Forced to flee, compelled to help: They were living normal lives as students, volunteers and neighbours until conflict forced them to leave all behind. But these dedicated Sudanese volunteers are still helping others.

New Red Vest podcast episode: 'Quiet strength' – Three years of conflict in Sudan have forced millions from their homes. While the crisis gets little outside attention, the people of Sudan persevere.

'A crisis in motion': IFRC sounds alarm as Sudan's humanitarian needs escalate

Port Sudan/Nairobi/Geneva,13April 2026—The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warnsthatshifting patterns of displacement and returnin Sudancreate rapidly evolving humanitarian needs across the country.Three years into the conflict, millions of people arenow bothfleeing violenceandmany arereturning to devastated communities. In contrast,others continue to be displaced,reshaping humanitarian needs and forcing aid actors to adapt in real time.Sudanremainsthe largest displacement crisis in the world, with millions forced from their homes and an estimated 33 million people in need of humanitarianassistancein 2026.Yetas needs continue to grow, funding is declining, threatening humanitarian actors' abilityto respond effectively.ThierryBalloy,IFRCHead of DelegationinSudan,said:“The needs are immense and changing every day. Many families, mostly womenalone with their children,have fled multiple times over the past three years. Today, we see people returning to areas where basic services no longer exist — no water, no healthcare, no schools.We call on the international community to show solidarity and support the humanitarian response.We cannot leave affected communities inSudan to face this crisis alone”.A crisis in motion: displacement and return collideThe conflict has continuously shifted across Sudan, from Khartoum to Darfur and the Kordofan states, driving repeated waves of displacement. At the same time, growing numbers of people are returning home,often to find their homesdestroyedandinfrastructure and basic servicesseverely diminished or absent. For many families, the choice isunimaginable: remain displaced with limitedsupport orreturn to communities where “there is nothing left to go back to”.Despite this, people continue to return,rebuilding their lives from scratch, often without access to water, healthcare, or livelihoods.Rapidly adaptingthe responseThe IFRC and the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) are adjusting their operations to support displaced people,returneesand host communities at the same time. Flexible cashassistancehas become essential, enabling families to meet their most urgent needs.Expanding andmaintainingthis approach will be critical to meet rapidly evolving needs andpreventfurther deterioration of living conditions.AhmedAltayebSuliman,Secretary General, Sudan Red Crescent Society (SRCS) said:“Cashassistanceallows families to make impossible choices — whether to feed their children, access healthcare, or restart their lives. But the needs areoverwhelming. Sudan cannot be forgotten.”In this context,the IFRC isfocusing the response on:Health,waterandsanitation:Emergency health services, includingmental health, andmobile clinics to reach underserved areas.Water,sanitationand hygiene support to reduce disease risks Cash distribution. A safe,efficientand dignified way to support people in vulnerable situations. Immediaterelief,foodandwater forfamilies facing severe shortages.As needs evolve, so too must the response.A regional crisis: spillover across bordersAt the same time, growing insecurity, new displacement flows, and access constraints are compounding humanitarian needs across the region.More than4.5 million peoplehave fled toneighbouringcountries. Overcrowding,insecurity,and limited resources are deepening vulnerabilities for both refugees and host communities.The regional impact of the Sudan crisis continues to intensify, placing growing pressure on already fragile neighbouring contexts.Fundingurgently neededIn a crisis defined by constant change, the IFRC calls for increased, flexible funding that can be quickly redirected as needs shift.Thehumanitarian responseremainscriticallyunderfunded,and funds areurgentlyneeded.Without sustained international attention and support, millions of people will continue to face deepening humanitarian needs, both within Sudan and across the region.Note to editors:Visuals:Additionalphotos and video available here:From Sudan:LINKFrom the surroundingcountries: LINKFor more information or to request an interview, please contact:[email protected] Sudan: Anette Andresen,+47415 19 115  +249 11 005 9003In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu,+254 733 827 654In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa,+41 79 708 43 67

