Geneva, 30 March 2021 - In response to a common call for an International Treaty on Pandemics by the WHO and world leaders today, Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross Red and Crescent Societies, said:

“We are encouraged by this commitment from the WHO and world leaders today to develop a new treaty on pandemic prevention and response. The COVID-19 response has been hugely impaired by gaps in global cooperation and inequities affecting some of the most vulnerable of our societies. This treaty is an opportunity to address these for the next time.

We need bold new solutions – both in international and domestic laws – to avoid the same mistakes. These must include a firm commitment to preparedness at all levels of society, including at the community level, and equitable access to testing, vaccines and treatment for all at greatest risk. We must also ensure that health and emergency staff and volunteers are supported to operate safely to provide life-saving aid, and access communities in need. And we must guard against the economic ruin of the poorest and most vulnerable as a result of pandemic responses.

With our experience in supporting states to develop and implement disaster law and policy around the world, IFRC and its members stand ready to provide their expertise and advice to governments and to support such a treaty to not only be powerful on paper but transformative in reality.”

For interviews or more information, please contact:

In Geneva: Ann Vaessen, +41 79 405 77 50, ann.vaessen@ifrc.org

In London: Teresa Goncalves, +44 7891 857 056, teresa.goncalves@ifrc.org

About IFRC:

IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Zagreb/Budapest, 30 December 2020 – Red Cross teams have mobilised across Croatia to help hundreds of people hit by yesterday’s magnitude 6.4 earthquake, the latest in a series of deadly quakes to have struck the country this year.

Croatian Red Cross spokesperson Katerina Zoric said Red Cross personnel have been on hand at the epicentre Petrinja since it hit around midday yesterday, killing reportedly seven people and injuring more than 26.

“More than 100 trained Red Cross staff and volunteers are helping with evacuations, providing first aid for the injured, helping clear the rubble and set up tents for displaced people,” she said.

“They have been working through the night to distribute aid to people affected in Petrinja and in the surrounding villages. They have supplied food, water, warm tea, blankets and jackets to people forced to remain outside. They have helped with the evacuation of a nursing home and will continue to be in the field wherever help is needed.”

The Croatian Red Cross is collecting cash and in-kind donations through its website to support the people affected.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Regional Director for Europe, Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen said the organization stands ready to support local Red Cross efforts.

“We are concerned about the effect of on-going earthquakes on these communities. People in the quake-affected areas are already suffering mental distress after a powerful 5.4 earthquake struck Zagreb in March this year, damaging buildings and structures and the recent quakes are only compounding understandable anxiety and uncertainty,” she said.

“We are also worried that the current turmoil may lead to a surge of COVID-19 cases in Croatia. Hundreds of people were forced to leave their homes, are accommodated in communal buildings and tents, while others are seeking shelter in different parts of the country, increasing the risk of transmission. The Croatian Red Cross is doing an outstanding job to ensure that COVID-19 protection measures are observed during the emergency operation.” 

For more information, please contact:

In Petrinja: Katarina Zolic, +385 91 6047 206 (mobile and WhatsApp), katarina.zoric@hck.hr

In Budapest: Susan Cullinan, +36 70 507 0131 (Mobile and WhatsApp), susan.cullinan@ifrc.org

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org

About IFRC:

IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Geneva, 11 January 2021 – With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out across many countries, the world’s largest humanitarian network is once again warning that vaccines alone will not end the pandemic. People need to remain vigilant and continue to adhere to basic preventative measures that include physical distancing, wearing masks and handwashing.

Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said:

“The humbling reality is this pandemic is only gaining momentum, a stark reminder that vaccines alone will not end this fight. We all need to make sure that, in our optimism about vaccines, we do not forget the dangers of this virus or the actions we all need to take to protect ourselves and each other.

“COVID-19 is still killing thousands of people every single day. We each have a responsibility to stay vigilant and to practice the preventative measures that will curb the spread. 

“All people, even those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, must continue to physically distance, stay home as much as possible, wear a mask to protect themselves and their communities and thoroughly wash their hands. Patience is key, and commitment is essential. The ability to keep each other safe and healthy is literally in our hands.”

This warning comes as global COVID-19 daily cases and deaths are as high as they have been since the beginning of the pandemic. These spikes seem in part to have been driven by the emergence of two new COVID-19 variants. The variant VOC 202012/01 (Variant of Public health Concern), first detected in the UK in December, seems to transmit more easily between people than other variants and has rapidly spread throughout the country and to more than 40 other countries.

A second variant, 501Y.V2, which was recently discovered in South Africa, has been detected in at least six additional countries, and comes at a time when the African continent is in the grips of its worst-ever COVID-19 period. Over the past four weeks, Africa has experienced a continuous increase in new cases and deaths.

The IFRC is also bracing for a further surge in cases following the holiday period, which saw millions of people around the world travel and gather with relatives and friends. A proven, consistent driver of the pandemic has been the gathering of people indoors from different households without face coverings or masks. The IFRC warns that countries should be prepared to see a possible increase in infections soon.

Emanuele Capobianco, IFRC’s Director of Health, said:

“We are very concerned about this convergence of a potential false sense of security due to the rollout of vaccines, the emergence of new variants, and the impact of holiday-season travel. Our first line of defence against the virus remains our individual behaviour. Beyond this, the ability of Governments to take swift actions based on scientific evidence is also key to slowing down the pandemic.

“Vaccines will help, but unless we all remain vigilant, and unless their deployment is accelerated across the world in a fair and equitable manner, the entire world remains at risk.” 

For more information contact:

In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67, tommaso.dellalonga@ifrc.org

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org

In Chicago: Katie Wilkes, +1 312 952 2270, RRCommunication.GVA@ifrc.org

About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Ulaanbaatar/Kuala Lumpur/Geneva, 12 January 2021 – Forecasts of one of the most extreme winters on record in Mongolia have triggered the release of pre-emptive emergency funds in a bid to protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable herders, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) announced today. 

Mongolia’s National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring has warned that more than 60 per cent of the country is at risk of an extreme winter, with temperatures forecast to plummet to extreme lows of -50C for days on end. 

These extreme winters – known as dzud – threaten the health and livelihoods of thousands of Mongolian herders living in the country’s remote central and southern provinces. Dzud is caused by the double impact of drought in the summer followed by harsh winter conditions. Without summer rain, grass does not grow and millions of farm animals cannot put on enough weight to survive the winter and farmers are unable to grow sufficient harvests. 

Mongolian Red Cross Society Secretary General Bolormaa Nordov said: 

“Dzuds are devastating for the herder families who rely on their animals for almost everything, whether it’s meat and milk for food, or the cashmere and skins they sell to buy supplies or pay school fees. Losing their animals mean they can quickly fall into poverty.” 

“Without support, extreme winter brings misery, hunger and hardship for thousands of families forcing many to move to squatter settlements outside Ulaanbaatar, our capital. This anticipatory action allows us to help some of the most at-risk people before the harsh winter sets in.” 

The unwelcome news of the coming Dzud has triggered the release of nearly 290,000 Såwiss francs (about US$ 314,000) from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund. This will allow the Mongolian Red Cross to support 2,000 herder families in a bid to prevent major stock and economic loss through the distribution of cash grants and animal care kits. 

The release of these funds come as part of the IFRC’s Forecast-based Financing approach. Under this approach, IFRC works with scientific partners to combine weather forecasts and risk analyses to develop pre-agreed thresholds that trigger the release of emergency funding with a view to limiting or even outright preventing the adverse consequences of climate hazards like the Dzud. This early action is conducted in partnership with other humanitarian actors including the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.  

IFRC’s Regional Forecast-Based Financing Coordinator, Raymond Zingg, said: 

“The goal of Forecast-based Financing is to anticipate disasters, prevent their impact as best as possible to reduce human suffering and losses. The key element is to agree in advance to release financial resources if a specific forecast threshold is triggered. 

“Simply waiting for disasters to strike is no longer an option. Climate change is bringing more frequent and severe disasters and our anticipatory action approach is helping communities move from reacting after extreme weather events to preparing before these emergencies.” 

In 2010, the Dzud killed more than 11 million animals and thousands of herder families were forced off the land. Mongolia’s Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment has predicted that severe dzuds like the 2010 event will become more frequent, occurring every four to five years instead of every 10. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: 

In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org 

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org  

About IFRC 

IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. 

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube 

Budapest/Geneva, 13 January 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic is having catastrophic health, social and financial impacts on older people in Europe’s South Caucasus region, according to a new study lead by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The study, which was carried out in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, shows that the consequences of COVID-19 are being borne disproportionately by poor and older people who have become poorer, sicker and more isolated. 

The research involved 2,200 older people, as well as health care workers and Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteer aged-care workers.

Olga Dzhumaeva , the head of the IFRC’s Country Cluster delegation for the South Caucuses, said older people make up a growing proportion of society in all three countries, and were already facing diverse and complex challenges before the onset of COVID-19.

“In all three countries, access to appropriate care among older people was found to be deficient. The report highlights dramatic consequences of the pandemic for the older including increased loneliness, isolation, poverty and decreasing access to health services.” 

Key findings from the report include:

·The ability of older people to cover basic expenses has dropped significantly since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak due to decreased family support.

·Worsening of older people’s health was registered as a secondary effect of COVID-19, along with negative impacts on mental health and spiritual wellbeing, physical activity and nutrition and diet, mostly due to pre-existing emotional instability, lower self-esteem and limited mobility. Access to health care services has become significantly more difficult for those not receiving home-based care, due both to the lock-down and the shift in focus of health care facilities to the control of COVID-19 cases.

·Social contact with neighbours, family and the broader community has decreased. This, combined with limited mobility brought on by COVID restrictions and, hence, even greater dependence on support from neighbours, relatives and community, has adversely affected older people’s emotional states, especially in urban areas.

·COVID-19 restrictions have limited older people’s access to most public services and infrastructure, posing a challenge on top of the digital divide between the young and older generations. 

·Ageism along with physical and financial abuse was reported in all three countries, particularly in urban areas, and that discussion of these forms of abuse was taboo.  

·Caregivers were under increased pressure despite changes in their own personal and family situations but they continued to provide care regardless.

The report sets out short and long-term recommendations for those involved in older people’s health and social care to ensure better coverage, targeting and quality of services so the risks to older people are reduced in the current pandemic and future crises. These include improved coordination, guidance and support to public bodies and service providers engaged in older people’s health and social care to ensure better coverage, targeting and quality of services.

The report can be found on the IFRC website. It was carried out in collaboration with the Armenian Red Cross Society, the Red Crescent Society of Azerbaijan, the Georgia Red Cross Society, the Austrian Red Cross, the Swiss Red Cross, and the UN Population Fund.

To arrange one-on-one interviews, please contact:

In Budapest: Susan Cullinan, +36 707 434 134, susan.cullinan@ifrc.org

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org

About IFRC:

IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

ICRC - News Release
14 January 2021

Sana’a, YEMEN (ICRC) – A statement from Dominik Stillhart, director of ICRC operations, after a visit to Yemen following the deaths late last month of three ICRC staff in an explosion at Aden’s airport:
 

My visit to Yemen was one filled with heartbreak, following the deaths of three of our colleagues. It’s heartbreaking that the people of Yemen have suffered so much violence in the last five years, that ongoing fighting causes daily losses and despair at a time when people are dealing with a global pandemic on top of the consequences of protracted conflict.
 

The attack at Aden airport on December 30 was indiscriminate and a stark reminder of what civilians caught up in conflict and violence in Yemen endure. Latest official figures say that 28 people died and 113 were wounded, among them travelers, airport employees, families seeing people off or welcoming them home, who saw their world change in an instant.
 

Three of our colleagues were also killed in the attack -- Saidi Kayiranga, Hamid Al-Qadami and Ahmed Wazir -- three dedicated International Committee of the Red Cross staff helping people in need. As difficult as the visits were, I am glad that I got to meet with grieving family members, to extend my support and share heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire ICRC. Our injured colleagues are also in our thoughts, as well as all those who witnessed and survived the attack and are dealing with the psychological and physical after-effects.
 

