our own environmental footprint of our operations and programmes.

Federico Rios Escobar: Award-winning photojournalist talks about his trek with migrants through Central America’s perilous Darién Gap

Federico Rios Escobar has spent more than a decade documenting the epic struggles of migrants in South and Central America. The hardships they face in the roadless jungle known as the Darien Gap go beyond anything he’s seen before. “There’s only one way to cross and it’s on foot,” he says. “There's the mud, rain, humidity, the hot sun, rivers that suddenly grow, landslides — and many migrants have died of these things — but many are also victims of robberies, assaults, extortion, and sexual assaults.” For migrants, he says, the Red Cross volunteers there offer more than first-aid, they offer a sense of hope, safety and humanity to people in desperate conditions. Tune in to find out where you can see his award-winning, heart-breaking and inspiring photographs.

Echoes from the jungle: Unseen human stories from the Darién Gap

An unseen crisis is unfolding in the Darién jungle. Beneath the dense foliage of this tropical forest that links Colombia and Panama, hundreds of thousands of people are on the move – risking their lives in search of safety and opportunity.This journey is one of the most dangerous in the world. Countless risks await those who attempt it. And yet hundreds of thousands of people do it every year. A new exhibit of photographs and stories, produced by the IFRC, with funding from the European Union, tells their story — and the story of the people who provide life-saving support to them.Echoes from the junglefeatures photos taken by photojournalist Federico Rios, who journeyed through Darién in 2022 and 2023 on assignment for the New York Times, as well as photos taken by IFRC and Red Cross staff in the region. Here is a selection of photos from the exhibit and the stories behind them.To leave everything behind and walk into the jungleThe Darién is a remote, roadless area covering both Panamanian and Colombian territory, which is the only possible overland crossing between South and Central America. Spanning more than 60 miles of swamp, dense rainforest, fast-flowing rivers and mountains, the Darién jungle is as remarkable as it is inhospitable.Why cross the Darién jungle?Why would someone choose to attempt such a perilous journey? Economic collapse, political instability, intense violence and conflict, persecution, and limited legal pathways can all contribute to the decision. And often, compounding crises and challenges will force people to move.Dangers in the heart of the jungleThe harsh reality of the Darién jungle unfolds as we witness a woman, burdened with the weight of her small child, navigating through its unforgiving terrain (see photo above). The relentless heat and stifling humidity only add to the exhaustion felt by the women, children and men on the move.Counting every dropCrossing the Darién is not just a matter of hours. It can take days or even weeks depending on the time of the year. Access to food and water becomes increasingly scarce, especially for people travelling with minimal supplies. Unable to rely on water from streams and rivers due to contamination, they must carry their own supplies to sustain themselves on their journey.Facing diverse threatsThe Darién jungle is full of threats, some of which are deadly. Surging river crossings, poisonous snakes, paths marked only by the footsteps of those who were there before, and weather that can turn at any moment.Then there are the human threats – robbery, smuggling, human trafficking, physical and sexual violence – that are sadly all too common. Between 2018 and 2023, 258 people died in the Darién.People crossing the jungle are exposed to insect bites, infections, diarrhoea, dehydration, fractures, or skin injuries with no access to first aid before reaching the closest town. During the most difficult parts of their journey, their only consolation is to trust and support each other.Rainfall and rising riversThe Darién is characterized by numerous rivers, many of which flow through dense rainforest and mountainous terrain. However, they pose significant challenges to people attempting to cross them, especially during periods of heavy and frequent rainfall between May and December. As water levels rise rapidly and the rivers become more powerful, drowning poses a significant risk.At the edge of the jungle, worlds meetWhile many of the people who traverse this jungle are from South America, this journey is also used by people from around the world. In recent years, a growing number of migrants have arrived from far further afield including China, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Cameroon and Angola. For these people, the existing dangers of the Darién are heightened by cultural and linguistic barriers.Unprecedented numbersThe scale of migration through the Darién in recent decades is unprecedented. In a region with a relatively low population density, the passage of more than 500,000 people from different parts of the world in 2023 has brought additional challenges to local communities: this number is more than seven times the resident population.Because the Darién is a remote and protected area, basic resources and infrastructure such as clean water and waste collection services are scarce, heightening the environmental impact on the region as both local communities and groups of migrants face these challenges on a daily basis.Who are the people crossing the Darién and who are the people there to help?The reasons for travelling through this jungle are as varied as the people themselves – whether travelling alone, with family or with people they meet along the way. Here are some of their stories.Zidane's many talentsColombian by origin, Zidane is a multifaceted individual – a cultural manager, shortfilm producer, Red Bull competitor, freestyler, rapper, hairdresser, and baker. Despitehis vibrant artistic pursuits, he found himself compelled to migrate."We left my country because things were not going well there, there was no money,there was nothing. My [rapper] foundation had completed its cycle and I thought itwas a good idea to leave, but since I didn't have a passport, we decided to travelthrough the Darién jungle."Navil’s passportNavil* was asked what the most precious object he always carried with him was. Heanswered immediately: his passport. Without it he would not have been able to leave India, his country of origin, to attempt to reach the United States.*Name changed on requestKaren's reason for not giving upKaren’s son Dylan is her motivation for everything she does in life, her reason for not giving up during difficult times and especially now, when she has faced moments of danger and pain crossing through the jungle."Crossing the Darién is not easy. I don't recommend it to anyone. The danger there is not the animals, it's facing people who hurt you, who steal from you, who abuse both your body and the little you carry with you.”A symbol of hopeFor the people travelling through the Darién, the Red Cross is a symbol of hope on their difficult journey. In Panama, the IFRC and the Panamanian Red Cross, with support from the European Union, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and other partners, have been responding to the needs of migrants crossing the Darién for several years.What’s been provided so far: The Red Cross response in numbersOur support during one of those years, 2023, offers a snapshot of the enormous needs and the very concrete support offered by Red Cross staff and volunteers. In that year, Red Cross provided migrants with more than 29.7 million litres of safe water, over 20,000 basic health care consultations, 2,000 first-aid services, and more than 24,500 maternal and child care services.They also facilitated more than 33,000 international calls so migrants could communicate with their loved ones. Staff and volunteers also provide information, an internet connection to allow contact with family members, and referrals to specialized services.Safe, welcoming and neutral spacesOnce through the jungle, people on the move can access support in camps, where they receive protection services and trusted information so they continue their journey as safely as possible. People can also find assistance at Humanitarian Service Points, run by the Panamanian Red Cross with support from the IFRC, the European Union, and other partners.