IFRC warns: Sudan crisis spills across borders as humanitarian crisis worsens

Juba, Nairobi, Geneva, 17 March 2026 – The effects of the ongoing conflict in Sudan are felt far beyond its borders. The International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC) warns the regional humanitarian situation in Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda is deteriorating rapidly, as funding dries up while needs continue to rise.Almost 4.5 million people have now fled Sudan to neighboring countries, placing heavy strain on already fragile systems. Overcrowded camps and limited funding have deepened humanitarian needs for refugees and host communities across the region.Pierre Kremer, Deputy Regional Director for Africa said, “The Sudan crisis doesn't stop at its borders. People flee in search of safety but arrive in overcrowded shelters without enough food or clean water, where medicines are running dangerously low. Most people in refugee camps are women and children, and they face a high risk of violence. Floods, drought, skyrocketing food prices, and disease outbreaks mean Sudanese refugees and host communities are repeatedly hit in every aspect of their lives. Especially with rainy season around the corner and the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, the situation becomes a nightmare.”Families struggling to surviveMore than 450,000 children in South Sudan are at risk of severe acute malnutrition. There are outbreaks of measles and malaria in Ethiopia and in Chad, access to water has become a daily struggle.In eastern Chad, border areas are overcrowded, some refugee sites are full and can no longer receive new arrivals. In Tiné and Adré, thousands of people are awaiting relocation. Many displaced people are living under plastic sheets or building shelters with only the clothes they could carry from Sudan. Two out of three registered refugee children in Chad are not enrolled in school, and many others, both in host communities and among refugees, are severely malnourished. Food rations have been reduced by half due to lack of funding.A transit center in Renk, South Sudan, hosts 8,000 people, waiting to be relocated to established refugee camps. Many are sleeping in makeshift tents, as the shelters can only accommodate 2,000 people. Food is in critically short supply and has become very expensive due to the large number of people Renk is hosting. People collect firewood to sell, to hopefully earn enough to feed their children.(See IFRC's latest reporting from refugee camps in Chad and South Sudan).Situation continues to worsenVolunteers from the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan, supported by the IFRC, are working tirelessly to help people, providing clean water, build latrines, psychosocial support, cash assistance.The South Sudan Red Cross built a female friendly centre in Renk: a safe and private space where women and girls can meet, dance, and speak confidentially about experiences of gender-based violence. With support of the IFRC, it also promotes women’s economic independence by providing materials for women to knit traditional bedsheets that they can sell to earn an income.The Chadian Red Cross, with support from the IFRC, operates humanitarian service points where volunteers help newly arrived refugees. They provide first aid, mental health support, and safe spaces for children. To increase access to water, a resource that is increasingly scarce in the eastern part of the country, they drill boreholes.In Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Red Cross support returnees with financial assistance to start small businesses. Some people have been able to open small electronics or poultry businesses. Yet the scale of the crisis continues to outpace the support available, especially with the rainy season starting in a few weeks.On top of this, the IFRC is already experiencing the impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Disruptions to supply chains are making it more difficult to deliver essential aid into the country. For example, tents currently stored in Dubai may face delays, and shipments of cholera treatment kits to Chad have also been affected.“For many families in Chad, South Sudan, or Ethiopia it already feels like the worst possible situation. But with higher logistical costs, more funding drying and the rainy season approaching, conditions are likely to deteriorate even further. The IFRC is supporting National Societies to help people survive today, but we urgently need international support to help families rebuild tomorrow. We call on governments, institutions, and private partners to act now. Without urgent international support, lives will be lost, and the situation will worsen dramatically,” Kremer added.Note to editors:Visuals: Audiovisual material is available for download and use.IFRC Sudan Complex Emergency appeal for fundingFor more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In N’Djamena: Alexis Aubin, +235 3031528In Juba: Daniëlle Brouwer, +316 10222382   In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 733 827 654In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67; Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

Water without fear: Special World Water Day reporting from South Sudan, where local Red Cross teams provide water that helps thousands stay safer and healthier in the midst of conflict and drought.

Under pressure: Special World Water Day reporting from camps in eastern Chad, where refugees are coping with extreme heat, water scarcity, and rising food prices.

'Now I've lost everything': Conflict in Sudan has forced millions to seek safety in neighbouring countries, where they face an uncertain future.

The volunteer heart: Why are so many so driven to help others? Part 1 in a special 'Year of the Volunteer' series.

With 2026 being designated as the ‘Year of the Volunteers’, Red Vest launches the first in a series of podcasts exploring the key questions and challenges at the heart of volunteering. In this episode, we visit a welcome centre for refugees in Geneva, Switzerland where we explore the question at the heart of volunteering: what is it that drives people to help others, even when there’s no expectation of reward or reciprocation. In future episodes, we examine the critical role local volunteers play in addressing the world’s biggest challenges, the dangers and risks volunteers often face, and how volunteering often opens doors to new challenges and experiences for those who take the initiative to help others.

New Red Vest podcast episode: The volunteer heart — Why are so many people driven to help others in need?

The Global Migration and Displacement Platform

Our IFRC Global Migration and Displacement Platform unites local and global action to ensure that people at risk of displacement, people on the move, and the communities that host them, live with dignity, safety and opportunity.

Mauritania: Vital aid strengthening solidarity between people on the move and the families who host them