This is not the first such attack in Yemen where civilians have borne the brunt and the losses. We have said it many times before and we will keep repeating it: all those involved in the violence in Yemen must spare and safeguard civilians and ensure that humanitarian workers can perform their duties. 
 

ICRC response to US designation in Yemen

We are increasingly alarmed about the situation across Yemen and committed to doing all we can to help alleviate suffering and deliver assistance. On top of the ongoing and deadly violence in different parts of the country, COVID-19 has affected many communities, seasonal infectious diseases claim thousands of lives each year; and high inflation has seen the price of food, medicine, and other basic goods soar. 

With that in mind, the ICRC is concerned by the potential negative impact of the U.S designation of Ansarullah as a foreign terrorist organisation on the humanitarian situation in Yemen, as well as on the provision of impartial humanitarian assistance to those in need. In particular, the ICRC is concerned about the possible “chilling effect” the designation may have on humanitarian action, leading to it being impeded or delayed. Increased operational risks and possible de-risking from the banking and private sectors in response to the designation ultimately may constrain the humanitarian response in Yemen.  

States that decide to impose such measures must consider the humanitarian consequences and take steps, such as humanitarian carve-outs, to mitigate any negative impact on affected populations and on impartial humanitarian action. 

We are less than two weeks into 2021. For Yemen, this new year started as the old one ended – with violence, fear and loss. People there need support more than ever and the ICRC, as an independent, impartial, and neutral humanitarian actor, will do all we can to assist. 

For further information:

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta/Geneva, 15 January 2021 – Indonesian Red Cross rescue teams are searching for survivors in the rubble and providing first aid following a devastating earthquake in Sulawesi, Indonesia. 

Red Cross specialist ambulance crews and first aid teams are treating people injured in the earthquake. Over 630 have been injured, dozens killed and more than 15,000 displaced according to the Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency.  

Indonesian Red Cross Secretary General, Sudirman Said, said: 

“This is a most tragic earthquake and our specialist teams have been working through the night to help people amid the rubble. Our first priority is to search for survivors and tend to the wounded. 

“These hours are critical for saving lives. We are working double time to help injured survivors, keep them safe from COVID-19 and provide relief to the thousands who have been displaced from their homes.” 

The Indonesian Red Cross is rushing more critical medical and relief supplies by plane and land to the earthquake-affected areas. Ambulance crews have been sent along with another 92 volunteers, clean water tankers and production units, tarpaulins for shelter, face masks plus 200 family relief kits to help survivors. 

Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Indonesia Country Office, Jan Gelfand, said: 

"It breaks my heart to see the carnage caused by this tragic earthquake, which has flattened a hospital and hundreds of homes.  

“This earthquake is a brutal blow for the people of Sulawesi in the middle of a deadly COVID-19 pandemic. It is a matter of life and death to help survivors stay safe from this disease.”  

For more information, contact: 

In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org  

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org   

About IFRC 

IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. 

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube 

Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta/Geneva, 18 January 2021 – More Indonesian Red Cross ambulance and medical crews have arrived to treat people injured following the destructive earthquake that hit West Sulawesi, Indonesia. 

Critical relief has been arriving in affected areas, including tarpaulins and other shelter supplies, along with food and safe water as thousands of people remain displaced, fearful of more dangerous quakes. 

Since a devastating earthquake struck last Friday (15 January), Red Cross search and rescue teams have been working around the clock alongside government emergency agencies to locate and help trapped survivors escape, with many buried deep in the rubble.   

Indonesian Red Cross Secretary General, Sudirman Said, said: 

“We have another seven ambulances and first-aid and medical teams treating people who have been injured in this terrible earthquake, boosting the local hospitals and Red Cross crews that were already stretched to the limit responding to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Our specialist teams and volunteers have been buoyed by the rescues of people stuck in the rubble, but their work is also heartbreaking as they have been recovering bodies non-stop over the past three days.” 

More than 19,000 people remain displaced as a result of the earthquake and aftershocks. The Indonesian Red Cross is providing tarpaulins and other sleeping equipment, including kits for families and babes. Red Cross teams on 10 water-tanker trucks are providing safe water to people who have fled their damaged homes. 

Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Indonesia Country Office, Jan Gelfand, said: 

"Each minute has been critical in the race against time to rescue people trapped deep underneath collapsed buildings. The remarkable work rescuing people and treating hundreds of wounded people is taking place amid dozens of smaller earthquakes and scary aftershocks. 

“The physical impact of this earthquake is terrifying, but we must not underestimate the debilitating psychological effect this disaster is having on tens of thousands of people who fled their homes as they are living with the constant threat of another big quake.”  

The IFRC has released 460,000 Swiss Francs from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to provide emergency assistance to 20,000 people who have been directly impacted by the earthquake. The support provided by the Indonesian Red Cross will include efforts to meet immediate shelter, health care, and water and sanitation needs, as well as actions designed to protect women, children and the most vulnerable, all the while helping survivors to stay safe from COVID-19. 

For more information, contact: 

In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org  

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org   

About IFRC 

IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. 

News Release
January 22, 2021

Geneva/New York (ICRC/IFRC) – The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement welcomes the entry into force today of the first instrument of international humanitarian law to include provisions to help address the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of using and testing nuclear weapons. 

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) explicitly and unequivocally prohibits the use, threat of use, development, production, testing and stockpiling of nuclear weapons, and it obliges all States Parties to not assist, encourage or induce anyone in any way to engage in any activity prohibited by the Treaty.  

“Today is a victory for humanity. This Treaty – the result of more than 75 years of work – sends a clear signal that nuclear weapons are unacceptable from a moral, humanitarian, and now a legal point of view.  It sets in motion even higher legal barriers and an even greater stigmatization of nuclear warheads than already exists. It allows us to imagine a world free from these inhumane weapons as an achievable goal,” said Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). 

Red Cross and Red Crescent leaders celebrate the entry into force of the TPNW and salute all 51 states[1] whose backing of the Treaty makes clear their refusal to accept nuclear weapons as an inevitable part of the international security architecture. They invite other world leaders, including those of nuclear-armed states, to follow suit and join the path toward a world free of nuclear weapons, in line with long-standing international obligations, notably those under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 

Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said: “The entry into force of this instrument of international humanitarian law comes as a welcome and powerful reminder that despite current global tensions, we can overcome even our biggest and most entrenched challenges, in the true spirit of multilateralism. This capacity to effectively unite and coordinate our action should be called upon as we grapple with other global, deadly challenges.” 

The Treaty obliges states to provide assistance, including medical care, rehabilitation and psychological support, to victims under their jurisdiction without discrimination, and ensure their socio-economic inclusion. It also requires states to clear areas contaminated by nuclear use or testing.

“The Treaty is a ground-breaking step to address the legacy of destruction caused by these weapons. The compelling evidence of the suffering and devastation caused by nuclear weapons, and the threat their use may pose to humanity’s survival, makes attempts to justify their use or mere existence increasingly indefensible. It is extremely doubtful that these weapons could ever be used in line with international humanitarian law,” Mr. Maurer said.

The Treaty enters into force as the world witnesses what happens when a public health system is overwhelmed by patients. The needs created by a nuclear detonation would render any meaningful health response impossible. No health system, no government, and no aid organization is capable of adequately responding to the health and other assistance needs that a nuclear blast would bring. 

The adoption by nuclear-armed states of more aggressive nuclear weapons policies and the continued modernization of nuclear weapons all worryingly point towards an increasing risk of use of nuclear weapons. That’s why it is imperative that we act now to prevent a nuclear detonation from happening in the first place, by removing any use and testing of nuclear weapons from the realm of possibility.  

States Parties, which will have their first meeting in the course of 2021, must now ensure that the Treaty's provisions are faithfully implemented and promote its adherence.

“The Treaty presents each of us with a really simple question: Do we want nuclear weapons to be banned or not? We are ready, together with our Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies, to intensify our efforts to achieve the broadest possible adherence to the Treaty and insist on its vision of collective security. The entry into force of the Nuclear Ban Treaty is the beginning, not the end, of our efforts,” Francesco Rocca said. 

[1] Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Gambia, Guyana, Holy See, Honduras, Ireland, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Niue, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam.

For more further information, please contact: 

Tommaso Della Longa, IFRC Geneva, +41 79 708 4367, tommaso.dellalonga@ifrc.org

Matthew Cochrane, IFRC Geneva, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org

ICRC: Juliette Ebele, ICRC Geneva +41 79 298 94 81, jebele@icrc.org

To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org

Geneva, 25 January 2021 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) announced today a major expansion of one of the world’s only means of channeling international funds directly to frontline disaster responders.

The announcement of plans to at least double the size of the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) comes as governments and experts gather virtually for the 2021 Climate Adaptation Summit, hosted by the Netherlands.

IFRC Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain, said the expansion of DREF was part of broader efforts to adapt Red Cross emergency responses to the increased crisis-caseload caused by climate change.

“In the past three decades, the average number of climate and weather-related disasters has increased nearly 35 per cent. Over the past decade alone, 83 per cent of all disasters were caused by extreme weather and climate-related events that killed 410,000 people and affected 1.7 billion.

“It is unrealistic and irresponsible to expect that the needs created by these events have been or will be met by international actors. Instead, we need to do better job of supporting the efforts of local responders, including National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“This is one of the strengths of DREF. Its funds go directly to local Red Cross and Red Crescent responders who are already on the ground and supporting people affected by a disaster,” said Chapagain.

The DREF has supported more than 200 million people since its inception. In recent years, an average of about 30 million Swiss francs has been channeled through the DREF on an annual basis. The IFRC plans to work with donors to double this in 2021, with a view to growing the fund to an estimated 100 million Swiss francs per year by 2025.

In addition to growing DREF, IFRC is also moving forward with expanding its scope by supporting local Red Cross and Red Crescent efforts to anticipate disasters and mitigate their impact. Under this methodology, humanitarian funding is released for pre-agreed early actions based on forecast and risk data to reduce the impact of severe weather events on vulnerable populations.

This approach – known as Forecast-based Action – was used six times in 2020 to protect and support at risk communities in Bangladesh, Ecuador, Mongolia and Mozambique - for instance, through early evacuation or efforts to reinforce houses.

IFRC’s Jagan Chapagain said:

“It’s not just about how much money is directed to local actors, it’s also about how and when that money is used. For years, we have warned that the world’s reactive approach to disaster management was inadequate. We are committed to changing how we respond to disasters. But to do so effectively, we need the support of governments and donors.”

For over three decades, IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) has been the quickest, most efficient, and most transparent mechanism for donors to channel global funding directly to local humanitarian actors.

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide are embedded within the very communities they serve, and therefore uniquely placed to provide urgent assistance tailored to people’s needs, to save lives, and support longer term recovery.

For more information contact:

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org

About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

Maputo/Nairobi/Geneva, 22 January 2021 — With Tropical Storm Eloise expected to make landfall in Central Mozambique early tomorrow (23 January), the Red Cross is warning of the potential for major damage and displacement.

Tropical Storm Eloise is predicted to make landfall in Sofala Province, about 20km north of the city of Beira that bore the brunt of Cyclone Idai in March 2019. The Red Cross has activated teams of volunteers to support evacuation and preparation efforts.

Gorkhmaz Huseynov, IFRC’s head of country office in Mozambique, said:

“We are worried about the safety of over 1 million people in high-risk areas. Mozambique Red Cross teams are on high alert and have already prepositioned emergency relief items in the landfall area. They are already providing water, sanitation, hygiene and health services to families in temporary accommodation centres.”

Tropical Storm Eloise is predicted to turn into a category one cyclone with winds between 110km per hour and 185km per hour.

Heavy rains will be felt on the coast of Zambezia, Sofala and Inhambane provinces from this evening (22 of January).

The cyclone is forecast to cross central Mozambique with considerable strength and potential for widespread floods. It is expected to decrease in intensity as it crosses southern Zimbabwe and South Africa.