Migrating through the Americas: A father and son road trip

With his son Santiago always at his side, Juan arrived in Colombia in late October 2018 from Venezuela and immediately began looking for any kind of menial task to survive. After the searing heat of the Cucuta border town, the pair would walk miles of dizzyingly zigzagging roads, through the cold, rainy town of Pamplona, along sheer mountain passes and lush green valleys before luckily being given a ride across the freezing Paramo de Berlin – the most challenging section of the road to Bucaramanga. Juan tells us: “Back in Valencia, I was a bus driver but, in the end, what I was making just wasn’t enough. I didn’t own the bus and when it broke down, it sometimes took a week or more to get repaired as there is a scarcity of parts. During that time, I wouldn’t be paid, and those periods became progressively longer.” “We arrived in Colombia on October 31st, my birthday. Santiago had fever and we were not in a good way. I never thought I would ever walk so much.I picked up aluminium cans on the streets of Cucuta to sell for recycling for a few days to get some money, and I had to bring Santiago along with me as there was nowhere else to put him. With this money I managed to rent a room sharing with three other people.” “We were travelling in a group for safety, but it’s also difficult– people have different speeds and sometimes not everyone gets a ride which splits up the group. It’s hard to stay together. Luckily, we got a ride across the Paramo. I heard that people die up there from the cold. “One friend saw me carrying Santiago and offered to help me with my suitcase. But then I got a ride and he didn’t so now he has my bag with our clothes and the most valuable thing – my passport.” “At one point, a truck pulled up and the driver said only women and children, so I handed Santiago to a woman and we met up later. Later I became a bit nervous. You hear rumours about children getting kidnapped here, but in the end he was safe. He asks for his mother a lot, who he hasn’t seen in two months.” “Back in Venezuela I was working from early in the morning until late at night, so I didn’t see much of my son. Now, despite these adverse conditions, I’m still happy we can spend some time together. For Santiago it’s a big adventure, he even started to learn how to ask for rides on the road. He was my reason for leaving, and mymotivation to continue.”