In Rosso, Mauritania, on the banks of the Senegal River, the constant back and forth of pirogues and ferries shapes daily life. Every day, hundreds of people cross the river, linking this Mauritanian city to its Senegalese twin of the same name on the opposite bank.Rosso’s strategic position makes it a major economic and migratory crossroads between Mauritania and Senegal—a gateway to the south and a transit point for sub-Saharan migrants heading towards the Maghreb and Europe.In recent months, the city has faced a growing influx of people on the move. Many arrive exhausted from long journeys, lacking access to drinking water, sufficient food, or safe shelter.Humanitarian service points: Lifelines in transitTo respond to these urgent needs, the Mauritanian Red Crescent has established two Humanitarian Service Points (HSPs)—one at the Rosso pier and another at the local committee headquarters. For many migrants in transit, these spaces have become lifelines offering essential services.“We provide them with food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and phone services for those seeking to contact loved ones,” explains Mohamed Ould Lemine, Head of Volunteer and Migration Programmes at the Mauritanian Red Crescent. “But the daily increase in arrivals quickly overwhelmed our capacity.” Host families: The front line of solidarityBehind this visible humanitarian emergency lies another, quieter strain—that faced by host families in Rosso. These households, already struggling with limited resources, are often the first to extend a helping hand to migrants and displaced people, embodying the spirit of solidarity.To support both migrants and the communities that welcome them, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) mobilized 375,000 Swiss francs through its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). This assistance aims to reach 4,500 migrants and 600 vulnerable host families, thereby strengthening local mutual aid capacities and social cohesion.A more equitable and inclusive responseFar from the bustle of the river crossing, dozens of Mauritanian Red Crescent volunteers are at work across several neighborhoods of Rosso-ville, distributing cash assistance to 600 vulnerable host families. This financial support helps households meet their most urgent needs and regain a sense of stability.“It was time for humanitarian actors to think of us too. This is the first aid we have received,” says Mohamed Tahet Ould Sidi, head of the Haye Nezaha 1 neighborhood in the outskirts of Rosso, expressing a long-felt sense of neglect.In the courtyard of his home, temporarily transformed into a distribution site, hope flickers anew. Under the scorching sun, women—many of them the sole breadwinners for their families—line up to receive support that can make a world of difference.“Before, we lived simply but managed to get by,” says Salma Hemet, 54, a mother of seven from the Jadida neighborhood. “Then everything became difficult: the prices of rice and sugar went up, and our income disappeared.”Building shared resilienceFor the IFRC and the Mauritanian Red Crescent, this integrated approach reflects a long-term vision—one that sees assistance not as charity, but as an investment in shared resilience.“By supporting both migrants and host families, we recognize their crucial role,” explains Makan Boubacar Sissao, IFRC Migration Programme Officer, referring to the support that host families provide.“We are not just distributing aid; we are strengthening social cohesion and helping communities build resilience together.”

Somalia: Complex Emergency

Somalia is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with over 2.5 million people in Puntland and Somaliland struggling to survive amid extreme drought, collapsing health systems, and severe food and water shortages. Families have lost their livelihoods, children are at risk of malnutrition and disease, and women and girls face heightened protection risks as community coping mechanisms collapse. The Somali Red Crescent Society is on the ground providing life-saving water, food, health services, and cash assistance, but urgent support is needed to scale up and reach more families in need.Donate now to help the Somali Red Crescent provide life-saving assistance.

Fighting hunger through the power of motherhood and fatherhood

This episode Red Vest podcast takes you on an immersive audio journey to remote villages in northern Nigeria. There, you will meet groups of mothers and fathers who are challenging social norms in order to tackle a severe, persistent hunger crisis and improve the health of their communities. We’ll also introduce you to another very important character known as “Tom Brown.” But you’ll have to listen to the episode to learn how Tom Brown is helping to bring thousands of children back from the brink of severe malnutrition.

New podcast episode: Fighting hunger through the power of motherhood and fatherhood

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

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

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

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

New podcast episode: Lost and found at sea — Saving lives, coping with loss aboard the Ocean Viking rescue vessel.