IFRC’s Huseynov said:

“Ahead of the landfall, Mozambique Red Cross staff and volunteers—in collaboration with partners—have shared early warning messages to communities in the path of the cyclone in order to minimise the impact of the cyclone. As a result, many families moved to safer areas, where they are receiving support from our teams.”

Mozambique is prone to cyclones and tropical storms which can lead to flash flooding, hundreds of deaths, and massive destruction of property and crops. Eloise is expected to strike areas that have been devastated by previous cyclones, including Cyclone Idai.

For more information, please contact:

In Maputo: Wanderleia Noa, +258 82 639 1442, wanderleia.noa@redcross.org.mz

In Maputo: Gorkhmaz Huseynov, +258 876810013, gorkhmaz.huseynov@ifrc.org

In Nairobi: Euloge Ishimwe, +254 731 688 613, euloge.ishimwe@ifrc.org

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 8039, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org

About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

ICRC - News Release
28 January 2021

Geneva/Nairobi –  The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is appealing to donors for 20 million Swiss francs to urgently expand its response to the acute humanitarian needs created by the Tigray crisis in Ethiopia, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is appealing for 27 million Swiss francs to support the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the Djibouti Red Crescent Society to address other drivers of vulnerability in the region. 

Many people have been displaced within Tigray, and almost 60,000 sought refuge in Sudan.  Refugees and people displaced within the region suffer from a lack of food and essential services, like water and healthcare. Some healthcare facilities in Tigray were abandoned and looted, while others are running short of supplies and are struggling to cope with the growing demand. Thousands have lost contact with their loved ones.

"The needs in Tigray are overwhelming. Government responses need to accelerate, and humanitarian organizations urgently need access so people can receive lifesaving assistance before it's too late," said Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s regional director for Africa. "Humanitarian access outside major towns remains challenging and there is little visibility on the humanitarian situation in rural areas."

"The recent developments in Tigray have compounded other existing vulnerabilities in Ethiopia and in neighbouring Sudan and Djibouti. Even before the fighting, the region was dealing with acute food insecurity, an invasion of desert locusts, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mohammed Mukhier, regional director for Africa at IFRC. 

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), present across the country, including Tigray, has been providing humanitarian assistance since the first day of the fighting, working alongside the ICRC. The ERCS counts on a large network of volunteers who remained active despite being affected by the crisis themselves.  

The ICRC has been working in Tigray for decades and maintained its operations throughout the  fighting that erupted almost three months ago. Supporting hospitals in Mekelle, Axum, Adwa and Shire has been a priority. Following some of its initial assistance missions, which included sending the first humanitarian convoy into Mekelle and helping some 11,300 families reestablish contact, the ICRC is appealing to donors for funds needed to reinforce its operational capacity. It is expanding its presence in Mekelle and re-opening an office in Shire. 

Besides scaling up its presence in Tigray, the ICRC will continue addressing the alarming humanitarian situation in Benishangul-Gumuz, Western Oromia and Guji, where armed violence episodes have been recurrent. 

The Sudanese Red Crescent has been distributing food, household items and providing primary health services to refugees and communities hosting them. The IFRC released emergency funds to enable the Sudanese Red Crescent Society to assist 40,000 people. The Djibouti Red Crescent Society maintains a presence in Hol Hol refugee camp and Obock, where it provides water and sanitation services and works to promote hygiene and raise COVID-19 awareness.

The IFRC is appealing for funds to enable the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the Djibouti Red Crescent Society to deliver humanitarian assistance and recovery support to 660,000 people.

 The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world's largest humanitarian network. It consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.  

ICRC action:  

The town of Mekelle has been struggling with a shortage of water in recent months and the ICRC has been supplying water to 3,700 people a day through water trucking and storage tank installations.

It provided medical assistance to 4,500 people wounded by weapons and 10,900 primary healthcare patients. 648 weapon-wounded people received physical rehabilitation services.

The organization has distributed 35 metric tons of food received from the Ministry of Health and Catholic Relief Services to four hospitals in Tigray.  

Almost 9,500 displaced people in Mekelle received essential household items.  

11,300 families reestablished contact through the Ethiopian Red Cross, the Sudanese Red Crescent and the ICRC services in Sudan and Ethiopia.

IFRC action: 

In November, the IFRC released funds to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society to target 7,500 affected people in Amhara to improve their access to health, water and sanitation, shelter and livelihood support for four months.

The IFRC also released emergency funds to the Sudanese Red Crescent Society to provide emergency services to 40,000 Ethiopian refugees in Sudan. The Sudanese Red Crescent Society works in Hamdayit and Al Lukdi centres and Um-Rakoba settlement to provide shelter, household items, health services, improved water and sanitation, and to carry out gender protection and inclusion activities.

In all the three countries, the IFRC continued supporting national societies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

For further information, please contact:

ICRC: 

Alyona Synenko, Spokesperson, +254 716 987 265, asynenko@icrc.org

Anne Kilimo, Spokesperson, +251 944 101 700, akilimo@icrc.org

IFRC: 

Euloge Ishimwe, Spokesperson, +254 731 688 613, euloge.ishimwe@ifrc.org

Rita Nyaga, Spokesperson, +254 110 837 154, rita.nyaga@ifrc.org
 

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

Addis Ababa/Nairobi/Geneva, 10 February 2021 – The President of the world’s largest humanitarian network has ended a visit to Ethiopia’s Mekele city in Tigray region with a plea for increased humanitarian response to better meet the needs of people affected by recent fighting.

Speaking at the end of his five day visit to Ethiopia, Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said:

“I am very concerned about the conditions that I saw during my visit, including people internally displaced by the fighting, especially children, their mothers and the elderly. It was clear to me that people in Tigray need much more support than they are currently receiving.

“While there have been positive announcements by a small number of aid organizations in recent days in this regard, it is my hope that more aid can begin to arrive consistently. We need to scale up humanitarian operations. We need to do much more to bring help to those who desperately need it.”

In particular, President Rocca raised concerns about the impact of the fighting on medical services, noting that hospitals he visited were lacking even basic medical supplies. He also shared serious concerns relayed by local health officials about rising levels of serious malnutrition.

An assessment by the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, found that more than 2.6 million people in Tigray and the adjacent regions of Amhara, Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz and SNNPR need humanitarian assistance. According to the Ethiopian Red Cross, primary needs among affected people in Tigray include food and basic relief items, water and sanitation, medical supplies and technical assistance for mobile clinics.

Mr Rocca also spoke of the compounding impact that the Tigray crisis has had on other vulnerabilities in Ethiopia, as well as in neighbouring countries. By the end of January 2021, an estimated 200,000 people had been internally displaced in Ethiopia alongside 60,000 people who have fled into Sudan. In addition, there are at least 230 Ethiopian refugees in Djibouti.

Mr Rocca further mentioned the heavy humanitarian caseload that was already confronting Ethiopia and surrounding countries, and the subsequent need for coordinated and comprehensive action by aid organizations: 

“The Horn of Africa is facing chronic multiple crises, including widespread and severe food insecurity, and massive locust swarms that have contributed to further crop losses.

“The region is also grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic which, among other impacts, has led to the closure of schools. More than 6.4 million children are now without school meals and this has worsened malnutrition considerably.”

In response to the situation in Ethiopia and surrounding countries, the IFRC, the Ethiopian Red Cross, the Sudanese Red Crescent and the Red Crescent Society of Djibouti are jointly appealing for 27 million Swiss francs. This funding will allow Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff to assist 660,000 people, including the Ethiopians who are internally displaced and those who have fled into Sudan and Djibouti.

The operation will focus on supporting families to maintain their livelihoods and meet basic needs, the provision of clean water and improved sanitation facilities, the delivery of health and psychosocial support services, and efforts to strengthen local Red Cross and Red Crescent capacities to prepare for and respond to future emergencies.

For more information or to request interviews with Mr. Rocca, please contact:

In Addis Ababa: Rita Nyaga, +254 110 837154 +251 927 798895, rita.nyaga@ifrc.org

In Nairobi: Euloge Ishimwe, +254 731 688 613, euloge.ishimwe@ifrc.org

In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67, tommaso.dellalonga@ifrc.org

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org

About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Conakry/Nairobi/Geneva, 22 February 2021 – Red Cross teams in Guinea and across West Africa are ramping up response efforts to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak.

Red Cross volunteers and staff Guinea, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone have stepped up surveillance and community sensitization efforts. To support these live saving activities, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has issued an international emergency appeal for 8.5 million Swiss francs.

Mohammed Mukhier, the IFRC’s Regional Director for Africa said: 

“Ebola does not care about borders. Close social, cultural and economic ties between communities in Guinea and neighbouring countries create a very serious risk of the virus spreading to Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone, and potentially even further. 

“That’s why we are launching an integrated cross-border operation aimed at rapidly confining the outbreak to its current location—and swiftly containing any eventual outbreak beyond Guinea.”

In Guinea, Red Cross teams in N’zérékoré were mobilized to conduct safe and dignified burials for two people who were killed by Ebola. They also disinfected a local hospital and started efforts to create broad community awareness about the return of the disease in the urban areas of N'Zérékoré and in Gouécké. 

There are an estimated 1.3 million people living in the health zone affected by the outbreak. The Guinea Red Cross and IFRC plan aims to support about 420,000 of them with a range of services, including community sensitization, community-based surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene, safe and dignified burials, infection prevention and control, as well as psychosocial support.

In surrounding countries, Red Cross actions will target an additional 6 million people. In Sierra Leone, a network 200 Red Cross volunteers in Kambia and Kailahun are now on high alert and are conducting surveillance activities. In addition, an alert was sent to the four other districts (Kono, Koinadugu, Western Area and Pujehun) bordering Guinea and Liberia, where an additional 100 volunteers are preparing social community awareness activities. 

In Liberia, in areas along the borders with Guinea, Red Cross volunteers are on high alert and are currently conducting awareness in communities. The most at-risk areas include Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu counties. Liberia Red Cross will be sending Personal Protective Equipment to the region. 

In Mali, Red Cross teams will provide services such as surveillance and community sensitization. The Senegalese Red Cross is beefing up surveillance efforts at border points, while ramping up community awareness activities.  

In addition to enacting community response, surveillance and sensitization activities, Red Cross teams are also concerned about the needs being created by localized efforts to limit movements in a bid to contain the outbreak. As a result of these public health measures, people near the epicentre are already in need of water, sanitation and hygiene services as well as food assistance. 

IFRC’s Mukhier said: “This outbreak is likely to complicate an already challenging situation. COVID-related containment measures currently being implemented have exacerbated food insecurity in the region and this may lead to the reluctance of communities to respect new preventive measures that are being put in place to contain Ebola.”

For more information or to request interviews: 

In Conakry: Benjamin Goumou, +224 628 682 204,  benjagoum50@gmail.com   

In Dakar: Dr Aissa Fall, +221 776382136, aissa.fall@ifrc.org    

In Nairobi: Susan Mbalu, +254 110 837 153, Susan.MBALU@ifrc.org   

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org    

Kuala Lumpur/Yangon/Geneva, 5 March 2021 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply saddened by recent loss of life in Myanmar and is urging immediate protection for all Red Cross volunteers and health workers.

Alexander Matheou, IFRC’s Asia Pacific Regional Director, said:

“Amid the spiralling violence, the Myanmar Red Cross has confirmed that over recent days, there have been very serious incidents where Red Cross volunteers were injured and wrongfully arrested. Red Cross ambulances have also been damaged.

“We express profound sadness that Myanmar Red Cross volunteers have been injured while on duty providing lifesaving first aid treatment to wounded people, in line with fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. Red Cross volunteers should never be targeted.”

The Myanmar Red Cross has mounted one of its largest ever first aid and patient transfer humanitarian operations with more than 1,500 volunteers and 120 ambulances in action across the whole country. In the past four weeks, the Myanmar Red Cross has provided first aid services, including some lifesaving interventions, as well as emergency ambulance transfers. In all, the Red Cross has helped more than 1,000 people.

Mr Matheou said: “There is escalating violence and the number of people killed or injured is rising each day. The IFRC urges restraint and a halt to violence across Myanmar.” 