Migration in the Americas: The journey from Cucuta

For decades, the border town of Cucuta was a departure point for people escaping Colombia’s instability towards a new life in their eastern neighbour. Now the situation has reversed and each month over 50,000 migrants cross the border from Venezuela to Colombia, many carrying their last possessions on their back. With no money even for a bus ticket most are forced to embark on a perilous high-altitude trek on foot for days through twisting mountain passes, sleeping under the stars in bitterly cold temperatures before reaching the city of Bucamaranga. Here are their stories. Safety in numbers Eighteen year-old Yusmil arrived in Colombia with her brother, and the two joined a larger group on the road for security. As a young female, Yusmil is usually chosen to seek a ride in a car or truck and take the group’s luggage further up the route while the rest of them walk, though without a phone between them, communication is difficult. Yusmil sheepishly explains that she has already spent the last of her money, the $10 she got from selling most of her hair to a barber in Cucuta. With the little she has left, she has made into a braid. “I sold my phone back in Venezuela just before I left, which gave me money for a day or two and when I arrived in Colombia, I sold my hair. The hair cutters gave me 30,000 Pesos ($9) and I have spent it already on rent and food.” she continues: “We don’t know where we’ll sleep tonight, we’ll keep on walking until we can’t walk any more.” “I met Jose and the others at the Divina Providencia shelter in Cucuta and thought it would be a good idea to stick together when travelling. I’m a bit worried because I heard some gangs assault migrants on the road, and I’m not looking forward to the cold weather of the mountains. We don’t have the right type of clothes. We left Cucuta in a group of about twenty-five and tried to help each other out as people fell behind. In the evening, we found a kiosk where a woman gave us some cookies and water to keep us going. We walked for an hour more until we found an improvised shelter and the next morning we got up and just started walking again.” Weaving their way in a new land By the toll booth on the main highway stretching out of Cucuta, the sunlight glints off the yellow and green handbags dangling from the neck and arms of Jesus and Gabriela Campos. But these are no ordinary handbags. Rather than being made of leather, the raw material for these colourful and sturdy apparel is the currency from their native Venezuela. Due to hyperinflation and government devaluations, the small amount of money that Jesus and Gabriela brought to Colombia could not buy anything, so they decided to convert it into a tradeable product. The bags are composed of folded, interlinking rectangles (with denominations ranging from 1,000 to 100,000), all intricately woven by the artisan couple from the coastal city of Valencia. “We take the old bills and turn them into bags, wallets, chequebook holders and purses,” Gabriela explains over the rumble of passing cars and trucks. The Campos’ sell in different areas of town but the toll stop, with the nearby hot dog grill and roaming coffee vendors, attracts a ready supply of cars. “Eight hundred bills make up one bag, which can almost buy you a sweet back home. Two years ago, you could do something with this money but now it’s not possible.” Gabriela has a sick father in the Cucuta hospital, which sometimes takes her away from her day job, but she says that her young children are also learning the family trade from their small home in Villa del Rosario. At the moment it takes a whole day for them to make one bag. A car slows down as a potential customer peers out of his window. Gabriela walks over holding the bags aloft so Jesus continues with his part of the story. “When I arrived here, I was sellingarroz con leche(a traditional rice pudding) that would pay our rent of 20,000COP ($6) per day. Venezuelans wanted to pay me with our currency, one time someone even they gave me 90,000 Bolivares in denominations of 1,000, so I had a lot. I thought that these were going to be worthless shortly, so I might as well try to do something productive with them.” “Back home I used to make ornaments with cigarette packs and paper from magazines and I thought if I can do it with those things, I can do it with the bills,” Jesus adds. “My first customers were some guys doing a charity bike ride, who bought two bags and ordered some more. We can tailor make [these products] depending on what size and style you want. Yesterday I woke up at six in the morning to come to sell the bags at the toll and didn’t finish until late at night.” A medical migration For five-year-old Samuel Garcia, growing up in Le Tigre, eastern Venezuela wasn’t easy, particularly because he suffers from West Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. At first, Samuel’s mother Emily took him each month to the Colombian Red Cross’ health centre in Cucuta for medicine and later for appointments with a paediatrician. Now, Emily is on the road to Medellin where a foundation is offering specialized support. “When Samuel was one year old, he had a lack of oxygen supply to the brain, creating a lesion which led to this condition.” Emily says: “He can’t control his sphincter, and specialist diapers are not available in the country, so Samuel wasn’t accepted into school due to the complexity of his condition.” Scampering around the shelter wearing a Spiderman t-shirt on a warm November afternoon, Samuel seems oblivious that he is in the middle of a lifechanging journey. But Emily explains that their decision to leave became urgent. “As well as autism and problems with movement, he has convulsions and goes into shock. If the convulsions are not treated, they can leave him a vegetative state.” Women sit in a circle in the courtyard as a nurse is splayed on the ground to demonstrate first aid techniques. Suddenly a man is carried through the front door in the middle of a violent seizure and the staff flock to his side. Despite an impressive crowdfunding campaign by Emily (Samuel has an Instagram account) to raise money to import medication from Spain and the United States, this ultimately wasn’t sustainable so the two fled. Emily says she’s been advised that she claim asylum in Colombia on medical grounds. “We have passports but not residency in Colombia, so I want to regularise our status so Samuel can get into special school and get access to specialised healthcare. I was a chef back in Venezuela, but I can’t work legally while applying for asylum.” The doctor across the border Near the Colombian Red Cross health station in Cucuta, a constant flow of people passes over the Simon Bolivar bridge from Venezuela into Colombia. But not everybody plans to stay in Colombia. Bianca Rodrigues’ son Alejandro is the last patient of the day to be checked by exhausted doctors and, after that, the family will make the hours-long journey back to their hometown of San Cristobal, Venezuela. Every week, Bianca takes her children over the border to receive healthcare and medicine that is unavailable back home. “My son Alejandro is just ten months old and today he has a fever. He suffersconstantly from allergies that block his bronchi and that leads to respiratory infections. When he was two and half months old, I first brought him to Cucuta and he was hospitalised for 15 days. I live in San Cristobal, just over the border in Venezuela but there are no paediatricians in my town, so I need to travel to Colombia every week. It’s a hopeless situation – there are no antibiotics, and a shortage of doctors to the point that they only attend emergencies. It’s only 40km away but the transport is very unreliable, and it takes a long time to cross the Colombian border as the police check everybody’s suitcases. It’s my dream to move here but I don’t have any place to stay and day care is expensive. I also have two other children aged 5 and 3. At least in San Cristobal I have my mother who can sometimes take care of Alejandro and the kids while I work. I sometimes come to Cucuta to work as a street vendor selling cookies and that allowed me to save up a bit of money. But since Alejandro got sick that has become more difficult.” “I never thought I would be in this kind of situation” Behind Bogota’s main bus terminal, an informal tented settlement in the woods has spilled over into the nearby roads. Here, Brihan and his family have made their temporary home. Hundreds of migrants have constructed improvised shelters from scavenged materials and line them precariously alongside the roadside. The encampments are divided by train tracks so, occassionaly, a one-carriage locomotive chugs through interrupting people gathered around around small campfires. “I’ve been here for five days with my family, but I don’t know if I want to stay in Bogota. I’m not sure what to do next. I heard Ecuador might be good but if I find work here, I’ll stay. Back home I worked as gardener and cleaned swimming pools. I have three kids aged 8, 3 and eight months and we are giving them a few days to recover after the journey. It took us five days from the border. We only saw one shelter on the way but sometimes Colombians in their cars gave us a ride and handed out food. My son has a fever. When we arrived in Bogota, we went to the hospital and they gave him an injection to boost his defences but in general, they only give emergency treatment for free, and the follow ups cost money. I came here with 2000 pesos (75c) so I can’t afford that. I never thought I would be in this kind of situation and my children would have to see this, but there’s no other alternative. I heard that Ecuador offers free day-care, so we can leave the kids somewhere while we work, and maybe there is a better chance of access to healthcare. I built this shelter last night with the materials our neighbours gave to us. Before that we slept next to the wall with a bit of tarpaulin. This is not a good environment for kids, there are rats here, people here fight all the time and some use drugs. I hope I can get better connected somehow and get a construction job and get them out of here.” Coming home Luimer and Itza spent months pounding the streets for work and accommodation to set themselves up in Bucamaranga before they went back home to bring their two sons. Luimer is now teaching music at a church and Itza a domestic worker for a Colombian lady. After participating in the census, they have their residency papers, are in the process of enrolling their sons in school and hoping to gain nationality through Itza’s Colombian mother. Her experience reflects the overlapping patterns of migration in the region – Itza’s grandmother went to Venezuela decades ago to flee instability, and now her granddaughter is making the return journey. LUIMER: "We are from San Cristobal, Venezuela, near the Colombian border. In my previous life I was a music teacher with 160 students. But then the economy took a downturn. There wasn’t as much work as I was promised so when we arrived, we had to hit the streets, selling chocolates, washing cars, doing construction etc. I have done lots of things I never thought I would do. I could barely use a hammer before. Now I have a job at the Free Life Church teaching keyboards, drums and guitar. In the beginning we were living in a room only about a metre wide. Now I feel that this is our family home, we decorated and set ourselves up, and we have a dog." Every week the local Red Cross organises a social gathering for migrants. A lot of Venezuelans go into their own survival mode when they arrive and don’t always interact with each other so it’s nice to meet up to share stories and make friends. ITSA:"I used to work at a café, on the minimum wage. Then, two years ago, this became not enough to survive. A lot of people have left. My father is in Peru. My brother-in-law and sister are in Chile; friends in Ecuador, cousin in Panama…but my mother and sister are back in San Cristobal [Venezuela] and we left the kids with them while we set ourselves up here, which required a lot of strong will. We like it here because it’s close enough for us to visit our family once in a while. My father has said that he can arrange some work in Peru, but I don’t know if I want to go through the process of moving again." -- This story was produced and originally published by the Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine. To learn about the Magazine, and to read more stories like this,click here.