Finding a new way of life in the camps of Cox’s Bazar

Sayedul was thirty-five-years-old when he and his wife Setara fled violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar and took shelter in the camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, carrying nothing but fear and a newborn in his arms.The journey was long and painful, walking through forests, surviving on nothing, and constantly worrying about what awaited them.When they finally found refuge in what is now known as Camp 13 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, Sayedul thought the worst was over. But life in Camp 13 proved otherwise.The shelter was cramped, the surroundings were unhygienic. Common diseases like diarrhea and scabies spread fast. With his health deteriorating, Sayedul was unable to work. Moreover, there was no work to be had.With two little children to care for, the couple lived in fear, uncertainty and hopelessness.“I would just sit in front of our shelter and stare at nothing. I had no strength, no purpose. Everything felt like it was falling apart,” Sayedul recalls.But that despair has now been transformed. Over years of living in the camp — it’s now been eight years since the crisis began — Sayedul Amin is a respected figure, a source of inspiration and a role model for the community.Neighbours come to him with questions about health, hygiene or even family planning, and he loves using his time to talk to neighbours. His story inspires many others who are still struggling with life in the camp.“I tell them—look at me. I was once sick and hopeless. But someone believed in me, and I decided to change,” he says.Today, Setara and Sayedul’s home stands as a quiet example of healthy, dignified living. Their shelter is clean and organized, with a small homestead garden where fresh vegetables grow.Their two sons practice the habit of handwashing and cleanliness as their parents had regularly taught these practices to them.According to Sayedul and Setara, the turnaround was due in large part to the diligence of a volunteer from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society named Marijan. Also a resident of the camp, Marijan came by regularly to talk about how to maintain good hygiene practices in a camp setting.As a result, Sayedul then began cleaning the surroundings of the family shelter regularly, ensuring his wife and children followed hygiene routines. The benefits have been apparent: during the last scabies outbreak in Camp 13, for example, Sayedul’s household remained incredibly unaffected.Setara herself found purpose as well—she started to work as a volunteer for a local non-governmental organization in the camp. Every day, she goes out to help others.“She puts on her volunteer vest with pride,” Sayedul stated proudly. “And while she’s away, I take care of the kids and make sure they don’t skip their school.”The family finally found a rhythm. Their two sons, now old enough to attend the learning center, are picking up reading, writing, and even basic life skills.‘What could a stranger do?’The new life of Sayedul and Setara did not come about overnight. It was a gradual journey. And, this happened because of the persistence and dedication of Marijan, who works on something called evidence-based Community-Based Health and First Aid.The flagship health initiative of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, this approach is designed to put communities — and the detailed information they share about their collective health — at the centre of health initiatives.When Marijan first visited Sayedul Amin’s shelter in the camps of Ukhiya, he was doubtful.“What could a stranger do for us?” he thought. But Marijan kept returning, encouraging and sharing small tips about health and hygiene.Gradually, her presence became familiar and comforting. She helped Sayedul understand how small changes could make a big difference. She taught Setara about handwashing with soap, safe drinking water, and how to keep their children clean and healthy. Marijan also introduced them to the idea of family planning—a concept that was entirely new to them.“It wasn’t easy to talk about such personal matters with someone outside the family,” Setara says with a smile. “But Marijan made us feel respected and comfortable.”The couple began to discuss their future openly for the first time in months. They decided together to use family planning methods and focus on raising their two sons in a healthier, more stable environment.A journey from despair to refound dignityHis journey from despair to dignity was not easy, Marijan’s regular visits, gentle counseling, and tireless support were a turning point in Sayedul’s life.In this way, organizations like the IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society are redefining what it means to support the displaced people in their population movement operation.By focusing on health, hygiene, family planning, and community mobilization, they are helping individuals take control of their lives, one visit, one conversation at a time.“We didn’t just survive; we learned to live again,” Sayedul says with quiet pride.There are many stories of hope like this in the camps of Coxs Bazar. But many also continue to face tremendous hardship and challenges as the crisis now enters its eighth year. With the support of the IFRC's Population Movement Operation, and an international appeal for support, the Bangladesh Red Crescent continues to work every day in the displaced camps, bringing a wide range of support and services.Through this operation, more than 650,000 people in the camps of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar have been supported so far with shelter, health care, wash and hygiene, livelihoods, as well as other initiatives aimed at ensuring protection and inclusion of all people impacted by the crisis, as well as ongoing community, engagement and accountability.

IFRC statement about the incident on the Ocean Viking

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

Afghanistan population movement: IFRC sounds alarm on severe funding gap 

Kabul/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 21 July, 2025 - The IFRC is deeply concerned about the future of people living in and returning to Afghanistan, a country that is already facing multiple, overlapping crises.“If the international community doesn’t step up now, communities in Afghanistan will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people returning,” said Sami Fakhouri, Head of Delegation, IFRC Afghanistan.More than 2.6 million people have returned from Pakistan and Iran, according to UNHCR data, arriving in a country they must now call home - often with nothing to rebuild their lives.“We’re already having to make tough choices, like whether we have enough funding to continue providing even the most basic support, such as food at the borders for those returning. Right now, only 10 percent of the required funding has been secured,” added Fakhouri.Together with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, the IFRC aims to shift its focus toward the longer-term resettlement and recovery of returnees.Support at the crossing pointsAt border crossing points, ARCS is supporting returnees with essential provisions including food, clean drinking water, and vital health services to help them withstand extreme heat. Each day, ARCS distributes over 6,000 hot meals at Islam Qala and 500 at Milak in Nimruz province.Mobile health teams provide outpatient care, while mental health teams offer psychological first aid and counselling. A cash-for-work programme also supports hygiene in camps and provides short-term income.Since April, more than 226,000 people have received support from the ARCS and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners. But with limited resources and more people arriving every day, the pressure on the ARCS, IFRC, and partners is growing rapidly. Without more funding, even basic services—like meals at the border—may have to stop. Urgent support is needed to sustain this life-saving work.Empowering returneesIn the provinces and communities where returnees settle, the ARCS provides training for both men and women to gradually rebuild their lives and better prepare for the future, for example by learning about agriculture or how to better prepare for natural disasters like flash floods.Three families who returned from Iran and seven families who crossed from Pakistan have joined the ARCS Marastoon programme, which offers vocational training for vulnerable returnee women across eight provinces over a three-year period. These families are just a few examples among the millions of people now facing the difficult process of reintegration in Afghanistan.The programme equips women with practical skills to strengthen self-reliance and create income-generating opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity. This support is especially vital for Afghan women, who continue to face serious barriers to healthcare, education, and personal safety in a context where their rights remain severely restricted.“As millions return to Afghanistan with almost nothing—no homes, no jobs, and no safety net—this is not only a humanitarian emergency but also a test of our long-term commitment to invest in programmes like Marastoon,” says Fakhouri.Action is needed nowThe ARCS has served communities across Afghanistan for decades, supported by more than 26,000 dedicated volunteers and staff. However, without urgent and increased international support, their ability to respond effectively is at risk.More than immediate aid is needed. To help families move from crisis to sustainable recovery, long-term investment in support programmes is essential, empowering people to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope for the future.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] visual materials from Islam Qala are available.In Kabul Nicole van Batenburg, +31 6 38217459 (WhatsApp)Muqbel Sayed Eshaq +93 70 733 6040In Kuala Lumpur Lili Chin, +60 16 2340872  In Geneva Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109 