Amid the mass gatherings and violence over recent weeks, the IFRC is also very concerned about the risk that COVID-19 may be spreading unabated in areas of Myanmar. 

“The IFRC is alarmed about the risks of another deadly wave of COVID-19 in Myanmar as testing and access to hospitals or other health services is very limited,” said Mr Matheou.

IFRC and other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners continue to support Myanmar Red Cross in all its humanitarian endeavours at this critical time.


For more information, please contact:
In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org           
In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org  

About IFRC    

IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.www.ifrc.org   - Facebook  - Twitter  - YouTube  


 

Geneva, 9 March 2021 – A new report released today documents an “invisible wall” which has blocked migrants from accessing basic services since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now preventing them from accessing vaccines. 

The report – Locked down and left out? Why access to basic services for migrants is critical to our COVID-19 response and recovery  – draws on research carried out across all regions by the newly established Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab, hosted by Australian Red Cross and supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). 

Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General said: 

“Our research reveals what we are calling an ‘invisible wall’ that has blocked migrants – particularly those undocumented or in an irregular situation – from accessing basic services. Interestingly, this wall isn’t built mainly of policies designed to exclude migrants. Instead, it is made up of inadvertent exclusions, as well as the unintended consequences of efforts to contain and control the pandemic.” 

The report shows that – while lockdowns and other measures were designed to control the spread of COVID-19 – in many contexts they inadvertently increased suffering among migrants. As a result of these restrictions, many migrants lost jobs and livelihoods and were subsequently unable to meet their most basic needs, leading to worrying levels of food insecurity, homelessness due to inability to pay rent, and worsening mental health conditions. 

The research also found that, even in situations where migrants had been included in COVID-19 policies, their actual ability to access basic services was often constrained. For example, in some countries, migrants have been unable to access COVID-19 testing or treatment because they do not have a national identity or social security number. This is likely to also affect access to COVID-19 vaccinations, even if eligibility in law exists.  

In other situations, migrants reported being hesitant to consult a doctor, seek treatment or, more recently, register for the COVID-19 vaccine due to fears of disclosing private information which may be shared with immigration authorities to arrest, detain or deport them. The fact that, in some countries, migrants need to register online to get COVID-19 vaccinations also contributes to exclusion, due to some migrants’ limited internet access or digital literacy and language barriers. 

Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General said: 

“The inclusion of migrants into national COVID-19 policies does not necessarily translate into inclusive and effective access in practice. It is not only a humanitarian imperative to ensure inclusion of all migrants, irrespective of legal status, into national COVID-19 vaccination programmes, but it is also in every country's interests to do so.  

“COVID-19 doesn't care about a person's migration status, and neither should we. Unless everyone is included, the virus will continue to circulate and mutate, potentially undermining the efficacy of all vaccinations efforts.” 

Ensuring all migrants are included in COVID-19 vaccination policies and rollout strategies is key to ending the pandemic. 


For more information: 

For more information about the research and to download the report in several languages, visit the Global Migration Lab  web page. 

To arrange interviews, please contact: 

In Geneva: Nathalie Perroud, +41 79 538 14 71, nathalie.perroud@ifrc.org   

About IFRC 
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. www.ifrc.org   - Facebook  - Twitter  - YouTube  

ICRC - News Release
10 March 2021

Geneva (ICRC) – As the crisis in Syria moves into its second decade, a survey commissioned by the International Committee of the Red Cross highlights the heavy price paid by young Syrians. 
 

1,400 Syrians between the ages of 18-25 were surveyed in Syria, Lebanon and Germany. Across the three countries, young people spoke of families and friendships torn apart, immense economic hardship and worry, frustrated ambitions, missed milestones and the profound psychological toll of years of relentless violence and disruption. 
 

“This has been a decade of savage loss for all Syrians. For young people in particular, the last ten years have been marked by loss of loved ones, loss of opportunities and loss of control over their future. The survey is a sombre snapshot of a generation who lost their adolescence and young adulthood to the conflict,” said Robert Mardini, the ICRC’s Geneva-based director-general.
 

In a country where more than half the population are under the age of 25, the survey is a glimpse of what millions have endured over the last ten years.

In Syria, almost one in two young people (47%) said a close relative or friend had been killed in the conflict. One in six young Syrians said at least one of their parents was killed or seriously injured (16%). 12% had themselves been injured in the conflict. 
 

54% had lost contact with a close relative. In Lebanon this rises to almost seven in ten. 
 

62% reported having to leave their homes, either within Syria or abroad.
 

Nearly half had lost their income because of the conflict (49%), and nearly eight in ten (77%) reported struggling to find or afford food and necessities. In Syria, this rose to 85%.
 

57% reported missing years of education, if they went at all. 
 

One in five reported postponing marriage plans because of the conflict.

Economic opportunities and jobs top young Syrians’ list of what they need most, followed by healthcare, education and psychological support. Women have been particularly hard-hit economically, with almost 30% in Syria reporting no income at all to support their family. Young Syrians in Lebanon report humanitarian assistance among their top needs.
 

The conflict’s impact on mental health is also clear. In the past 12 months, young people in Syria have experienced sleep disorders (54%), anxiety (73%), depression (58%), solitude (46%), frustration (62%) and distress (69%) because of the conflict. In all three countries, young Syrians said access to psychological support was one of the things they needed most.
 

“These young people are now facing their second decade of this agonizing crisis. What is so poignant about their situation is that, having lost much of their childhood and teenage years to the violence, this generation will likely shoulder much of the responsibility and work of reconstruction. Their children’s lives will be marked by this conflict, too,” said Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC’s Geneva-based regional director for the Near and Middle East. 
 

The conflict in Syria has been breathtakingly brutal for civilians, characterized by destruction of cities and towns on a vast scale, massive internal displacement and a refugee crisis that has reverberated across the world. In the past year, millions of people have been pushed deeper into poverty by the worst economic crisis since the conflict began, compounded by the impact of sanctions and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Some 13.4 million people (out of roughly 18 million) need humanitarian assistance.
 

Despite everything, most young Syrians surveyed said they are optimistic about the future. Their hopes and ambitions for the next decade are universally recognisable: safety and stability, a chance to have a family and a well-paid job, affordable and accessible healthcare and services, and an end to the upheaval and conflict. 

The full ICRC report “A Decade of Loss: Syria’s Youth after 10 years of crisis” (attached)
 

The survey data can be viewed on icrc.org
 

Video testimonies of young Syrians can be downloaded from the ICRC Newsroom
 

ICRC leadership and spokespeople are available for interview from various locations  

For further information, please contact:

Adnan Hezam, ICRC Damascus, ahizam@icrc.org ,+963 930 336 718  (Arabic) 

Sara Alzawqari, ICRC Beirut, salzawqari@icrc.org, +961 31 38353, (English, Arabic)

Ruth Hetherington, ICRC Geneva, rhetherington@icrc.org , +33 6 33288823 (English)

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

Geneva, 10 March 2021 – Nascent efforts to ensure fair and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines will fail unless a “deadly gap” in global immunization policy and funding is quickly filled. This is the stark warning issued today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Much of the focus of governments and other donors has been on procuring and distributing vaccines between countries, including via the COVAX facility. While the procurement and international distribution of vaccines is crucial, too little thought is being given to how those vaccines will be distributed within countries, including how isolated and hard-to-reach communities will be included in immunization campaigns. 

IFRC President, Francesco Rocca, said:

“Efforts to procure and distribute vaccines between governments are clearly crucial and must be supported fully by donors. However, it is not enough just to focus on this side of the equation. Initiatives like COVAX ensure that vaccines will reach the tarmacs of airports in the capital cities of participating countries. They are inarguably important.

“However, they need to be complemented by initiatives designed to get those vaccines off the tarmac and out into the arms of all who need them.”

Last month, in a bid to fill this gap, IFRC launched a 100 million Swiss franc plan designed to support the vaccination of 500 million people. However, support for this plan has yet to materialize, with only about 3 per cent of necessary funding received so far.

IFRC’s Rocca said:

“Our plan focuses on ensuring that, once received, vaccines reach those who need them most. This involves a range of important actions, including efforts to counteract vaccine hesitancy and to build community trust in vaccines. It also involves our teams going out and identifying high-risk individuals who might, for any number of cultural, linguistic or social reasons, be ‘invisible’ to authorities.”

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are already working with governments to vaccinate at-risk and isolated communities. For example, in Brazil, Red Cross volunteers and staff are vaccinating extremely isolated communities in the Amazon. In the Maldives, the Red Crescent has supported the vaccination of unregistered migrants, while similar efforts are underway in Greece and in the Czech Republic.

IFRC’s Rocca said:

“Our message today is simple: we need urgent funding so that we can continue and expand vaccination efforts into all communities. Without this funding, a gap will remain between the vaccines that will ultimately end this pandemic, and some of the most vulnerable and isolated people in the world. Such a gap means that the virus will continue to circulate and mutate, and that people will continue to get sick and die.”

The IFRC also released a summary of its progress and achievements over the first 12 months of the pandemic. According to this report, the IFRC and its network of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has supported tens of millions of people over the year, adapting and expanding its services to meet the needs created by the unprecedented crisis.

For example, in response to the virus, Red Cross and Red Crescent water, sanitation and hygiene services almost tripled – rising from an estimated 38 million people reached in 2019 to more than 106 million people reached since the start of the pandemic.

To read the full report on IFRC progress during COVID-19, click here https://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/emergency/global-covid-19/.

For a recording of IFRC’s press conference, please visit the IFRC newsroom https://www.ifrcnewsroom.org/preview/en/317/covid-19-ifrc-warns-of-deadly-gap-in-global-efforts-to-distribute-vaccines.

For more information, please contact:

In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 43 67, tommaso.dellalonga@ifrc.org  

In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, tommaso.dellalonga@ifrc.org   

About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

www.ifrc.org   - Facebook  - Twitter  - YouTube  

Kuala Lumpur, 16 March 2021 – A new report reveals 12.6 million people have been internally displaced around the world in the past six months mainly due to climate and weather-related disasters, according to data available through the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) report, Responding to Disasters and Displacement in a Changing Climate, comes hot on the heels of a record-breaking 26 climate-related disaster response operations launched across Asia and the Pacific in 2020. 

Helen Brunt, Asia Pacific Migration and Displacement Coordinator, IFRC said: 

“In just the last six months, there have been 12.6 million people internally displaced around the world and over 80 per cent of these forced displacements have been caused by disasters, most of which are triggered by climate and weather extremes. 

“Asia suffers much more than any other region from climate disaster-related displacements. These upheavals are taking a terrible toll on some of the poorest communities already reeling from the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

COVID-19 has complicated the provision of humanitarian support to displaced communities, with greater space needed when evacuating, along with increased safety protocols. Longer term support is also more complicated for people with shattered livelihoods.  

“We are seeing an alarming trend of people displaced by more extreme weather events such as Typhoon Goni, the world’s most ferocious storm last year, that smashed into the Philippines. Three storms hit the Philippines in as many weeks, leaving over 3 million people destitute. 

“We need greater action and urgent investment to reduce internal displacement caused by the rising risk of disasters. Investing much more in local organisations and first responders is critical so they have the resources needed to protect lives, homes and their communities.” 

The report analyses climate-related displacement as well as a post-earthquake response across eight countries, examining response by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in coordination with governments and other agencies. The research finds that displacement disproportionately affects already marginalised and at-risk groups including women, children, the elderly, people with a disability, migrants and refugees. 

When disasters destroy villages and entire neighbourhoods, the report shows that people also face long-term housing, land and property issues. Women and children are also confronted with increased risks of violence due to climate-related displacement. 

“Investment in long-term solutions is urgently needed before disasters force more people away from their homes, livelihoods and communities,” said Ms Brunt. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: 

In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org  

About IFRC
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.  

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube  

Note to editors: The figure of 12.6 million displaced in the past 6 months includes 2.3 million conflict displacements. The remaining 10.3 million are displaced due to disasters triggered by natural hazards, mainly related to climate and weather extremes, but also including a small number of geophysical hazard events, particularly earthquakes. The figures come from analysis of publicly available data provided by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.

