Southeast Asia: Profiles of Partner National Societies International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
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2. Danish Red Cross
3. Finnish Red Cross
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Overview
For more than one hundred years, the American Red Cross (ARC) has been giving people who can help others a means to reach those in need—and, in the process, preventing and relieving human suffering and saving lives. Founded in 1881 and chartered by Congress in 1905 as the only voluntary agency “to carry out a system of national and international relief in time of peace,” this humanitarian, volunteer-led organization is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement).
ARC Tsunami Recovery Program began operating in Thailand in 2005. Presently, ARC and its partners in the region are transitioning beyond the first period of emergency relief into the recovery phase and long-term programming. ARC’s current assistance focuses on tsunami-affected beneficiaries and communities needing help in resuming normal lives and re-establishing community services and infrastructure, as well as assisting communities to prepare for future disasters. ARC will work closely with International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS) in the sectors of health/water and sanitation, disaster management, and livelihoods in the six tsunami-affected provinces which are Phang Nga, Phuket, Ranong, Krabi, Trang and Satun. In addition, ARC is also working with a set of external partner organizations such as WWF, DTRAC and other local partners to ensure appropriate integration within overall regional recovery efforts, working to: • Improve community health and prevent disease outbreaks through mass immunization campaigns, health and hygiene education and restored water and sanitation systems. • Support communities as they rebuild their lives and re-establish their livelihoods. • Help affected Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, their branches and communities develop disaster preparedness capabilities.
Water, Sanitation and Health Promotion Project in Tsunami-affected areas in Southern Thailand
TRCS in cooperation with the American Red Cross and IFRC are implementing a two-year (2005-2007) water, sanitation and health promotion project in the six tsunami-affected provinces in southern Thailand. The program has started operations in Phang Nga province, with needs assessments being carried out in the other five provinces. Water and sanitation systems in community, school and health facilities will be the focus of the project. Hand dug wells, boreholes, rainwater catchments, gravity-fed systems, water storage tanks, distribution systems, water filters, toilets and hand washing basins will be considered. Strong emphasis will be placed on health promotion as well as strengthening communities’ long-term management skills in operating and maintaining water and sanitation systems. Assessments have also pointed to the need for sustainable solid waste management, grey-water treatment and recycling. Criteria for selecting projects are listed below.
The Water, Sanitation, and Health Promotion Project (WSHPP) in Phang Nga province seeks to improve water and sanitation facilities as well as increase community knowledge about related health and management issues in order to maintain these facilities in the most efficient manner. The project will target:
◊ Communities, directly and indirectly affected by the 2004 tsunami disaster, which are vulnerable to health problems due to lack of sufficient water and sanitation facilities;
◊ Communities, directly and indirectly affected by the 2004 tsunami disaster, which still have not received adequate assistance or unlikely to receive additional assistance in the immediate future.
How will projects be selected?
Projects will be selected on the basis of addressing immediate and long-term water and sanitation needs in a technically, economically, and environmentally sound manner in order to serve the community for many years to come. Special consideration will be given to communities showing high levels of commitment and participation.
The project envisions TRCS, American Red Cross and local government authorities, including the departments of health, education and water resources, working together as a strong team with communities. Other organizations may be included in projects, and additional sector interventions may be integrated where possible. For example, staff of the TRCS/IFRC Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) program have met with the WSHPP team to discuss integrating approaches with communities and other movement and non-movement actors.
Beyond the programming in water and sanitation, TRCS also expressed interest in ARC providing technical support to develop disaster management, health and livelihoods programming throughout the tsunami-affected areas. ARC is currently in discussion with IFRC regarding support to the activities planned by IFRC/TRCS projects in the Disaster Management sector as well as other potential support to the planned Tsunami related activities of IFRC in collaboration with TRCS. Financial allocations for these potential programs will depend on the activities proposed.
SOUTH EAST ASIA PROFILE
Headquarter Office The Danish Red Cross Blegdamsvej 27 DK-2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark Tel: +45 35259200 Fax: +45 35259292 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.drk.dk
Mission/philosophy
The Danish Red Cross (DRC) is part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. In the movement DRC shares the responsibility to assist vulnerable people in times of need.