Afghan returnees: A story of endurance amidst uncertainty

Fatimah sits quietly, her hands trembling as she speaks."We had to leave Pakistan, which was our home for the past 40 years, and now we have no land, no shelter, and no sense of stability,”shares Fatimah (not her real name), a single mother of five children.“I just want my children to have a safe place to grow—somewhere they can call home. We pray for a better future, for support from the government and the international community."Fatimah’s story is not just hers; it resonates with the stories of countless others who are crossing into Afghanistan from Pakistan, following a March 2025 decision by Pakistan’s government to resume implementation of a law that requires non-citizens to leave the country.The decision has impacted Afghans disproportionately due to the large population of Afghan citizenship card holders living there with varying levels of legal status in the country.Many of the returning Afghans, however, have lived outside of Afghanistan for a long time, some for their whole lives. Many have never set foot in Afghanistan and now have absolutely no idea about where they will live, how they will feed themselves and their families, or educate their children. Much worse, single female heads of households like Fatimah face even greater hardships, as they need to take care of both their children and manage their household responsibilities.A growing crisisThe number of people sharing Fatima’s experience is overwhelming and it’s growing by the day.Since the deportation plan was first implemented in 2023, almost a million Afghan people (972,400 people as of 23 April 2025) have already crossed via the four official crossing points along the border with Pakistan.In April 2025 alone, more than 118,400 Afghans crossed from Pakistan, 25,600 of whom were deported. On average, 4,000 to 6,000 people cross daily, with women and children constituting a sizable female-headed households.As the returnee situation escalated, the IFRC quickly allocated funds from its Disaster Response Emergency Funds (IFRC-DREF) to help with the initial operations. This was followed by the launch of an Emergency Appealthat aimes to raise25 million Swiss francs for delivery of lifesaving support over the next two years. This covers recovery and reintegration efforts, training aimed at building professional skills, and cash-for-work initiatives—laying foundations for rebuilding lives and restoring dignity.The appeals have helped the Afghan Red Crescent Society provide critical support to thousands of returnees. However, more support is needed to ensure people arriving at camps in Afghanistan can survive day to day in the short term and make a full recovery in the longer term.The first step is simple to find a safe place to stay.Upon arriving at the Afghan border crossing points, they are guided to two temporary campsset up by Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), United Nations agencies and other organizations. The Omari camp is located 6 kilometers from the Torkham border, Nangarhar, and the other is 60 kilometers away in Kandahar (Takht-e Pol).Returnees have to travel to these camps by themselves and so they mainly use local trucks and drivers available at the borders. There are also trucks that provide transportation from Pakistan itself onto Afghanistan.At the temporary camps set up by ARCS, doctors and healthcare volunteers receive returnees and provide them with check-ups, consultations, consultation, food and more.At the border crossing points, ARCS also helps with food distribution, shelter support with tents, healthcare services, information about all other help readily available at the camps by other aid agencies and help with any other pressing needs.Access to basic needsOne of the people who recently arrived is Sadullah, a father of five.“I used to be a shopkeeper in Karachi, where my store was the heart of my family’s livelihood,”he says. “Now, we are forced to return to a land that feels both familiar and foreign. I stand here, lost and afraid, unsure of how to rebuild what we’ve lost.”His words reflect the struggles of many returnees as they grapple with the reality of lost livelihoods and the basic necessities of life—food, shelter, and the means to support their families. Healthcare, for many, feels like a distant dream.Another returnee, Rahimullah, also shares a heart-wrenching story: "I have stomach problems and am now ill. We left everything behind out of fear of detention. My wife died when my baby was only 10 days old and I was left caring for my three daughters and two young sons.”Getting primary health care in the campsAt Omari camp, ARCS (with support from IFRC) treats approximately 700 people with primary healthcare daily, and this includes those who need maternal and child health services such as medical counseling, medicines and injections, and prenatal care.It was here that doctors and midwives of ARCS helped deliver three newborns, whose mothers crossed the border while heavily pregnant.“The midwives are volunteers with Afghan Red Crescent, and they provided lifesaving critical care to the three newborn deliveries in the tent,”one of the ARCS doctor at the camp explains.“They also play a vital role in providing healthcare services to pregnant mothers who perilously cross the border. In addition to this, there are three female nutrition officers in our nutrition section. As of now, we have treated approximately 40-50 women”.Referral and transport to a local hospital is hard as the nearest one is over 100km away.As such, the ARCS medical teams that are present at the camps comprise of both male and female doctors and there are five other Mobile Health Teams of ARCS at the two borders. Aside from healthcare, hundreds of ARCS volunteers are also working to dispense water, set up tents, and provide medical services."It's incredibly heartening to see how even the smallest of our efforts bring relief to families in such difficult times,”says one volunteer at the camp. "Every action helps rebuild hope."