26 March 2021

The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, called on the international community to come together to find a “new approach” and long-term solutions as he wrapped a five-day visit to Syria. 

Mr Maurer visited Damascus, Darayya, Hasakeh and Al Hol camp during this trip. 

Speaking about the women and children stranded in camps like Al Hol, Mr. Maurer said: “This is really the place where hope is going to die. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, child protection crisis with which we are confronted today.”

“It is a scandal that the international community is allowing such a place to continue, and that this situation continues, not because of an insurmountable humanitarian problem, but because of political divergences which prevent finding a durable solution for those who have been stranded here in northeast Syria,” he said. 

He called on the international community to come together to find practical solutions for the nationals of more than 60 countries in Al Hol, including tens of thousands of Iraqis and Syrians. 
Of the estimated 62,000 people in the sprawling camp, two thirds are children, many of them orphaned or separated from family. They are growing up in harsh and often dangerous conditions. The ICRC is urging all states to take responsibility for their nationals in Al Hol and northeast Syria and make all efforts to repatriate lawfully, respecting family unity and fully supporting reintegration.

The devastating economic toll of the conflict was also in focus during the visit. Millions more Syrians have been pushed into poverty and hunger since the start of the pandemic last year, and it is estimated that 60% of the population can’t find or afford enough food daily. Additionally, the destruction of critical services means millions of people do not have access to clean water or electricity. Half of all health facilities are out of service or only partially functioning and millions of children are out of school.  

“We see an accumulation of problems, economic problems, the impact of war, Covid-19, the implosion of neighbouring Lebanon’s economy. All this has compounded into a major and very serious crisis in Syria. More than 80% of the population has slipped into poverty over the last couple of months and years,” Mr Maurer said.

“This is not about having a political divide on reconstruction, this is about finding practical solutions in water, sanitation, education, health, basic electricity, basic income for people.,” he said. 
On a visit to the Damascus suburb of Darayya, he met Syrians who had returned after years of displacement and started small businesses, with the support of the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. 

Last year, the ICRC in cooperation with the SARC gave support to around 9,000 Syrians including returnees, displaced families, households headed by women and people with disabilities to set up small businesses in eight governorates.

Note to editors: 

The ICRC has been present in Syria since 1967. In 2021 it plans to address the needs, among others, of more than 12 million Syrians who require secure access to clean water and essential services, over 3 million Syrians in need of economic security (including access to food and ability to generate an income), and the many communities living in an environment heavily contaminated by weapons, as well as working on behalf of missing persons and detainees and their families. The ICRC works with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, and other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, in delivering assistance and protection services to all Syrians.
 

An ICRC-SARC field hospital Al Hol camp provides emergency life-saving surgical care and medical consultations. We also provide water on daily basis via water trucks to some areas in the camp as well as hygiene and sanitation activities and daily garbage collection. The ICRC-SARC collective kitchen distributes 6,000 to 7,000 meals daily to residents. 
 

The ICRC’s 2021 budget for its operations in Syria amounts to just over CHF 190 million (around USD 200 million) and represents its largest global operation.
 

Video footage of the Syria trip can be found on ICRC Newsroom

For further information, please contact:

Adnan Hezam, ICRC Damascus, ahizam@icrc.org, +963930336718

Ruth Hetherington ICRC Geneva, rhetherington@icrc.org, +33 6 33 2888 23

Lucile Marbeau, ICRC Paris, lmarbeau@icrc.org, +33 6 22 41 37 62

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

ICRC / IFRC - News Release
24 March 2021

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has today launched a new plan that aims to tackle “deep and pervasive” inequities in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While no one has been spared from the effects of COVID-19, the consequences of this pandemic have not been equally felt. This crisis has been defined by profound and persistent inequities both in terms of who is most at risk, and how the world has responded.

The new Red Cross and Red Crescent analysis released today shows that, although present in all countries, these inequities have been particularly pronounced and damaging for people living in countries affected by humanitarian crises. According to this analysis:

Countries that are not dealing with humanitarian crises have reported carrying out nearly 48 times more COVID-19 tests per capita than countries facing “severe” or "very severe" humanitarian crises.

People living in countries facing either no humanitarian crisis or crises that are considered “low” in severity are more than three times as likely to be supported with contact tracing for COVID-19. Less than 2 per cent of COVID-19 vaccine doses globally have reportedly been administered in the 32 countries currently facing “severe” or “very severe” humanitarian crises.

Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said: “Since the start of the outbreak, we have seen the virus discriminate through its impacts on the elderly, on people with pre-existing conditions, and on people who do not have the economic resources to isolate and protect themselves. What our data shows is that the response to COVID-19 also discriminates. These deep and pervasive inequities mean that, no matter where they are, people in vulnerable settings are more likely than the general population to be infected, are more likely to die once infected, and are least likely to be appropriately supported through the response, including through vaccination campaigns. The same is also true for vulnerable groups in non-crisis settings.”
 

Robert Mardini, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said: “Communities affected by armed conflict have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, including those who have been displaced, people separated from their families, those deprived of their livelihoods and people in detention. That is why the ICRC is supporting National Societies, vital health infrastructure, access to health care, efforts to prevent the spread of disease in places of detention, access to clean water, and the safe and dignified management of human remains in places experiencing conflict and violence.”
 

The revised International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement plan is designed to counter some of the more severe inequities by expanding care, treatment and support for people in all countries, including those affected by humanitarian crises such as conflict and disasters. The plan also includes a range of measures designed to support and extend COVID-19 immunization campaigns so that marginalized and isolated groups -- including people living in conflict zones, migrants and displaced people, people living in urban slums, and isolated communities in non-crisis affected countries -- can access vaccines.
 

In all, the revised International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement appeal seeks 2.729 billion Swiss francs.
 

IFRC’s Chapagain said: “The inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is only one part of a response that has consistently and unfairly disadvantaged the poor, the elderly, migrants, those living with disabilities, Indigenous and racialised communities and other socially disadvantaged groups. In many contexts, the people who are most likely to be infected and to die of the virus are also the least likely to be counted, leading to a distorted understanding of where the risks and impacts are greatest. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement plan focuses on reaching the last mile and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
 

ICRC’s Mardini said: “A top concern of ours is ensuring equitable access to vaccines, and particularly for people in conflict-affected areas. An estimated 65 million people live in areas controlled by non-state armed groups – people excluded from basic state services like health care. They deserve to be vaccinated -- from COVID-19 and all preventable diseases. It keeps them safe and helps keep the rest of the world safe, too.”
 

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been at the frontline of the pandemic response. Present in nearly every country, Red Cross and Red Crescent community-based volunteers and staff help the world’s most vulnerable people, including those living in countries with under-resourced health and social welfare systems; people recovering from recent disasters; migrants and displaced people; those in conflict zones and who face ongoing violence; people in urban slums; detainees; and people suffering from the socio-economic impact of COVID-19. 
 

Notes to editors

The analysis of where vaccines have been administered; the relative reach of testing; and which countries carry out full, partial or no contact tracing is based on Oxford University’s ‘Our World in Data’ (latest available data used) and the INFORM Severity Index – an inter-agency tool that measures the severity of humanitarian crises and disasters globally (January 2021 data used). 
 

For a full list of countries listed against crisis severity, visit INFORM Severity index. All datasets have some gaps.

For further information, please contact:

IFRC
In London: Teresa Goncalves, +44 7891 857 056, teresa.goncalves@ifrc.org
In Geneva: Matthew Cochrane, +41 79 251 80 39, matthew.cochrane@ifrc.org
ICRC
In Geneva: Florian Seriex, +41 79 574 06 36, fseriex@icrc.org
In Geneva: Ewan Watson, +41 79 244 64 70, ewatson@icrc.org

About IFRC: IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.
www.ifrc.org – Facebook – Twitter – YouTube 
 

About ICRC: ICRC provides humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence worldwide and promotes respect for international humanitarian law.
www.icrc.org – Facebook – Twitter

Kuala Lumpur/Delhi/Geneva, 28 April – The terrible toll of death and illness unfolding in India reinforces that this pandemic is far from over. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) urges the whole world to unify and provide vaccines for everyone, while upholding public health measures, in order to stem the transmissions of COVID-19. 

The Indian Red Cross, with the support of the IFRC, is working alongside authorities to help the people of India with lifesaving medical equipment including oxygen cylinders, ventilators, anti-viral drugs, blood services, testing and vaccinations. 

Secretary General of Indian Red Cross, Mr Shri. R.K. Jain said:   

“It is a fact that everyone is at risk and precautions must be ensured to protect every individual. I have the first-hand experience of this as I am recovering from COVID -19. This terrible virus is claiming many lives and affecting livelihoods, businesses and all sectors of life. However, it will not dampen our spirit to fight back and help each other in this hour of great need. 

“Indian Red Cross through it's more than 1,100 field branches and network of thousands of dedicated staff and volunteers, is providing humanitarian services in close coordination with their respective local government authorities, including ambulance and blood services.  

“We are overwhelmed with the incredible kindness and generosity from all domestic and international donors including national governments and individuals throughout the world. This support comes at a critical time when India fights back against the pandemic with all its resources.” 

Prior to the latest record surge of COVID-19, India had one of the fastest and highest vaccination rates in Asia. Yet while some of the world's richest countries have fully immunized over one in four people, just 1 out of 66 Indians have received both COVID-19 vaccine doses. 

Thousands of Indian Red Cross volunteers and hundreds of health teams are helping run quarantine centres, providing oxygen cylinders to people with severe COVID-19 symptoms and stepping up vaccinations, while also providing free masks, soap and gloves to those most at risk. 

Udaya Regmi, IFRC’s Head of South Asia Delegation said:  

“This is beyond the saddest of tragedies for India. With COVID-19 infections now at their highest rates since the pandemic started, it’s clear the world is entering a critical phase of this pandemic, our work cannot and will not stop. The IFRC is coordinating with the Indian Red Cross to supply oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, and other crucial medical supplies, including anti-viral drugs for COVID-19 treatment. 

“Just as nations are stepping up to help India, we must unite and redouble global efforts to make sure COVID-19 vaccinations are available to every adult in all countries. This is both an ethical and public health imperative. As variants keep spreading, this pandemic is far from over until the whole world is safe.” 

The IFRC is still seeking vital funding for its global emergency COVID-19 appeal, with only around 50% of the appeal being covered so far. The funds are crucial to continue to support the lifesaving actions of the IFRC and member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:  

In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60-12-230-8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org  

In Geneva: Ann Vaessen, +41 79 405 77 50, ann.vaessen@ifrc.org    

ICRC - News Release
03 May 2021

Geneva (ICRC) – Health-care providers and patients have suffered through thousands of attacks on health care systems in the roughly five years since the U.N. Security Council demanded an end to impunity for such attacks, according to data recorded by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in countries affected by conflict and other emergencies.

The attacks faced by health-care workers, the wounded and the sick included murder, rape, physical abuse, looting and the destruction of medical facilities and medical transport vehicles. Obstruction of health care services – such as a vaccination campaign prevented from doing its work or an ambulance prevented from passing a check-point – were also tabulated. 

The ICRC counted 3,780 attacks in an average of 33 countries per year between 2016 and 2020, with two-thirds of the attacks and incidents recorded in Africa and the Middle East. The countries with the most incidents recorded by the ICRC include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel and the occupied territories, and Syria. Due to the challenge of collecting such data in conflict zones, the ICRC’s overall figure likely represents an undercount of the true number of attacks.

“The world has failed to make protecting the sick, the dying and injured a priority. Health care is at the forefront of current global attention, yet not enough is being done to protect health care workers and medical facilities,” said ICRC President Peter Maurer. “Sadly, with each attack, more people are prevented from seeking out the health care they desperately need. Weapon bearers must respect the universal value of and right to health care enshrined in international humanitarian law.”