Strategy for South East Asia
The DRC International Strategy - Our Joint Responsibility - identifies five approaches that bring the best results in terms of improving lives of vulnerable people. These approaches guide DRC in partnerships and help to identify activities:
• Partner National Societies: Danish Red Cross always works with a national society as a partner. Focus is on long term partnerships with a limited number of national societies. The partnership includes both programme activities and support for capacity building. When asked, DRC may take a lead in implementing activities within core competencies. • Rights-based approach: DRC works with a rights-based approach in order to strengthen local institutions and individuals to advocate for the promotion of a local interpretation of internationally established rights. • Participatory approach: DRC promotes a participatory approach, whereby vulnerable communities participate in all aspects of programme activities. Programme activities must aim at building and sustaining human capacities, including Red Cross/Crescent staff. • External Partners: Danish Red Cross cultivates strategic technical partnerships to complement our own competences. • Best practice: DRC makes an effort to apply and further develop best practices in a systematic manner within the seven core competences with which we support our sister societies.
Using this approach DRC works within seven core competencies:
• Organisational development and good governance • Community based health development • Reducing the consequences of the HIV/AIDS epidemic • Psychosocial support • Community Based Disaster Preparedness • Disaster Response • Migration (Population Movement)
In South East Asia, the DRC implements programmes in partnership with the national societies in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos and Myanmar.
1 CAMBODIA
Country Office in Cambodia The Danish Red Cross - Cambodia House 17, Red Cross Street Phnom Penh, Cambodia Tel: +855 23212876 Fax: +855 23212875 E-mail: [email protected]
History of cooperation in Cambodia
The DRC signed a 3-year development contract with the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) in August 2003 and supported the CRC in the implementation of a 3-year Primary Health Care (PHC) Programme in 2 provinces. Efforts started under the PHC Programme now continue under a 5-year Community Based Health Programme, which started 1st October 2006. The programme will cover 82 villages in three provinces. A DIPECHO funded Community Based Risk Reduction (CBRR) programme started 1st January 2005 and was completed 30th June 2006. The programme aimed at developing and disseminating a community-based disaster risk reduction for natural disaster-prone communities in rural Cambodia. The programme targeted 15 villages in Kratie and Pursat Provinces. Currently a new DIPECHO funding proposal, which builds upon the achievements and experiences gained, is awaiting approval as is the approval of an EU co-financing grant for the Community Based Health development (CBHD) Programme in Mondulkiri province.
Current programmes in Cambodia
Title : Community Based Health Development (CBHD) Programme Objective : To improve the health status of people in vulnerable communities, especially women and children under five years in three provinces and to develop the capacity of CRC to effectively and efficiently implement CBHD programmes in general and in programme areas in particular. Coverage : 82 villages with a total population of 75,000 people in Siem Reap, Kampot and Mondulkiri provinces. Duration : 5-years (1st October 2006 - 30th September 2011). Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (Danida funds and twinning with branches in Denmark) with USD 3,356,000. Approach : The programme is implemented by the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) with DRC providing technical and financial assistance. The programme supports more vulnerable communities by targeting poorer villages in poorer districts. In line with the CRC and DRC strategies and the strategies of the Cambodian Ministry of Health, the programme focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and health care, nutrition, hygiene and accessible safe water as well as health promotion in schools and advocating for children, in particular girls, attending primary education. The programme has established strategic partnerships with international and national NGOs and has continued the interventions initiated under the initial public health care pilot phase but with a strengthened focus on advocacy and HIV prevention. The programme supports villages through networks of Red Cross volunteers selected by and from the villages. To reach as many people as possible, the programme only works in the villages for a limited period of time and then gradually expands into new villages. In line with CRC’s Cooperation Agreement Strategy (CAS) the programme supports and also solicits funds for further CRC capacity building and organisational development.