IFRC calls for increased international support as Afghan population movement from Iran intensifies

Herat/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 30 June 2025 - The Islam Qala border crossing in western Afghanistan has seen more than 800,000 people from Afghanistan returning from Iran since January 2025. In June alone, over 137,000 people came through Islam Qala, often arriving exhausted and without adequate food, water, or shelter.With rising temperatures, limited resources, and host communities struggling to cope, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is calling for urgent support to meet the needs of those arriving.Afghanistan is already facing many difficulties after decades of conflict, economic problems, and disasters such as earthquakes and floods. Alongside the returnees from Iran, more than 1 million people have also come back from Pakistan since late 2023, putting additional pressure on basic services and humanitarian organizations."This issue hasn’t received the attention it deserves," highlights Alexander Matheou, the Regional Director for Asia Pacific at the IFRC, who visited the border this weekend. "These individuals are not just statistics; they are mothers, fathers, children, and families returning to a country that is already facing significant trials. It’s crucial that we treat them with the dignity they deserve and support them as they work to rebuild their lives."A significant number of returnees are individuals who have spent extended periods—some for decades—in Iran or Pakistan. Their decision to return is influenced by the evolving legal landscape affecting them, challenging economic circumstances and heightened regional tensions impacting those countries.At the border, families endure sweltering temperatures often topping 40°C, armed with the few belongings they could manage to pack. They find shade under blankets, while signs of malnutrition are evident in children, and many mothers appear worn down and anxious.The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), is on-site providing vital assistance. They are offering medical care, clean drinking water, and food to those in need. Their mobile clinics are treating at least 500 patients daily, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly. While serious cases are referred to nearby hospitals, the demand for medical supplies is outpacing availability."Many mothers we talk to are incredibly fatigued, with their primary focus on the well-being of their children”, shares an ARCS nurse.Once registered, families are transported to Herat City. Yet, uncertainty looms over their future. Young individuals who are returning to a homeland they barely know, while their families grapple with finding housing, establishing livelihoods, and educational opportunities.Women and girls face heightened vulnerabilities as they return to a country where their rights are significantly restricted. Access to healthcare, education, and safety remains tenuous."As hundreds of thousands return with almost nothing—lacking homes, jobs, and support—it's essential for governments, donors, and aid organizations to step up and provide greater assistance," Matheou emphasizes."Afghanistan is already under considerable strain. With the numbers of returning individuals increasing daily—and even more anticipated in the near future—this is a crucial time for the global community to unite in support of these families.“The Afghan Red Crescent Society and its partners are doing everything within their power, but the needs are immense. There is an urgent requirement for increased funding, supplies, and long-term support to help these families rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Together, we can make a difference in their journey towards a more secure and prosperous future.”Spokespeople in Afghanistan and audiovisual material in addition to the below are available upon request.Media professionals can find a collection of audio-visual material through this link.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Kabul:Nicole van Batenburg, +31 6 38217459In Kuala Lumpur:Afrhill Rances, +60 19 271 3641In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109

World Refugee Day 2025: Bringing hope to people forced to flee world’s largest displacement crisis

For more than two years, the Egyptian Red Crescent has stood as a vital lifeline for tens of thousands of people forced to flee the devastating conflict in Sudan.Since the crisis began in April 2023, Red Crescent volunteers and staff have mobilized quickly —responding within just two days by setting up humanitarian service points at the Qustul and Arqeen border crossings in southern Egypt.These points have offered emergency first aid, medical screenings, psychosocial support, food, water, and hygiene supplies for thousands of Sudanese families arriving in Egypt with little more than the clothes on their backs.“We acted immediately,” said Dr. Amal Emam, executive director of the Egyptian Red Crescent. “Within 48 hours, we had humanitarian service points up and running at the main border crossings—offering not just relief but also dignity and hope.”The efforts have not wavered over the past 2 years,as fighting and displacement in Sudan forced more than12.3 million people from their homes. Most were displaced within Sudan, butnearly one third – 4 million people –have become refugees in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.To help meet the dire needs of desperate people seeking safety within Egypt, the Egyptian Red Crescent has:Provided medical care to over 139,000 peopleDelivered cash assistance to 5,000 familiesOffered psychosocial support to over 10,000 individuals, including childrenFacilitated 12,940 local and international phone and internet connections to help people restore contact with their loved onesDistributed more than 210,000 hygiene kits, 1.3 million bottles of water, and 1 million ready-to-eat mealsTo strengthen its efforts, the Red Crescent activated its Aswan branch and trained response teams across border regions—ensuring services were available not only at crossing points but also in Aswan city, Abu Simbel, and key transit hubs like the Aswan railway station.Special attention has also been paid to people with disabilities, older adults, and children—ensuring inclusive access to aid and the creation of child-friendly spaces for psychological support.International solidarity, swift and ongoing actionBeyond Egypt’s borders, the Egyptian Red Crescent extended solidarity to those still inside Sudan. In collaboration with the Egyptian government, it dispatched three ships carrying over 1,000 tonnes of life-saving relief supplies to Sudanese communities still struggling within the country.These efforts would not be possible without the hundreds of Egyptian Red Crescent volunteers, who have contributed more than 340,000 hours of service since the onset of the crisis—offering compassion, courage, and consistency in the face of one of the region’s most complex humanitarian emergencies.The Egyptian Red Crescent’s response to the large-scale population movement from Sudan was has also been supported by the IFRC through its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), which allocated 305,832 Swiss francs to the response. This funding enabled the ERCS to provide immediate, life-saving assistance.To scale up the response and address growing humanitarian needs at the Sudanese-Egyptian border, the IFRC also launched an Emergency Appeal, which is also mobilizing additional resources to support the ERCS in expanding its operations.Learn more about how you can join us in solidarity with refugees around the worldHelp support refugees and others displaced by fighting in SudanIFRC’s approach to migration and displacementGlobal Route-Based Migration ProgrammeHumanitarian Service PointsWorld Refugee Day: Syrian refugees in Jordan stitch a new life through skills training and education