Nevado del Ruiz volcano: Preparing for an eruption

On 30 March, the Colombian Geological Service increased the alert level of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in central Colombia from yellow to orange, signifying a probable eruption in a matter of days or weeks. While it is not possible to know exactly when or how a volcano will erupt, it is possible to monitor a volcano’s activity and take early action to minimize its potential impact on communities living nearby—which is exactly what IFRC network teams are doing right now. Nevado del Ruiz is an explosive volcano. Its eruptions involve the fracturing of rock and rapid expulsion of gases and fluids—called ‘pyroclastic flows’—at high speeds and temperatures. But there’s also one quite unique additional risk: as one of the highest volcanoes in the region, standing at 5000+ metres tall, it is covered snow and has a thick ice cap. The concern is that this ice cap melts, as it did during the 1985 eruption when avalanches of water, ice, rocks, and clay ran down the volcano's sides, erasing the nearby town of Armero and killing more than 25,000 people. To prepare for this risk, the Colombian Red Cross has activated its general plan of action. This plan defines the preparedness actions they need to take in response to different levels of volcanic activity, including if the alert level changes from orange to red—indicating that the volcano is in the process of erupting or is going to erupt any time. With anticipatory funding from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), Colombian Red Cross teams have been working hard to get their volunteers and communities ready for the worst-case scenario. They’ve been re-training volunteers in first aid, evacuation, and emergency coordination, and restocking essential emergency response items such as first aid kits, identification items for first responders, and emergency signal equipment. They’ve also been sharing as much information as possible within local communities around Nevado del Ruiz: warning at-risk families to evacuate; talking to them about how and where to evacuate safely; and handing out radios and batteries to people in hard-to-reach areas so they can stay informed. But some families are reluctant to leave and are dismissing evacuation advice from local authorities and the Colombian Red Cross. On the surface, this can be difficult to understand—why wouldn’t you want to move away from a volcano that’s potentially about to erupt? There’s no simple answer. For the many farmers who rely on the rich volcanic soils surrounding Nevado del Ruiz, they may not want to leave their properties or animals and abandon the livelihood upon which they rely. Other people simply cannot, or choose not to, believe something as horrific as the 1985 eruption could ever happen again. Right now, Colombian Red Cross, IFRC and partners are gathering in the region to step up preparedness efforts. This includes an increased focus on community engagement to understand people’s thoughts and fears and convince them to evacuate. They are also preparing for, and trying to reduce the risk of, mass displacement should the volcano erupt. Through the DREF operation, they are taking early actions such reinforcing critical infrastructure, providing people with cash assistance, and pre-positioning food and safe drinking water. We will share more about these vital efforts in the coming weeks. In the meantime, click here to read more about the anticipatory action funding we have provided through the DREF. Further information: What are volcanic eruptions? How the Anticipatory Pillar of the DREF works Disaster preparedness Follow IFRC Americas @IFRC_es and the Colombian Red Cross @cruzrojacol on Twitter