2 Title : Pilot Programme in Response to Human Trafficking Objective : To increase knowledge and awareness on human trafficking among communities in two provinces, local authorities and CRC staff through grass root workshops and awareness raising campaigns as well as peer education. Coverage : Selected communities in Svay Rieng and Banteay Meanchey Provinces. Duration : 18 months (1st July 2006 - 31st December 2007). Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (publicly collected funds) with USD 78,000 Approach : The programme is a pilot focusing on prevention of human trafficking through regional grass-roots workshops and awareness raising campaigns in two provinces. The involved CRC Branches take a lead in designing and implementing activities in response to human trafficking, using activity planning, implementation and monitoring activities as a means to ensure capacity building, commitment, local ownership, confidence and responsibility. Emphasis is also given to positioning the CRC in the emerging National Action Plan so as to secure long-term sustainability of CRC’s role in combating human trafficking. In the future emphasis will be put on expanding the programme into areas of reintegration and support to women and children.
INDONESIA
Country Office in Indonesia The Danish Red Cross - Indonesia Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav. 96 Jakarta 12790, Indonesia Tel: +62 2179195921 / +62 217992325 Fax: +62 217919327 E-mail: [email protected]
History of cooperation in Indonesia
The DRC signed a 5-year development contract with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in September 2003 and has since then supported the PMI in the implementation of a 5-year CBDP Programme in 3 provinces. In this connection a Programme Office was established within the PMI headquarters in Jakarta and today this office supports all the DRC programmes in Indonesia. A DIPECHO funded Community Based Risk Reduction (CBRR) programme started 1st June 2005 and was completed 31st August 2006. Currently a new DIPECHO funding proposal, which builds upon the achievements and experiences gained, is awaiting approval.
In the aftermath of the Tsunami, DRC assisted with logistic and telecom ERU’s and provided a base- camp to accommodate field delegates from all national societies. Danish Red Cross also initiated a psycho social programme in Aceh, which will continue until December 2007. Supporting the recovery of Aceh, DRC initiated a 16 months livelihood programme in July 2005, covering 16 villages in Aceh Jaya District. The programme consisted of a cash based recovery component and an agricultural rehabilitation component. In addition, a PMI/DRC ICBRR programme is supported in Aceh for a period of 32 months, ending August 2008. The DRC is a signatory to the current Country Coordination Agreement Strategy (CAS) and signed a pre-Tsunami Cooperation Agreement with the Federation.
3 Current programmes in Indonesia
Title : Community Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP) Programme – Phase I Objective : Enhance the capacity of target communities to respond and mitigate the effects of disasters as well as increase the capacity of PMI to provide timely assistance to disaster victims Coverage : 20 communities in West Sumatra, Lampung and South Sulawesi provinces. Duration : 5-years (1st September 2003 - 31st August 2008) Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (Danida funds and twinning with local branches in Denmark and publicly collected funds) with a total of USD 3,941,600. Approach : The programme aims to reduce the vulnerability of disaster prone communities, particularly amongst the most vulnerable within those communities. Target communities will be engaged in mitigation activities in a participatory manner. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing local needs and priorities to shape Community Disaster Preparedness (DP) Plans including early warning systems and appropriate evacuation plans where needed. In order for PMI to facilitate CBDP activities and to provide a timely response in times of disaster, the focus is put on strengthening PMI's technical capacity, and organisational support is provided to core programme management activities such as environmental protection, provision of safe drinking water, and other mitigation measures such as health education, and first aid.
Title : Integrated Community Based Risk Reduction (ICBRR) Programme (Aceh) Objective : To reduce vulnerability of communities prone to disasters. Coverage : 16 Tsunami affected communities with a total population of 13.900 people in Aceh Jaya District. Duration : 37 months (1st December 2005 – 31st December 2008). Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (publicly collected funds) with a total of USD 1,108,908. Approach : The programme is similar to PMI’s ongoing community based risk reduction programmes and build on experiences gained during the implementation of these. The programme uses a ‘bottom-up’ approach to risk reduction whereby community members, with the help of PMI, identify and map significant risks to their lives and livelihoods. Communities are then assisted in developing community action plans, which aim at mitigate the effect of such risks. The programme is funding selected activities and putting the communities in charge of the implementation, thereby adopting a ‘learning by doing’ approach to capacity building. In addition, the programme assists communities in attracting local government support in terms of technical and financial help. A precondition for a sustainable ICBRR approach is a strong PMI structure and therefore the programme facilitates the establishment of a PMI Sub-Branch and in recruitment and training of board members and staff as well as Disaster Response Teams and volunteers.