IFRC’s World Refugee Day message: ‘We are with you’

Imagine you are 24 years old and a mother of two. Suddenly, armed conflict within your country sweeps through your town and you have to escape to save your life. You leave on foot, with your children and anything you can carry.This is the fate that befell 24-year-old Munana, who had to flee her home in Sudan’s Darfur region with her children in 2024. Arriving in Adré, Chad, close to the border with Sudan, her family immediately receivedsupport from the Red Cross of Chad.“The journey between Sudan and here was very difficult,”she says. “When we arrived here the Red Cross welcomed us. They have given us a tent, lights, toiletries and water.”This is just one story among thousands of people around the world who areforced to flee simply to find safety for themselves and their family. And it’s another example of Red Cross and Red Crescent actions that say to people like Munana that they are not alone – we stand with you.As we markWorld Refugee Day 2025 on 20 June, this year under the theme of “solidarity”, the IFRC asks people around the world to express their solidarity through action, by helping us to build empathy and understanding for the plight of refugees and to support our life-changing work in places where refugees need us most.We ask youto stand in solidarity with people like Abdel, who supervises the volunteers who welcomed Munana at the Chad Red Cross’s humanitarian service point (HSP) in Adré, which in this case is funded by theBritish Red Cross.At humanitarian service points like this one, the Red Cross supports refugees where they are – along routes, in camps, in host communities – by providingfood, psychosocial assistance, protection services for the most vulnerable, shelters, and relocation support.In some areas, the Red Cross also providescash assistance, so people can choose what they and their families need most while retaining some control and dignity. Surrounded by so much suffering, Abdel sees this work as a source of comfort and happiness. “Often people ask, what is happiness? For me, happiness is helping people,”he says.A global crisisSolidarity with refugees is more critical than ever, given the scope of displacement due to violence around the world. Even some of the world’s largest crises do not always get the attention they deserve.Sudan, for example, is experiencing the world's largest displacement crisis, with over 12.3 million people forced from their homes due to ongoing civil conflict. Most were displaced within Sudan, but nearly one third – 4 million people –have become refugees in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. Yet this massive crisis receives relatively little international media attention.Sadly, this is not the only conflict causing people to leave their homes to find safety elsewhere. The UN Refugee Agency estimates that more than 123 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced.Among them, 36.8 million are refugees (meaning they sought safety in a country other than their own) and another 8.4 million are asylum seekers (people who have sought international protection and recognition as refugees outside their home country).A global responseThe scale of population movement around the world is one reason more than 165 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world are working to support people on the move, including migrants and refugees, wherever they need assistance.A total of 115 of those Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are supporting refugees and asylum seekers through both emergency response efforts and longer-term programmes. This support spans emergency and crisis settings, including countries such as Bangladesh, Sudan’s neighbouring countries, and Ukraine’s neighbouring countries. National Societies also assist and protect migrants and refugees traveling along dangerous migration routes in all corners of the globe.This includes the 63 National Societies participating in the IFRC’s GlobalRoute-Based Migration Programme, which aims to save lives and improve the safety and dignity of 4.7 million people on the move each year, including migrants, refugees, displaced people, and host communities.Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are in call centres, connecting people to lost family members. They are at airports, bus stops and train stations, providing people with a safe space to rest.The support given is as individual as the story and experiences of each person on the move, and can include healthcare, Restoring Family Links, mental health and psychosocial support, protection, information, food and other essential supplies. There is even a humanitarian service point at sea. TheOcean Viking rescue vessel regularly rescues migrant vessels in distress in the Central Mediterranean Sea.An ongoing journeySolidary with refugees continues even after people arrive in a new community or country. That’s because, very often, a new journey, full of challenges has just begun.While some refugees successfully establish themselves in new communities, many others face dire challenges. They risk losing connections with their families and they often lack access to essential health and social services. They also may come face to face with discrimination, human trafficking, exploitation, legal and cultural hurdles and even violence.And even when things go relatively smoothly, it is not always easy to feel at home in a new country and a new culture. Often, it takes a while to start feeling at home.This is one reason why National Societies such astheRed Crescent Society of Tajikistan work tohelp people settle and feel at home.With the support of theProgrammatic Partnership, funded by ECHO PP, for example, the IFRC supports theRed Crescent Society of Tajikistan inproviding cash, food parcels, housing supplies and hygiene kits, among other things, to refugees in Tajikistan. The support has also helped the Red Crescent to organize vocational courses, including culinary, driving, beauty courses, and English classes for Afghan kids.Changing attitudesThere are numerous examples of this kind of Red Cross and Red Crescent solidarity work around the world. Numerous National Societies in Europe, for example, offermental health and psychosocial support as well aslanguage classes to refugees from Ukraine.Others work to promote better understanding of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. As part of its longstanding commitment to anti-racism, for example, the Finnish Red Cross developed the Identify and Act Navigator – a digital tool designed to help people recognize their own biases and understand when and how to intervene in racist situations.In three months the Navigator app was viewed by approximately 20, 000 people; roughly 8 000 people completed all the various stages and scenarios presented in the programme.Learn more about how you can join us in solidarity with refugees around the worldIFRC’s approach to migration and displacementGlobal Route-Based Migration ProgrammeHumanitarian Service PointsCase study: Red Cross of Boznia Herzegovina mobile teamCase study: Red Cross of Cyprus mobile migration teamCase study: Local branch of Palilula, Serbian Red CrossCase study: Slovenian Red Cross humanitarian service pointCase study: Red Cross of Montenegro reception centreWorld Refugee Day: Bringing hope to people forced to flee world’s largest displacement crisisWorld Refugee Day: Syrian refugees in Jordan stitch a new life through skills training and education