Refugees are paying the highest price in the COVID-19 pandemic

Geneva, 18 June 2021 – Ahead of World Refugee Day on 20 June, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) raises the alarm about the situation of refugees who are facing severe humanitarian hardships, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General, said: “Vulnerable groups, such as refugees, are paying the highest price in the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing alarming trends that show many refugees around the world are unable to pay for food or rent and are struggling to access health care and education. “Refugees have been disproportionately affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and have often been left out of socio-economic support policies. A large number of refugees have lost their sources of income or depleted their savings and are now adopting negative strategies to survive.” In Bangladesh, latest analysis carried out in refugee camps in Cox's Bazar by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society – with support from the IFRC – reveals that communities are struggling to cover their essential needs, particularly due to COVID-19 related movement restrictions, health issues, restricted access to markets, and a recent major fire in the camps. Price hikes in local markets and further displacement caused by camp fires have pushed many families further into food insecurity. During April and May, around 30,000 refugees in the Cox's Bazar camps raised questions and concerns, with 63% seeking services, including urgent food relief and shelter. Just over one third (37%) requested health or medical care. In the past year, reduced presence of humanitarian organizations in the camps due to COVID-19 restrictions also led to an increase in child labour, sexual and gender-based violence and heightened risk of human trafficking. In addition, an increase in child marriage has been observed since the start of the pandemic, often seen as an alternative to education or work. In Colombia, border closures, movement restrictions and loss of livelihoods led to limited access to food and accommodation, with many refugees and migrants – most of whom are from Venezuela - eating only once per day. 18% of those surveyed by the Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab cited food security and malnutrition as the biggest risks for children during the pandemic. In Turkey, a recent study – conducted by the Turkish Red Crescent and the IFRC – indicates that, among the 4,500 refugee households surveyed[1], debt levels have increased by nearly 50% over the last year. Even more alarming is the fact that many families are unable or can barely afford to pay for what they need most, such as food (72%) and rent (66%). However, cash assistance provided by the EU-funded Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) is helping refugees to cover some of these costs. In order to cope with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees are increasingly relying on survival strategies, such as reducing food consumption, buying cheaper and less nutritious food, buying food on credit and borrowing money from relatives and friends. These strategies have negative consequences on health and well-being and contribute to worrying levels of food insecurity and skyrocketing debts for refugees. “Nobody should be forced to choose between giving their family food or paying their rent; nor face hunger or forced evictions,” said Jagan Chapagain. “Governments should work together with donors, international and multilateral organizations, private sector and civil society to effectively mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable groups, such as refugees and migrants. It's our shared responsibility to ensure that everyone can meet their most essential needs”. -- [1] Households receiving cash assistance from the EU-funded Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) are identified as “eligible” in the Intersectoral Vulnerability Study, while those not receiving support are “ineligible”. In Turkey, refugees are officially recognized as “foreigners who are under international protection or temporary protection”.

Colombian Red Cross

Volunteers: the cornerstone of the response of the Red Cross in the Americas

In the Americas, Red Cross volunteers have proven to be the cornerstone for responding to communities in the region: carrying out inter-hospital transfers to COVID-19 patients in Mexico, working to rescue people affected by hurricanes Eta and Iota in Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, and more. The International Federation has witnessed unprecedented humanity and goodness throughout 2020: Hundreds of thousands of volunteers have signed up to volunteer in their national societies, proving that even in these darkest times, there are incredible stories of hope. Volunteering in times of COVID-19 In Mexico, more than 6,641 volunteers have worked in the response to the emergency created by COVID-19 in inter-hospital transfers, patient care, health education campaigns, and more in the 32 states of the country. In the relief area, many of the paramedic volunteers have decided to isolate themselves from their families, to continue helping in the emergency response, and avoid infecting their loved ones. "I've been living in a rental house for three months with other colleagues," says Diego Arcos, head of the motorized section of the Mexican Red Cross. "I think the most complicated thing for us in caring for COVID patients is that you don't see what you're fighting against, and you don't see the end of it." “I understand the desperation of being at home, the desperation of being locked up, but what we want is to go home, and we are only going to achieve it if people take care of themselves and follow safety protocols: wearing masks, washing hands, using antibacterial gel. If we all follow the instructions that are being put forth by the health sector, not just in Mexico, but also worldwide, we are sure that sooner we will be able to go outside or go home for us working in the response.” Volunteers like Diego, during this pandemic, have made a selfless, supportive, and humanitarian effort to combat COVID-19: their work has been fundamental in education and prevention tasks, as well as in treating patients suspicious or positive. Volunteering in Emergencies: Responses to Hurricanes Eta and Iota Climate-related disasters have not stopped in times of COVID-19: 28 of the 35 countries in the Americas are classified as medium, high, or very high risk in terms of exposure to climate-related disasters according to the latest World Report from Disasters, and hurricanes Eta and Iota that hit Central America and Colombia in November, are an example of the risk in the region. Volunteers from the Americas have been an example of solidarity action in the response to the emergency caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota. During the month of November, the tropical phenomena ETA and IOTA made landfall in Nicaragua, and then caused floods, landslides, damage to infrastructure, homes and crops in Central America and Colombia, with great damage especially in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. In Nicaragua, more than 180 people have been volunteers in Operation Eta and Iota, supporting more than 33,000 people in the North Caribbean areas of the country: Prinzapolka, Bilwi, Waspan, Rivas. As part of the response to the hurricanes, the volunteers carried out tasks for the preparation prior to the impacts of Eta and Iota and humanitarian actions after the passage of both storms, such as: psychosocial support, water and sanitation, and hygiene promotion. In this way, the volunteers of the Nicaraguan Red Cross continue to demonstrate the true commitment of humanity in the movement. “To help others, it is important to stay united, have a positive mind, be persistent and empathetic. We do everything with love and always committed to health for everyone,” explains one of the psychosocial support volunteers from the Nicaraguan Red Cross. Volunteers in the Americas, and around the world, have witnessed unprecedented humanity and goodness: they are the engine of humanity, perseverance, and solidarity of the Red Cross movement in every corner of the continent. -- For more information, visit the Volunteering Development Platform (VODPLA), where an interactiveVolunteering mapof activities and projects displays the humanitarian initiatives, activities and projects carried out by volunteers in the region.

Humanitarian response to hurricanes Eta and Iota one of the most challenging faced by Central America in decades