On May 3, 2016, the U.N. Security Council adopted its first resolution on the protection of health care in conflict. Resolution 2286, supported by 80 states, included steps states could take to mitigate such attacks. Five years on, access to health care continues to be impeded due to a disregard for international humanitarian law and obstruction or criminalization of the provision of health care in some cases. Additionally, implementation of measures laid out in the resolution has been weak.

“There is a lack of political will and a crisis of imagination when it comes to protecting health-care providers and patients. States wishing to see this agenda advance should lead by example,” said Maciej Polkowski, the head of ICRC’s Health Care in Danger Initiative, which seeks to ensure safe access to health care in armed conflict and other emergencies.

Efforts to reduce violence in health care facilities do work. The ICRC partnered with hospital administrators in a South Asian country to reduce the number of guns carried into the emergency room. After five months of the program’s implementation, the number of guns intercepted before being brought into the ward increased from two to 42 per month, reducing risk for staff and patients.

Other positive examples include: 

In El Salvador: The ICRC and the Salvadorean Red Cross Society brought together actors involved in the emergency medical response to victims of armed violence, resulting in improved coordination and an increase in healthcare workers’ skill levels. 

In Lebanon: In Ein el Helweh, a densely populated Palestinian refugee camp where several armed groups operate, the ICRC was able to get several armed actors to sign unilateral declarations of respect for health care systems and practitioners. The text of the declarations was developed jointly with the groups based on an ICRC template and some positive changes were immediately noticed. 

Over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the importance of protecting health care and health-care workers, both because of how crucial health workers are for societies, but also because new patterns of violence and stigmatization emerged. From February to July 2020, the ICRC recorded 611 violent incidents against health-care workers, patients and medical infrastructure associated with the COVID-19 response, about 50 percent higher than average. 

To share just one example, in a rural health centre in southeastern Colombia, an armed group threatened a doctor who treated a COVID-19 patient who died. Those threats forced the doctor to move regions, depriving residents of care. 

Violent attacks are harrowing for both patients and staff. Filippo Gatti was working as a pediatric nurse on an ICRC medical team in South Sudan when a fighter burst into the operating theatre and pointed an AK-47 assault rifle at his face, demanding to know if an enemy fighter was being helped. 

“I took him to the door and showed him a woman on the operating table, a stroke of luck,” said Mr Gatti, now ICRC’s chief nurse. “And he said, ‘You have to leave. We are coming back and will kill everyone.’ We moved and discharged the people we could, but indeed they returned and killed 12 bed-ridden patients, one of the most horrific cases of violence you can imagine. 

“This group was not really thinking about the fact that we were there to treat everyone and anyone, white, red, blue, government or not government. At a certain point it will also be your turn in need of medical care.” 
 

About ICRC’s health-care attacks data: The data concerning events affecting the delivery of health care was collected from January 2016 through December 2020 by ICRC teams in an average of 33 countries per year where the ICRC has an operational presence, meaning countries experiencing conflict or violence. The data is not meant to be exhaustive but rather representative of what the ICRC sees in locations it works. Because such data collection is often quite challenging, the data is likely an undercount of the true number of attacks and cases of obstruction.

For further information, please contact:

Aurélie Lachant, ICRC Geneva, alachant@icrc.org , Tel.: +41 79 244 64 05   

Jason Straziuso, ICRC Geneva, jstraziuso@icrc.org , Tel.: +41 79 949 35 12 

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

ICRC - News Release
11 May 2021

Statement in the name of Fabrizio Carboni, Near and Middle East Regional Director, ICRC

“The recent rockets in Israel and airstrikes in Gaza represent a dangerous escalation of the tensions and violence witnessed over the past days in Jerusalem, including its Old City. It is clear that this cycle of violence will have heavy consequences on the civilian population in Israel and the occupied territory, as well as in the region.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is issuing an urgent call for restraint and de-escalation.  Every minute that this cycle of violence continues is a danger to people’s lives, their homes and the services and infrastructure they rely on like hospitals and schools.  

We remind all parties that all principles of conduct of hostilities must be respected, e.g. direct and indiscriminate attacks against civilians are prohibited by international humanitarian law (IHL), any attack must be proportionate, and all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid civilian casualties.

Armed hostilities in densely populated areas are bound to result in an unbearably high human cost if these IHL principles are not respected. 

We are in contact and dialogue with all parties, our partners in the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Magen David Adom Society (MDA) and are ramping up our medical response in Gaza.

At such times, it is critical that people can access the healthcare and treatment they need, and we reiterate our call for rapid, safe and unimpeded movement for ambulances and for staff and volunteers of the national societies to carry out their important life-saving activities.

We have donated material to help treat people wounded in the violent confrontations in Jerusalem’s Old City and supported the PRCS as they treat and transport the injured to hospitals. 

The reality is that families who should be planning get-togethers and celebrations are instead facing the prospect of a new cycle of pain and fear. For their sake and protection, restraint is needed now.”  

Note to editors: 

The ICRC has been present in Israel and the occupied territories since 1967. It promotes compliance with international humanitarian law, and works to mitigate the impact of violence, conflict, and occupation on civilians, through protection activities and assistance programs. The ICRC visits detainees in Israeli and Palestinian places of detention and works to maintain family links through the Family Visit Program. We also support livelihood projects and help improve access to essential services like water and electricity in Gaza. Above all, we stand up for people impacted by conflict and promote their rights and dignity. The ICRC has offices in Tel Aviv, West Bank and Gaza and supports the work of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Magen David Adom Society (MDA). 

For further information, please contact:

Chris Hanger, ICRC Jerusalem, Tel.: +967 52 601 9150, changer@icrc.org

Suhair Zakkout, ICRC Gaza, +972599255381, szakkout@icrc.org

Ruth Hetherington, ICRC Geneva, Tel.: +33 6 33 28 88 23, rhetherington@icrc.org

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

ICRC - News Release
19 May 2021

Geneva (ICRC) – In an ideal world, health-care workers who risk their lives to save others would have just as many supporters as footballers. Unfortunately, that’s far from the reality. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) counted no less than 3,780 attacks on health-care workers and facilities between 2016 and 2020, in an average of 33 countries each of those years. In response, the ICRC, Blaise Matuidi and the ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi are today launching a campaign to raise awareness of the essential role of health-care workers and the need to protect them.
 

One reason Mr Matuidi signed on to the campaign was because the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country dear to his heart, was one of the places with the highest number of incidents. “It’s horrible that the people who take care of us are victims of violence, in the DRC and elsewhere,” he said. “Surgeons, hospital porters, nurses – they should all have the same popular support as us footballers.”
 

The ICRC speaks out regularly about this violence and is hoping that the backing from Mr Matuidi and Saatchi & Saatchi will galvanize public support. "Current efforts to protect health-care staff and facilities are not enough. We need concrete action: stronger laws that are properly implemented, secure health-care facilities and appropriate training," said Maciej Polkowski, head of the ICRC’s Health Care in Danger initiative.
 

Thanks to the support of Mr Matuidi and the agency, a short film has been produced that depicts an imaginary world where people cheer for a surgical operation with as much enthusiasm as football supporters in the real world. "It has you follow the operation like you would a big match, from the warmup to the trophy ceremony, with the surgeon as the footballer. The role reversal, heightened by the appearance of Mr Matuidi at the end, raises people’s awareness of the difference in treatment between footballers and health-care workers," explained Stéphane Barbato, the film’s director.
 

Protecting health workers, in close cooperation with the local health authorities, is part and parcel of the ICRC’s work. For example, the ICRC works with hospital administrators on programmes to reduce the number of weapons entering emergency wards. Five months into one such programme, in a country in South Asia, the number of weapons intercepted increased from two to 42 per month. As a result, the hospital is safer for patients and caregivers alike.
 

The campaign is being officially launched today, 19 May, on the social media channels of Blaise Matuidi, the ICRC and everyone who wants to recognize the exceptional work of health-care workers by ensuring that they are never again the targets of violence.

 The video is already available to watch here.

About the ICRC’s data on health-care attacks: The data concerning events affecting the delivery of health care was collected from January 2016 through December 2020 by ICRC teams in an average of 33 countries per year where the ICRC has an operational presence, meaning countries experiencing conflict or violence. The data is not meant to be exhaustive but rather representative of what the ICRC sees in locations where it works. Because such data collection is often quite challenging, the data is likely an undercount of the true number of attacks and cases of obstruction.

For further information, please contact:

Florian Seriex, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 574 06 36

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

ICRC - News Release
19 May 2021

“People in Gaza and Israel urgently need respite from non-stop hostilities, as we enter the second week of airstrikes and rockets. People in Gaza - exhausted from sleepless nights, from constant fear, worry and grief - need a window during which they can go outside and about their business without fear of being killed or injured, or of witnessing death or injury to others. They need to check on family members, to shop, to get medicine or see a doctor if possible, and to make repairs to their homes and businesses, many of which have been damaged.  

The torment of not knowing whether it is safe to take the shortest trip or run the most basic of errands is one that weighs heavily on people after more than a week of fighting.

Humanitarian actors also need to be able to move around, meet and hear from people in order to assess their needs and respond with the necessary assistance. 

“Today we informed both Israeli and Hamas authorities that as of tomorrow, we would be moving around and stepping-up progressively our response to critical needs. Both parties have a clear legal responsibility to facilitate such action and movements, even more so in the current circumstances.”

For further information, please contact:

Suhair Zakkout (Gaza): szakkout@icrc.org or +972 599 255 381

Christoph Hanger (Tel Aviv/Jerusalem): changer@icrc.org or +972 526 019 150

Yahia Masswadeh (Jerusalem): ymasswadeh@icrc.org or +972 526 019 148

Sara Alzawqari (Beirut): salzawqari@icrc.org or +961 3 138 353

Ruth Hetherington (Geneva): rhetherington@icrc.org or +33 6 33 2888 23

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

Panama/Geneva, 31 May 2020 —The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is currently mobilizing and ramping up the efforts of hundreds of Red Cross teams across the Americas to prepare for another hurricane season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experts predict 13 to 20 named storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean only, six to 10 of those developing into hurricanes, and three to five possibly becoming major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. These storms could bring further devastation to a region that is still heavily affected by last year’s storms and hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the next six months, deadly rains, landslides and floods could further affect communities already grappling with the pandemic, where vaccines are not yet widely available, and where livelihoods have been destroyed.

Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General, said:

“In Central America and Colombia, thousands of families are still recovering from damage caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota, which affected more than 7.5 million people just six months ago. Recovery has been hindered by the pandemic, which has wiped people’s economic resources, strained health systems and caused challenges to the response.

“The pandemic adds another layer of complexity. We are now, once again, facing an extremely challenging scenario, with overlapping crises increasing the vulnerabilities of women, children, migrants and other groups. We are supporting regional efforts to prepare for this hurricane season, including strengthening an equitable response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

To mitigate the logistical challenges caused by COVID-19 restrictions, the IFRC has prepositioned humanitarian goods in Panama, Guatemala, Honduras and across the Caribbean to provide immediate response to the humanitarian needs of up to 60,00 people. In parallel, Red Cross teams share early warning messages and urge people to have food, water and other basic necessities at hand, as during the pandemic it might take longer for help to arrive.

The IFRC is paying particular attention to the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, where several countries have been affected by La Soufrière’s volcanic eruption and where COVID-19 cases and deaths are currently reaching a record high and the socio-economic impact of the pandemic is particularly severe.

Roger Alonso, IFRC Head of Disasters, Crises and Climate Unit, said:

“These weather events are cyclical and becoming more frequent and intense. In many cases, we can predict them, so we urge government and donors across the region to invest in early warning systems, disaster preparedness efforts and climate change adaptation initiatives that engage vulnerable communities and put them at the heart of the humanitarian response. The Red Cross experience shows that being better prepared before a disaster hits can save lives”.  

For more information, please contact:

In Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes, + 506 8416 1771, susana.arroyo@ifrc.org

In Geneva: Nathalie Perroud, +41 79 538 14 71, nathalie.perroud@ifrc.org

About IFRC:
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world.
www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

I visited Gaza yesterday, and the south of Israel today. The trauma in this region grows after each new round of hostilities. People remain wary of what’s to come.