Overcoming barriers: Red Cross language classes help displaced Ukrainians open doors to a new life

Financial insecurity, unemployment, limited access to healthcare, and language barriers are everyday challenges for millions of people who fled Ukraine after the escalation of the conflict.While finding safety is a critical first step, the harder journey often begins after — rebuilding a life in a new country, surrounded by an unfamiliar language and culture.To support this journey, Red Cross National Societies in Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania have launched language programs that go far beyond grammar and vocabulary.These classes are helping displaced people from Ukraine find their voices — giving them the tools they need to access work, education, healthcare, and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of belonging.The projecthas been made possible by the Swiss Contribution to the European Union under the Rapid Response Fund. This initiative aims to reduce social and economic disparities within the European Union.‘At 57, I’m starting over’One of those taking part in the classes is Iryna, who never imagined she’d be learning a new language at 57 — or starting over in a new country. Now living in Latvia with her daughter-in-law and grandson, she attends Latvian courses run by the Latvian Red Cross.“I lack speaking practice, so I eagerly signed up,”she says. “We have a great teacher.”Iryna’s family fled Kharkiv when the conflict escalated, spending days sheltering in a village basement with other families before finally boarding crowded evacuation trains. Eventually, they made it to Latvia.Life in a new country hasn’t been easy. Back home, Iryna worked as a chief accountant. Now, she works as a cleaner in a theater — a job she is grateful for, even if it is far from her field. “To return to my profession, I need to know the language,” she explains.But she finds joy in small moments. “At the theater, I get to watch pre-premiere shows and chat with the actors,” she adds with a smile.‘I never thought I’d need another language'Vadym, 55, from Mykolaiv, fled Ukraine with his family after the conflict escalated. Their journey to Romania took three days. “It was difficult,” he recalls. “We had never been abroad before, so I never thought I’d need to learn another language.”Before the escalation of the conflict, Vadym worked at the port — a skilled job that remains in demand. But in Romania, the language barrier stands in the way of continuing in his profession.Now, he attends Romanian language classes organized by the Romanian Red Cross. “It is helpful. We talk about different topics in class, and now I can go to the store and explain myself at a basic level,” he says.‘I was afraid — how would I explain if my child got sick?’For nearly three years, Mila and her son have been living in Hungary after fleeing Ukraine. She still remembers the fear and the long queues at the border. Everything felt uncertain — and without speaking the language, even the simplest tasks felt overwhelming.“I was afraid — what if my child got sick? How would I explain things to a doctor?” she recalls.When Mila learned the Hungarian Red Cross offered free language classes, she joined right away.“I came to the course and really liked it,” she says. “I met other Ukrainians, learned a lot of useful things from them, and we started talking more.”Being able to practice Hungarian in a supportive space has made a big difference. “Now I can go to the store, the pharmacy, or any office on my own — and get things done,” she says.Mila’s confidence is growing with every lesson. “When I reach a better language level, I plan to find a job here,” she says, full of hope for a more stable future.‘To find a well-paid job without knowing the language is impossible’When the conflict escalated, Yuliia left Zaporizhzhia with her two children, hoping to give them a safer life.“I wanted my children to grow up in peace, in a country without fear,” she says.Later, her mother joined them in Lithuania. Both women found work as cleaners — honest, important work that helped them start over. But Yuliia knows that speaking the language is key to opening more doors.“To find a well-paid job without knowing the language is impossible,” she says.That is why she and her mother now attend Lithuanian language classes run by the Lithuanian Red Cross.“I can already talk to people who do not speak Russian,” Yuliia shares. “It is still hard to speak freely, but I understand.”For Yuliia, Iryna, Vadym and Mila — and for many others taking part in these classes learning the local language is not just about communication. It is about regaining control, rebuilding dignity — and taking the first steps toward a future they can shape themselves.