Panama/Geneva, 14 December 2020– One month after hurricanes Eta and Iota hit Central America and Colombia, affecting more than 7.5 million people, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that millions are still in need of immediate humanitarian support in what has become one of the most challenging disasters faced by the region in recent history. The IFRC and National Red Cross Societies are currently addressing the most urgent needs of over 100,000 people through seven simultaneous humanitarian operations in Colombia, Belize, Costa Rica, Panamá, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras. The situation is especially severe in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala, where more than 6 million people have been affected by heavy rains, floods, and landslides. In-depth damage and needs assessments are ongoing but results from all rapid assessments conducted so far paint a bleak humanitarian picture in both the short and medium term. Felipe del Cid, Head of the IFRC’s Disaster Response Unit in the Americas, said: “Millions of people still need immediate humanitarian support: shelter, health care, psychosocial support, access to food, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. We are talking about a huge disaster, exacerbating an already ruinous combination of COVID-19, poverty and inequality in the region.These overlapping crises are making our operation one of the most complex we have ever mounted. The support of the international community is urgent to protect lives and livelihoods”. On 8 November, the IFRC launched an Emergency Appeal for 20 million Swiss Francs to assist 75,000 of the worst affected people in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for at least 18 months. Currently only 58% funded, the appeal focuses on rebuilding and repairing damaged shelters, improving access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, addressing health needs, including COVID-19 prevention measures, and providing psychosocial support. The operation will also seek to address the mid-term consequences, such as the hurricanes’ impact on livelihoods and displacement. “Eta and Iota have wiped out livestock, destroyedtools,harvests and farming areas, and impacted popular tourist spotsacross a region that was already facing an economic crisis related to COVID-19 and where the incomes of thousands of families had already been severely depleted. People are at risk of resorting to coping strategiessuch as selling their animals and properties,eating less food, andabandoning their homes to look for new ways of generating income”, added del Cid. History has shown that hurricanes can cause displacement influxes as the loss of housing and livelihoods fuel unemployment and lead to increased movement of people to urban centres. Eta and Iota also represent a challenge for returned populations. InGuatemala and Honduras,some of the areas hit hardest have also welcomed large groups of returned people whose journeys have not ended in the way they expected. Figures on unemployment, poverty, and vulnerability were already high due to COVID-19 and will very likely deteriorate due to Eta and Iota. Audiovisual materials including high quality B-roll and images available to download and use here.

National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA): Funding announcement 2020

The National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA) has today announced the National Societies to receive investment from the fund in 2020, with the Steering Committee approving Accelerator funding to: The Colombian Red Cross Society The Georgia Red Cross Society The Mexican Red Cross Society The Somali Red Crescent Society The Co-chairs of the NSIA Steering Committee, Xavier Castellanos, Under-Secretary General for National Society Development and Operations Coordination at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Katrin Wiegmann, Deputy Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said: “We are pleased to announce this second group of National Societies to receive support from the NSIA. We have selected National Societies responding to ongoing crises in some of the world’s major humanitarian emergencies, such as Somalia and South Sudan, as well as Georgia Red Cross Society pursuing an entrepreneurial response to the unprecedented global pandemic that we continue to face. These investments build on those made in 2019, and we are already seeing how such funding can have a catalytic effect, such as in supporting the Lebanese Red Cross’ efforts to mobilize support in response to the double impacts of Covid-19 and the recent Beirut port explosion As we begin to see the value of the NSIA on the ground, there continues to also be demand from National Societies thinking strategically about their development during unprecedented uncertainty. We call on our partners in the Movement and beyond to join us in expanding this important mechanism for supporting strong and principled local humanitarian action.” The IFRC and the ICRC jointly manage the NSIA to provide substantial, multi-year development support to National Societies, especially those in contexts with heightened humanitarian needs. The NSIA helps strengthen the organisational and operational development and capacity of National Societies so they can increase their impact. To respond to the varied development needs of National Societies, the NSIA can award up to one million Swiss francs of Accelerator funding to any one National Society over a five-year period. In addition, Bridge grants of up to 50,000 Swiss francs over 12 months can help National Societies prepare the ground for future investment from the NSIA or elsewhere. To date, NSIA has been supported by generous contributions from the governments of Switzerland, The United States, and Canada. Second Round of NSIA Funding This second call for proposals received 49 applications from National Societies across all regions, with a range of contextual challenges and organizational development needs. The application process was adapted to take account of exposure to Covid-19 related risks and again involved an independent and objective process of consultation and review against the criteria, working with colleagues from the IFRC and the ICRC at the national and regional level, as well as National Societies themselves. The selected applicants will undergo further due diligence steps, which in the case of Accelerator investments will include the Federation’s Working With Project Partners approach, as well as the meeting of certain conditions linked to their specific applications, such as securing sufficient co-funding. Selected National Societies Accelerator Funding The Colombian Red Cross Society will receive funding to build on the resource mobilsation work conducted under their ongoing Bridge Award, including individual giving and digital fundraising. The Georgia Red Cross Society will receive funds to support the commercial production of sanitizer products at the national level. This funding is conditional on securing loan-based co-finance. The Mexican Red Cross Society will receive funds to invest in systems for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting, as well as learning, as part of their wider NSD strategy. The Somali Red Crescent Society will receive funds for the redevelopment and commercialisation of their national HQ, as part of a wider NSD strategy, and contingent on co-funding. Bridge Funding The Lesotho Red Cross will receive funds for the development of a Resource Mobilsation strategy and investment plan exploring national level income generating activities The South Sudan Red Cross will receive funds for the initial investment in IT capacities at HQ and branch level, to support remote management, and focused on longer term branch development efforts. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent will receive funds to roll out a new approach to branch development.