What people shared with me is a profound sense of fatigue, hopelessness and inability to see a better future for the region’s younger generations. The humanitarian aid that residents in Gaza need now cannot prevent a nearly inevitable return to nights filled with terror at some point in the near or distant future. That can only come with political solutions.

I have conveyed to both sides our offer to be a neutral intermediary should there be a negotiated exchange for detainees or human remains. Families have the right to know, to grieve and to move on with their lives. 

People in Gaza have been deeply affected by the latest escalation. With every round of fighting, they are left worse off, with livelihoods and homes ruined once more. They are tired of the talk of “resilience.” It’s a word that simply covers the absence of options for people forced to repeatedly cope with what they they are left with. 

Civilians in Israel have also paid a high price. In the south, staying close to shelters has become second nature for communities, as has extinguishing fires caused by arson balloons that damage farmland and livelihoods. 

The psychological impact of the cycles of fear and destruction on both sides of the Gaza fence reverberates for years among children and adults alike.

Humanitarian aid, which is now preventing the collapse of some essential services in Gaza, is not a sustainable solution. 

A whole generation of Gaza’s youth has grown up knowing nothing but closed borders and repeated series of hostilities. Those under 18 have lived through four military operations and countless escalations. They need a glimmer of hope, a future to look forward to.   

In Jerusalem today, I faced similar questions: what is the future of Palestinian youth living under the longest military occupation in modern history? 

It’s my strongly held view that international humanitarian law has to be brought back to the table to address the legal and humanitarian impacts of occupation policies on the Palestinian population. Respect of this law is not the panacea to end the occupation, but it helps preserve a path towards a negotiated solution. This conflict won’t be solved by reciting the Fourth Geneva Convention. But simply complying with one’s basic obligations would be a good start down what has become an increasingly long and agonizing road to peace.

The immediate focus of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will be on addressing priority needs in Gaza, for which we are asking for an initial additional budget of 10 million Swiss francs ($11.1 million). Some examples of what our teams are doing right now: 

An ICRC surgical team recently arrived, and one of our priorities is to bring in extra medical supplies to support an already-fragile health system under immense strain, which is also simultaneously coping with the spread of COVID-19.
 

ICRC teams are assisting families who have lost homes and access to water and electricity. We are also focused on long-term needs like rebuilding infrastructure and crucial mental health support.
 

We are already supporting repairs of larger systems: the water and wastewater systems and power network -- and we want to increase that assistance.

We will also continue to support our partners from Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

For further information, please contact:

Suhair Zakkout (Gaza): szakkout@icrc.org or +972 599 255 381

Christoph Hanger (Tel Aviv/Jerusalem): changer@icrc.org or +972 526 019 150

Yahia Masswadeh (Jerusalem): ymasswadeh@icrc.org or +972 526 019 148

Sara Alzawqari (Beirut): salzawqari@icrc.org or +961 3 138 353

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

Budapest/Geneva, 18 June 2021 – A looming heatwave in parts of Europe poses a deadly threat to the most vulnerable in our society, and action is urgently needed to protect them, said the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

According to European meteorological offices, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Sweden can expect temperatures above 30°C this weekend. In Berlin, they may climb up to 35°C, which is 13°C higher than the average in this time of year.

Dr Davron Mukhamadiev, IFRC Regional Health and Care Coordinator for Europe, said:

“The double risk of heat and COVID-19 will be particularly dangerous for our most vulnerable – homeless, migrants, older people, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions. As temperatures soar, these people are at heightened risk. It is crucial for governments and civil society to increase support for them. Lives are at stake.”

Heatwaves are the deadliest type of disaster in the Europe region. Increasingly common, they can aggravate pre-existing conditions and cause serious health problems.

According to the latest edition of IFRC’s World Disasters Report[i], published in November, three heatwaves affecting Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom in 2019 caused more than 3,400 deaths.

In 2020, risks associated with these extreme weather events were compounded by COVID-19. While there is a perception that we are at the beginning of the end of the pandemic, every day in Europe more than 52,000 new COVID-19 cases[ii] are detected and 1,200 people die on average.  

Dr Mukhamadiev highlighted that IFRC is supporting National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across Europe to expand their services during the warmest months, including providing first aid, helping people access health services and checking in on isolated and at-risk people.

“French Red Cross is assisting the homeless, while Belgian Red Cross is vaccinating people living in the streets or in informal settlements as well as undocumented migrants. Austrian Red Cross is opening up cooling centres in cities, and the Netherlands Red Cross is visiting thousands of older people to share life-saving tips about staying cool and safe,” he explained.

Experts are also concerned that as lockdowns ease and people grow tired of wearing masks in the heat, many will become infected and contaminate others. This, along with holiday travel, could lead to a new deadly wave across the region in autumn, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)[iii].

“We cannot let our guard down. Staying cautious and following preventive measures on COVID-19 and heatwaves is more important than ever. Otherwise, health systems could again be overwhelmed and a spike in deaths may follow,” underlined Dr Mukhamadiev.

ICRC / IFRC - News Release
22 June 2021

The humanitarian sector has a key role to play in addressing the climate and environment crises that affect people’s lives and livelihoods around the world every day. This means walking the talk in terms of integrating climate smart approaches into its work and greening its own operations. The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement invites all humanitarian organizations to sign the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations, already adopted by 25 organizations since its launch a month ago.

The Charter, which aims to foster a strong commitment to climate action across the humanitarian community, is designed for all humanitarian organizations – large and small.  It was developed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), with the support of an advisory committee and in consultation with the humanitarian sector. It intends to guide both the humanitarian sector’s approach the increasing risks resulting from climate change and to address its own carbon and environmental footprint. 

“Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, and the entire humanitarian sector needs to take it very seriously. Climate-affected communities across the world understand the scale of the threat, and so do the Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who work alongside them every day. Much more needs to be done to reduce the risks communities are facing, to help them to build their resilience and adapt to climate shocks and to ensure that humanitarian organizations are reducing their own environmental impacts,” said Mr Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC.

Today’s climate and environmental crises affect all dimensions of our lives, from our physical and mental health to our food, water and economic security. While the crises are affecting everyone, those hit the hardest are the poorest and most marginalized communities, whose capacity is already strained and who have often contributed least to the problem. And the situation is only getting worse.

“We have no time to lose. We have a responsibility to come together, as a humanitarian community, to strengthen our expertise and develop adequate responses to the climate and environmental crises. Joining forces is critical if we want to reduce their impacts on the most vulnerable people,” said ICRC’s Director General Robert Mardini. 

Radical transformation is urgently needed to prevent further death and suffering. Analysis by the IFRC[1] found that 97.6 million people were affected by climate- and weather-related disasters in 2019. Protecting the lives and rights of present and future generations depends on political action to cut emissions, halt environmental degradation, and adapt to increasing risks. 

“The climate crisis is impacting humanitarian action around the world, and we must urgently step-up and increase our collective efforts to address this challenge. As a network, at ICVA’s 18th General Assembly, we signed on to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations. ICVA encourages others to sign and implement jointly as our ability to partner is our most strategic capability,” said Ignacio Packer, Executive Director, International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA). 

The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations is a document for and by humanitarian organizations, intended to help them play their part and highlight their relevance in responding to the climate and environmental crises.

The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement aims to gather a large number of signatures ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021 to signal the strong commitment of the humanitarian community to scaling up its response to the climate and environment crises. 

The Charter is open for signature here.

Note to editors

The Charter was developed for the humanitarian community, by the humanitarian community, with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and an advisory committee bringing together climate, environment and humanitarian experts. It is guided by the latest scientific evidence and the objectives of the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as other relevant international law and standards, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international environmental law.

The Charter’s seven commitments are: 

Step up our response to growing humanitarian needs and support those who are the most at risk to the impacts of the climate and environmental crises (adaptation, disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action)

Maximize the environmental sustainability of our work and rapidly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions

Embrace the leadership of local actors and communities: our action will be guided by the leadership and experience of local actors and communities.

Increase our capacity to understand climate and environmental risks and develop evidence-based solutions

Work collaboratively across the humanitarian sector and beyond to strengthen climate and environmental action

Use our influence to mobilize urgent and more ambitious climate action and environmental protection

Develop targets and measure our progress as we implement our commitments.

ICRC and IFRC have both adopted concrete targets and a roadmap for their implementation.
 

[1] IFRC World Disasters Report 2020 : Come Heat or High Water

For further information, please contact:

IFRC: Caroline Haga, +358 50 598 0500, caroline.haga@ifrc.org

ICRC: Aurélie Lachant, +41 79 244 64 05, alachant@icrc.org

About IFRC: IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. 

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube 

About ICRC: Established in 1863, the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. www.icrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube

Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta/Geneva, 29 June 2021: Urgent increases are needed in medical care, testing and vaccinations as Indonesia teeters on the edge of a COVID-19 catastrophe. 

The more dangerous and deadly Delta COVID-19 variant is fuelling infections that are skyrocketing across Indonesia overwhelming hospitals and oxygen supplies in Jakarta and other areas of the country. 

Less than 5 per cent of Indonesia’s adult population has been fully vaccinated. Indonesia faces global vaccine inequity in acquiring 360 million doses needed to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of the population.  

More than 20 per cent of COVID-19 tests in Indonesia are positive according to the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, indicating that the number of people who are sick and infected is likely to be much more widespread.  

Sudirman Said, Secretary General of Indonesian Red Cross said: 

“We are seeing record number of infections, but every statistic is a person who is suffering, grieving or struggling to support the people they love. Our medical teams are providing lifesaving care, with hospitals full to the brim and oxygen supplies critically low. 

“The Indonesian Red Cross COVID-19 hospital in Bogor, West Java, is overflowing. We have set up emergency tents at the hospital to accommodate more patients, with many travelling for hours so they can access vital medical care.” 

Indonesian Red Cross has urgently ramped up efforts to treat people and contain COVID-19 across the country, with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). 

Almost 6,500 volunteers are providing medical care and ambulance services, administering vaccines, testing people and providing safe water, masks and hygiene supplies while running public information campaigns. 

Jan Gelfand, IFRC’s Head of Indonesia Delegation, said: 

“Every day we are seeing this Delta variant driving Indonesia closer to the edge of a COVID-19 catastrophe.  

“We need lightning-fast action globally so that countries like Indonesia have access to the vaccines needed to avert tens of thousands of deaths. We must focus on getting vaccinations into the arms of those most at-risk and all adults everywhere to contain this virus.” 

The IFRC is seeking vital funding for its global emergency COVID-19 appeal, with around 55% of the appeal covered so far. The funds are crucial to support the lifesaving actions of the IFRC and member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:  

In Jakarta: Hamzah Ramadhan, +62 811 1161 193, hamzah.ramadhan@ifrc.org  

In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org

In Wellington: Ellie van Baaren, +64 21 774 831, ellie.vanbaaren@ifrc.org

About IFRC: IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. 

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube 

Ann Vaessen

Acting Spokesperson and Manager, Media and Advocacy

M +41 79 405 77 50 | E ann.vaessen@ifrc.org | Skype annvaessen  | Twitter @ann_vaessen

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

ifrc.org | twitter.com/ifrc | facebook.com/ifrc | instagram.com/ifrc | youtube.com/ifrc | tiktok.com/@ifrc

ICRC - News Release
06 July 2021

Juba (ICRC) – The people of South Sudan have been battered by the ravages of conflict and armed violence during most of the first decade of the state’s existence. Underscoring the scale of the violence is the fact that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has provided surgical care to more than 9,000 weapon-wounded patients since the birth of the world’s newest country in July 2011. In 2020, women and children comprised nearly a quarter of the patients treated by the ICRC.  

A fragile healthcare system further weakened or destroyed by the violence is only one of the tragic consequences of the protracted crisis in South Sudan. A lack of food, prolonged and repeated displacements, and loss or separation from loved ones are some of the sad realities people continue to face. 

