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Relief assistance abroad
The Netherlands Red Cross sends staff to partner countries every year. Read about our delegates and the impact of their work here.
20
EXPERTS PER YEAR
The Netherlands Red Cross can deploy 15 to 20 experts to international emergency operations every year. The humanitarian needs of the national association determine where people are sent. A delegate is often a university-educated trainer, advisor, management and/or information specialist who is able to analyse complex situations and make sound recommendations on how to proceed. At the same time, they match victims' needs with increasingly complex requirements.
59
DELEGATES ON MISSION
So far in 2022, 59 delegates for the Netherlands Red Cross have been sent on a mission or were already on a mission at the beginning of this year. Most of these are working in one of the 12 partner countries or with an overseas department. In addition, Netherlands Red Cross staff were deployed as seconded staff from the International Red Cross and on various rapid response missions. Of those 59, 12 are at the destination in question for an average of 3 months, while the rest of the group stays for an average of 1 year. This year, for instance, experts were sent to Poland, Hungary, Malawi, Romania and Armenia.
5
EMERGENCY AID SECTORS
We have 5 emergency aid sectors:
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Management of emergency operations;
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Information management;
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WASH: water, sanitation and hygiene projects;
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Disaster relief;
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Communications.
5
CORE ACTIVITIES
Camelia Marinescu was sent out as Field Coordinator through the International Red Cross to support the Romanian Red Cross in organising field activities (relief). Here she had 5 core activities:
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Supporting the national association and the International Red Cross in project/programme & design, set-up, planning and implementation, among others;
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Support the design and preparation of the initial operational plan in coordination with the national association;
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Assisting National Society staff and volunteers to effectively implement project and programme activities;
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Coordinating with the International Red Cross;
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General support to the operation.
12
CLOSE PARTNERSHIPS
The Netherlands Red Cross has 12 close partnerships with Red Cross or Red Crescent countries. These are Haiti, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and the Philippines. The Netherlands Red Cross directly supports the partners in developing and implementing programmes and further building the national movement. In each of these countries, the Netherlands Red Cross has a representative (Country Representative) and a team of delegates.
3
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
In addition to emergency relief contributions, the International Relief Department has chosen to focus on 3 areas of expertise.
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Using data and digital solutions, our 510 team ensures that humanitarian aid is faster, more cost-effective and of better quality.
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We also use our expertise in water, sanitation and hygiene in the various projects worldwide.
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In addition, we support other Red Cross and Red Crescent departments on financial sustainability. We help partners generate income from multiple (mainly domestic) sources and support them in managing these resources sustainably.
Tens of millions
PAKISTANIS AFFECTED
The floods in Pakistan are of an unprecedented scale, affecting tens of millions of people. Pim Kemperman, delegate in Pakistan: "Apart from the immediate impact of lost lives and destroyed homes, the water also has a huge long-term impact. Crops are destroyed, livestock drown or run out of cattle feed. Diseases like cholera spread rapidly and mosquitoes thrive in the stagnant water, spreading dengue and malaria. The Pakistan Crescent and the International Red Cross are providing emergency relief for the most vulnerable affected. The local aid agency distributes tents, tarpaulins, blankets and hygiene kits, among other things. The Crescent also provides financial assistance to affected households and sets up mobile health clinics."