Vichada: the Colombian Red Cross accompanies communities with comprehensive services at the border

By Melissa Monzon “When should we wash our hands?” asks Sergio Gutierrez, to three children who have been listening to him very carefully. The children respond in chorus “Before eating, after going to the bathroom…”, one of the kids looks at Sergio doubtfully, and Sergio looks back at him as if saying You can do it. “…and after playing”, answers the little one with the pride that a student shows when he has learned the lesson. These children, who are from Venezuela, have been participating in the recreational activities carried out by the Colombian Red Cross in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, capital of the department of Vichada, Colombia. “We carry out close, pedagogical work with children, teenagers, expectant and nursing mothers, especially on the current issue that is COVID-19. Through recreational activities and characters, whether puppets or working with volunteers, we have been able to interact with families, to continue raising awareness and creating space for reflection on issues that meet the needs of the population”, says Sergio, a psychologist who moved from his native Bucaramanga to Vichada to take care of the Colombian Red Cross’ protective space, where children, teenagers and adults learn by playing, strengthening their bonds and providing them with a protective environment with actions focused on mental health and psychosocial well-being. To get to Bogota, the country’s capital, from Vichada, one must make a trip by bus that will take two days approximately, with many transfers. Vichada is a department with many needs, and also a border crossing for those who migrate from Venezuela to Colombia, whether it is their final destination or transit through to another country. It is also a territory with a diverse ecosystem, crossed by the Meta and Orinoco rivers, with enormous cultural and social potential, which demands a comprehensive and sustainable humanitarian response, that guarantees collective participation for development. In Vichada, poverty rates are high, and access to health services is scarce: the proportion of people with unsatisfied basic needs in the department reaches 67% according to the Colombian National Administrative Department of Statistics, and the situation of indigenous communities (many of them cross-border, and that represent more than 58% of the population) is worrying: only about 10% of the indigenous population in Vichada has electric power service, the aqueduct coverage reaches only 9% of indigenous people, and in general, health care services are very limited, directly affecting the quality of life in the area. The arrival of COVID-19 has made the situation even more complex. Since April 2019, the Colombian Red Cross has been providing health care, nursing and psychology services, health promotion and disease prevention activities, as well as the delivery of free medicine aimed at migrants and vulnerable local population, as well protection services through the protective space. Now, during the pandemic, it is the only organization providing continuous ambulatory health services in the area, because the municipality hospital, temporarily, only provides emergency care. For Jessica Teheran, nurse at the Vichada branch, what is more satisfying, beyond giving health care, is knowing that she is contributing to behavioural change: “We are not only providing medical or psychological care, but we are also teaching the new mother who does not know how to breastfeed, raising awareness of the elderly who may not follow their hypertension treatment, congratulating the future mother who even through difficult times has the desire to continue with her pregnancy. Being in Vichada and working with all of them totally changed my vision of the world, thus enriching my personal and professional life.” Until the end of June 2020, the Colombian Red Cross – Vichada branch, with the support of IFRC trough the Emergency Appeal: Colombia Population Movement, has provided more than 27,000 health services, almost 10,000 of them in nursing services, more than 4,800 psychology services and attended to about 3,500 children and vulnerable population in its protective space. In addition, in each health care attention, patients received free medicine and participate in educational talks on disease prevention and health promotion, and themes related to mental health. Likewise, hygiene kits, prenatal kits, food kits, psychosocial support kits, condoms and hand sanitizers have been delivered. Finally, two hydration points have been installed in the department to provide access to safe water to anyone who needs it. “The impact that the work has in the migrant population is evidenced on a daily basis in the medical consultations with grateful patients, since they find in the Colombian Red Cross, not only assistance, but also a friendly helping hand in this vulnerable situation to which they are exposed. For me as a migrant, it is a gratifying experience to be able to work with other migrants, to be able to offer them guidance or words of encouragement”, concludes Ligia Helena Gómez, Venezuelan by birth, and doctor of the population movement project of the Colombian Red Cross in Vichada. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBEm1Y3F8JU[/embed] *some shots of this video were taken before COVID-19 reached Colombia

Colombian Red Cross supports thousands of migrants in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

In the middle of the “Parque del Agua” in Bucaramanga, Santander, it is possible to watch Colombian Red Cross personnel providing primary health care to migrants during medical days. Entire families come here to be treated. As they wait their turn, standing about 1.5 metres apart, they receive material and advice from National Society volunteers on what COVID-19 is and how to prevent it. This is one of the many activities the Red Cross is carrying out to care for people on the move, one of the populations most affected by COVID-19.In Colombia, tens of thousands of migrants (especially of Venezuelan nationality) decided to return to their countries of origin to face the crisis. Since the closure of the borders, nearly 60,000 Venezuelans have moved within Colombia.“The migration scenario has become very complicated,” says Marilyn Bonfante, Director of the Social and Humanitarian Development Unit of the Colombian Red Cross. “There has been an increase in unsatisfied basic needs among migrants, and there has been a setback in social and economic inclusion processes that had advanced significantly prior to the pandemic.”In addition, Bonfante states that the current conditions of mobility are high risk."Irregular recruitment of migrants has been detected and there are risks associated with border crossing on informal routes, especially in Ipiales and Nariño with average flows of 250 people per day".Despite the complexity of carrying out humanitarian work in the midst of the pandemic, Colombian Red Cross volunteers have responded positively to this reality. The National Society actively works in primary health care, psychosocial support, protection, humanitarian assistance and water distribution. And like other National Societies in the region and the world, it has had to adapt to working in an unprecedented context.With the intense work carried out, especially in border areas, nearly 40,000 migrants have been reached. The Red Cross provides primary health care through the use of mobile units, at fixed points and by holding health days in public spaces. A telephone line and a WhatsApp line are also available for medical orientation and psychosocial support. Also, protection spaces have been created for children and families who have required emotional support. In these spaces, recreational activities are generated and awareness of the disease and forms of prevention are promoted. In addition, to help provide basic necessities, food kits and cash transfer vouchers have been distributed to nearly 30,000 people.Given the conditions of the pandemic, special emphasis has been placed on protecting volunteers who are carrying out front-line actions. The National Society has made a tele-assistance line available to its staff and their families. In addition, it has created spaces with its 29 branches to provide support for the mental health and well-being of volunteers. This action has been very effective through virtual links with which 287 members have been reached so far.In recent weeks, the Colombian Red Cross Society has been working on preparing its volunteers and technical staff to strengthen the response in the field and increase the safety of volunteers during their work.