Weapon-wounded patients often require complex and long-term treatment that goes beyond immediate surgical care. “These patients need physical rehabilitation to restore mobility. They, like many other victims of conflict and violence, also need mental health support.  But the sad truth is that the majority of South Sudanese don’t have access even to the most essential health services, let alone specialized care,” said Ana Lucia Bueno, who supervises health programmes for the ICRC in South Sudan.

In remote areas of South Sudan, people die of preventable and treatable diseases, as access to primary healthcare remains difficult. 

“We do not have hospitals here. We have just lost a child in this home next to us. She fell very sick and died in the bush on the way while she was being taken to the nearest hospital,” said Daniel*, a community leader in Western Equatoria, where families have been displaced by the ongoing conflict.

Nine per cent of children in South Sudan die before the age of five, according to World Bank data.  Many people must walk for long hours, and sometimes even days, to reach the nearest health care practitioner, as only estimated 40 per cent of health care centers in South Sudan remain functional. Attacks against medical personnel and facilities, as well as limited number of health workers are some of the factors that contributed to this dramatic situation.  In the past ten years, the ICRC provided almost 1.5 million consultations in the primary healthcare centers it supported.

About one in three South Sudanese are displaced from their home, and many lost livelihoods and the ability to provide for their families. To help families cope and rebuild livelihoods, over the past decade, the ICRC together with the South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) distributed food to over 3.3 million people, vaccinated over 5.2 million heads of livestock and distributed seeds and agricultural tools to over 3 million people. It provided 130,000 phone calls to people separated from their families, registered over 6,000 missing people and helped clarify the whereabouts of almost 3,000 missing.

“Climatic shocks and COVID-19 make it harder for communities that have lived through enormous suffering to restore their dignity and provide for themselves. The steps toward peace need to solidify into long term stability and security for families devastated by conflict and armed violence to be able to shape their own future” said Julien Lerisson, the head of the ICRC delegation in South Sudan. 
 

For further information, please contact:

Lucien Christen, ICRC Juba, Tel. : +211 912 360 038, lchristen@icrc.org

Aidah Khamis Woja, ICRC Juba, Tel.: +211 925 230 500, wajioaidahkhamis@icrc.org

Alyona Synenko, ICRC Nairobi, Tel.: +254 716 987 265, asynenko@icrc.org

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org

Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta/Geneva, 13 July 2021: A deadly wave of COVID-19 fuelled by the Delta variant is crashing into South East Asia as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns of a widening global vaccine divide. 

Countries across South East Asia from Indonesia to Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar are facing hospitals full and overwhelmed while many race to roll out vaccines. 

Around 10,000 COVID-19 infections are being recorded in Thailand a day, more than four times a month ago, while deaths have also reached record highs. Infections in Viet Nam have surged past 2,000 a day, close to 10 times more than in early June.  

Richer countries such as the United Kingdom have fully vaccinated more than half their populations. Viet Nam has fully vaccinated less than 1 per cent, Thailand around 5 per cent and Indonesia 5.5 per cent, according to Oxford University’s COVID-19 Our World in Data. 

Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific Director, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said: 

“Millions of people in Asia are living on the cruel and sharp edge of a global vaccine divide between richer countries that have a steady supply and most nations in Asia that are struggling to access sufficient doses to keep their populations safe. 

“There is mounting evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations are already saving tens of thousands of lives around the world.” 

Across Asia, thousands of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are racing to vaccinate people alongside health authorities, yet vaccinations are struggling to keep pace with the variants and the spread of the virus.  

“It is encouraging that a number of richer countries have made generous pledges and donations of vaccines to countries in Asia in recent weeks,” said Mr Matheou. 

“We need to speed up the delivery of these lifesaving doses so that we can get them in to people’s arms, giving us a genuine shot at containing this pandemic once and for all.” 

The IFRC is seeking vital funding for its global emergency COVID-19 appeal, with around 60 per cent of the appeal covered so far. The funds are crucial to support the lifesaving actions of the IFRC and member Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:  

In Kuala Lumpur: Antony Balmain, +60 12 230 8451, antony.balmain@ifrc.org  

In Wellington: Ellie van Baaren, +64 21 774 831, ellie.vanbaaren@ifrc.org 

Geneva/Marseille, 19 July 2021 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal to provide life-saving assistance to people in distress in the Central Mediterranean Sea. IFRC teams will join maritime and humanitarian NGO SOS MEDITERRANEE’s crew on board the Ocean Viking rescue ship as of August 2021. 

Lives continue to be needlessly lost in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly on the long and treacherous Central Mediterranean route between Libya and Europe. Already 792 people are known to have died on that route while trying to reach Europe in the first half of 2021, three times as many as in the same period last year[1]. The actual number of casualties is likely to be much higher. 

IFRC President Francesco Rocca said:

“In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, it is still critical to move to the Mediterranean Sea to save lives and protect human dignity. It is unacceptable that people are still dying at sea, on Europe’s doorstep: this is a clear failure of the international community. This is why we decided again to take our vital emergency support out to sea, and we call on our partners and donors to support this operation. 

“No one should be forced to leave their home, their community, their beloved because of poverty, violence, food insecurity and any other effects of climate change. No one should die searching for safety. We are proud to start this new mission, but we also call on the EU and its Member States to urgently increase search and rescue operations.”

The SOS MEDITERRANEE crew of search and rescue professionals will be joined by an IFRC team as of August 2021. IFRC will provide post-rescue support, including first aid, medical care, psychological support, food, dry clothes, blankets, toiletries and information to the people who have been safely brought on board the Ocean Viking. The IFRC team will include medical doctors, a midwife and professionals who can provide psychological support and assist those who are particularly vulnerable and in need of extra protection, such as unaccompanied minors and victims of human trafficking.  

“Being joined by the Red Cross and Red Crescent network onboard the Ocean Viking is an honour and a new milestone for our organization. IFRC’s commitment to reaching out to people in distress at sea through this partnership highlights the absolute necessity to try and save lives in the Central Mediterranean,” says Caroline Abu Sa'Da, General Director of SOS MEDITERRANEE Switzerland.

“Our partnership will be based on shared values and humanitarian principles upholding our duty to rescue at sea, a duty enshrined in maritime law and longstanding sea faring traditions – a duty that has been relentlessly damaged over the past five years in the Central Mediterranean. International humanitarian organizations such as ours are only plugging the rescue gap left by States in the area: it is not enough. To save as many lives as possible, we urgently need a coalition of European States and maritime actors willing to conduct lawful and humane rescue operations.”

The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal of two million Swiss francs to support the operation. This life-saving mission is an integral part of the Red Cross Red Crescent presence to protect and assist people in countries of origin, transit and destination across Africa, Middle-East and Europe. As a neutral, independent and impartial humanitarian organization, IFRC’s global network provides critical humanitarian assistance to all persons in need, regardless of their legal status.

For more information, contact:

IFRC

In Geneva:

Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367, tommaso.dellalonga@ifrc.org

Caroline Haga, +358 50 598 0500, caroline.haga@ifrc.org

In Budapest:

Corinne Ambler, +36 704 306 506, corinne.ambler@ifrc.org

SOS MEDITERRANEE

International & Operations: Laura Garel / +33 6 23 24 69 47 / l.garel@sosmediterranee.org

Switzerland: Elliot Guy / +41 78 238 74 04 / e.guy@sosmediterrranee.org

France: Jean-Christophe Nougaret / + 33 6 11 74 10 11 / jc.nougaret@sosmediterranee.org

Germany: Petra Krischok / +49 176 5525 0654 / presse@sosmediterranee.org

Italy: Francesco Creazzo / +39 347 815 1131 / f.creazzo@sosmediterranee.org

About IFRC: IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working to save lives and promote dignity around the world. 

www.ifrc.org - Facebook - Twitter - YouTube 

​

• About SOS MEDITERRANEE: SOS MEDITERRANEE is a maritime and humanitarian organization for the rescue of people in distress at sea. It was founded by European citizens in 2015 and launched rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean in February 2016. Since then, the organization has assisted more than 33,500 people at sea. A total of 3,996 people were rescued by the Ocean Viking since she started operating in August 2019. The non-profit organization based in France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, is mainly funded through donations. www.sosmediterranee.org – Twitter - Instagram

[1] IOM: Missing Migrants Project

ICRC - News Release
21 July 2021

Afghanistan is among the deadliest places in the world to be a civilian, and women and children make up nearly half of all civilian casualties. In addition to the increased violence over past months, communities are also dealing with a deadly resurgence of COVID-19. 
 

In the first six months of the year, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) helped more than 49,500 war-wounded patients get further treatment and care. That is an average of 270 people every day needing treatment for what are often extremely serious and painful life-changing injuries. In Kandahar, at the ICRC supported Mirwais Regional Hospital, 2,366 weapon wounded patients have been treated during the first half of 2021 - more than double the number of patients during same period last year.  
 

The ICRC’s physical rehabilitation and limb-fitting services registered more than 7130 new patients in the same period, an average of 40 people every day. Of those, more than 700 were people who had had a limb amputated, or on average four people a day with such a condition.
 

In total, our teams in 7 physical rehabilitation centres across Afghanistan have helped almost 80,000 people since January, at a time when violence in the country is rising. 
 

“The ICRC is appealing to all parties to the conflict to do more to protect civilians from harm. The intensification of conflict related violence, growing insecurity, destruction of water or electricity infrastructures, lack of access, attacks on health facilities and health workers, are among the main issues affecting the lives of Afghans.” said Eloi Fillion, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Afghanistan. 
 

“More than four decades of armed conflict in Afghanistan have all but decimated its health care system. With COVID-19 adding yet another deadly threat, access to health care is among the most pressing humanitarian needs everywhere in the country, regardless of the political affiliation,” said Mr. Fillion.
 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is committed to working in Afghanistan to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid for people affected by the armed conflict. 
 

The ICRC continues to reach out to all parties to the conflict to ensure respect of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), our call focuses in particular on the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure – including medical personnel, facilities and vehicles – in times of conflict and violence; and to support health care to address both the consequences of armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

ICRC operations in Afghanistan - January to June 2021:
 

Improving detainee’ conditions and maintaining family links

4,543 detainees received access to health services.

574 tracing requests and allegations of arrest were initiated in 2021 by families that have lost contact with their loved ones and the whereabouts of as many as 205 people were established.

Supporting health care for war wounded patients

More than 49,500 weapon wounded patients have received treatment and care at ICRC supported 416 health facilities across the country, including those run by Afghan Red Crescent Society. 

For weapon wounded patients to receive initial stabilization support prior to being shifted to the hospital, the ICRC trained more than 550 people through 42 First Aid sessions across the country. 

Providing COVID-19 protective equipment

6 hospitals under Kabul Medical University received hygiene items and personal protective equipment kits. 

Complementary assistance to support interventions from health actors in Afghanistan including Ministry of Public Health and Afghan Red Crescent Society. 

Provided limb-fitting and physical rehabilitation services

7,138 new patients registered, including 723 people with an amputated limb.

79,953 patients assisted in the seven ICRC-supported physical rehabilitation centres.

Dignified management of the dead

Together with Afghan Red Crescent Society, mortal remains of 2,449 fighters and civilians were returned and transferred to their families.

635 body bags, 65 pairs of rubber boots, 80 disposable aprons, 2,950 surgical masks among other materials donated to forensic medicine departments and morgues of provincial and regional hospitals.

Direct assistance to communities

More than 7,658 people in acute crisis received cash assistance to cover their essential needs.

Improved access to water for 35,700 people living in two provinces; revamped three water towers in Lashkar Gah to provide water to 9,450 people in the city; new water network installed in Jalalabad city providing 4,500 people with direct water supply.

For further information, please contact:

Florian Seriex, ICRC Geneva, fseriex@icrc.org +41 79 574 06 36

Hamidullah Hussainzada, ICRC Kabul, +93 778523231 

Visit our website: www.icrc.org  or Follow the ICRC on facebook.com/icrc and twitter.com/icrc
To preview and download the latest ICRC video footage in broadcast quality, go to www.icrcvideonewsroom.org
To find out what the ICRC is doing to put an end to attacks on health workers and patients, go to www.healthcareindanger.org