Luimer Guerrero has taken his music from Venezuela to Colombia

Luimer Guerrero arrived to Bucaramanga, Colombia, over a year ago with his two children, his wife and his mother-in-law on a bus that they took with the help of their religious congregation in Venezuela. Luimer undertook his journey full of dreams and expectations with the conviction that he would have new opportunities to reemerge in a country he did not completely know. And as if it was a sign, the first place they approached was the Center for Solidary Attention and Support (CASA by its acronym in Spanish) of the Colombian Red Cross. There they received information that would be among the most important for him and his family, the explanation on how to obtain the Special Permit of Permanence (PEP), a document that the Colombian Government gives to Venezuelan migrants. For Luimer, that was his first contact with a group of people he now considers a family and an "impressive" organization, the Colombian Red Cross. After this, there were other opportunities; the Colombian Red Cross arrived with medicine and organized health days in the place where Luimer was living together with dozens of people. On another occasion, Luimer says that in the middle of a dental emergency, and without knowing exactly where to go, they approached the humanitarian institution and paid attention to them. “They helped us get to the nearest place where we could get help; I can say that whenever we ask for help we find a helping hand for myself and my family. ” Music, a blessing of life Today, this Venezuelan migrant is a music teacher thanks to the Red Cross staff who encouraged him to teach and to the people who met him and recommended him with his friends. He has 25 students among children, adults and groups of young people who are taught an art that makes their hearts happy and it is also the work that allows him to support his family. Bucaramanga (Santander) has been for Guerrero a space in which he has been able to learn from Colombian culture and at the same time has been an opportunity to be an ambassador of the Venezuelan chords with which he grew up. Music has been and will remain a seal throughout his life. Guerrero insists that to get ahead in Colombia and anywhere in the world you need to have an entrepreneurial mind. For this reason he has formed his StaffGL music academy, and thanks to his entrepreneurship he has been on several stages, one of them the Casa del Libro in Bucaramanga (Santander). His wife, meanwhile, is also working on an espresso coffee initiative. Luimer is hopeful and ensures that with effort and dedication he will keep moving forward.

National Society Investment Alliance: First Funding Announcement

The National Society Investment Alliance (NSIA) today announced the results of its first round of funding, with accelerator investments awarded to the Red Cross Societies of Lebanon and Ukraine, and bridge funding awards made to a further eight National Societies (Armenia, Colombia, Comoros, Malawi, Namibia, Uganda and Zambia). Together this represents a combined total of nearly 1.5 million CHF. Announcing the results of the first funding round, Co-chairs of the NSIA Steering Committee, Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Under-Secretary General for Partnerships at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Balthasar Staehelin, Deputy Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said: “We are delighted to announce this first round of NSIA funding, the culmination of a process that has involved collaboration and cooperation from across the Movement, and demonstrates the demand and potential for investment in National Society capacity.” To respond to the varied needs of National Societies, NSIA can award up to one million Swiss francs of accelerator funding to any one National Society over a five-year period. In addition, bridge grants of up to 50,000 Swiss francs over 12 months can help National Societies prepare the ground for future investment from NSIA or elsewhere. To date, NSIA has been supported by generous contributions from the governments of Switzerland, The United States, and Canada. First Round of NSIA Funding The first call for proposals received 48 applications from National Societies across all regions, with a range of contextual challenges and organizational development needs. In response, the NSIA Office conducted an independent and objective process of consultation and review, working with colleagues from the IFRC and the ICRC at the national and regional level, as well as the National Societies themselves. The Steering Committee agreed that the first 10 National Societies that will receive bridge funding are: Armenia, Colombia, Comoros, Lebanon, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda, Ukraine and Zambia. Lebanon and Ukraine will receive the accelerator funding in this first round. The proposals from National Societies speak to a wide-range of needs, and are underlined by the desire to increase their sustainability, independence and ability to provide relevant services to vulnerable populations. Key themes across the applications include: efforts to increase financial sustainability, develop system and structures at the national and branch level, and improve governance and accountability. Selected National Societies Accelerator Funding The Lebanese Red Cross will use a substantial accelerator investment grant to strengthen its Project Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting (PMER), communications, and fundraising capacity with the aim of meeting more than 70% of its core services costs through local sources by 2023. Similarly, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society will utilise an accelerator investment to develop its resource mobilization capacities, building on initial planning and analysis and helping the National Society respond to the ongoing crisis in the country. Bridge Funding The bridge grant will support the Armenian Red Cross Society to develop a resource mobilization plan, focusing on un-earmarked income generation that is urgently required to meet ARCS programmatic activity needs. The Colombian Red Cross Society will receive bridge funding to help develop, test and implement new initiatives which will ensure regular income, strengthening the National Society in three crosscutting areas: communication and marketing, reporting and training. There is a need for the Comoros Red Crescent to enhance staff core competencies with regard to governance and financial management. The bridge grant will therefore allow the development of an investment plan for the National Society to best use potential future investment. NSIA bridge grant funding will enable the Malawi Red Cross Society to conduct a thorough and detailed assessment of potential national level income sources, subsequently developing an investment proposal to pursue the most promising. It is expected that through the bridge grant implementation, the Namibia Red Cross will be able to resolve a number a of critical challenges by consolidating its financial statements and systems, increasing financial liquidity and developing a forward-looking strategy. The Nigerian Red Cross Society will receive bridge funding to help explore the opportunities for developing commercial first aid services in the country, conducting a detailed analysis and developing a business plan for future investment. The Uganda Red Cross Society will receive bridge funding to work with its operational network of 51 branches to consolidate and improve its first aid training, and explore the possibility to unlock this resource and generate national level income. With several institutional changes needed within the Zambia Red Cross Society in order to achieve its development goals, a bridge grant will allow the ZRCS to undertake a midterm review of its existing strategic plan and developed and improved strategic and investment plan looking forward.