Title : Psycho Social Programme – Phase III Objective : To improve the resilience and psycho-social well-being among the Tsunami affected population in Aceh Jaya and Aceh Barat Districts. Coverage : 28 Tsunami affected elementary schools (1000 children and their parents as well as 100 teachers) and 3 communities in Aceh Barat and Aceh Jaya Districts. Duration : 2-years (1st January 2006 - 31st December 2007). Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (publicly collected funds) with USD 1,130,000. Approach : The programme provides psycho-social support to children in elementary schools. Emphasis is put on building up resilience among children, their parents and teachers as well as enabling them to face and cope with difficult external situations, especially natural disasters.
4 The programme builds on cognitive coping and mastery, rather than in-depth psychotherapy, and provides psycho education and coping strategies that can easily be adopted by children. In Tsunami affected communities the programme seeks to involve beneficiaries in ‘help to self-help’ activities. For women this can be sewing and other possible activities and for children non-formal (sports and games) and peer support.
LAOS
Country Office in Laos Danish Red Cross - Laos Unit 02, Home No. 021 P.O. Box 11845 Vientiane, Laos Tel: +856 21244256 / +856 21244257 Fax: +856 21213983 Email: [email protected]
History of cooperation in Laos
The DRC signed a 5-year development contract with the Lao Red Cross (LRC) in 1998 and opened a regional Office in 1999. From 1998 DRC supported the LRC in the implementation of a 5-year Primary Health Care (PHC) Programme (Phase I) in 31 villages in 3 provinces until 2003. Efforts started under the PHC Phase I Programme are continued in the second phase of the programme, which started in 2003. The 5-year educational component of the PHC Programme which started in 2001 will end by December 2006.
Current programmes in Laos
Title : Primary Health Care Programme - Phase II Objective : To reduce malnutrition and morbidity from the most common diseases in programme target villages as well as well as increase the capacity of the Lao Red Cross to effectively and efficiently perform its organisational tasks to meet stated goals, and the Primary Health Care Programme in particular Coverage : Consolidation of activities started in Phase I in 31 communities (8,300 people) in Xiengkhoung, Huaphanh and Phongsaly provinces. Phase II covers 30 additional communities in the same provinces. Duration : 5-years (1st October 2003 - 30th September 2008) Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (Danida funds and twinning with local branches in Denmark) with USD 3,750,000. Approach : The programme aims at reducing the incidence of ‘common diseases’ such as diarrhoea, malaria and ARI though appropriate water and sanitation activities, environmental hygiene, health education and promotion. Furthermore the programme seeks to reduce malnutrition through increased food/nutrition security and improved child care with a focus on the poorest families and on ensuring gender equity and equality. Finally, the programme assists in the development of a policy and strategic planning system for the LRC, with priority to the Community Health Promotion Department.
5 Title : Educational Component of the Public Health Care Programme - Phase I & II Objective : Enhance the capacity to plan and support formal primary education in the Ministry of Education (MoE) Provincial and District levels as well as strengthening the capacity of LRC to plan and implement community PHC (education) programmes. Coverage : 29 villages in Xiengkhoung, Huaphanh and Phongsaly provinces Duration : (1st July 2001 – 31st December 2006) Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (Danida funds) with USD 1,100,000 Approach : The programme is a component of the PHC Programme and focuses on improving the capacity to provide educational support within the MoE and LRC at provincial and district levels. Emphasis is put on improving the quality of education offered in target schools through professional development of staff at different levels and through greater school/community cooperation. Furthermore, the programme seeks to increase the access to education in under-served areas, especially by building and/or rehabilitating primary schools and introducing Multi-grade Teaching.
MYANMAR
Country Office in Myanmar Danish Red Cross - Myanmar 42, Strand Road, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: +95 1 299210 Fax: +95 1 296551 Email: [email protected]
History of cooperation in Myanmar The DRC supported the ICRC and Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) in the implementation of a community health programme in the Eastern Shan State from 1998-2000. During the following years a process of regional partnership meetings, country visits to Myanmar and consultations between MRCS and DRC took place and lead to DRC pledging their commitment to initiate the formulation of a Community Health Development Programme by the end of 2003. The 3-year programme effectively started on the 1st January 2005. In addition, the Danish Red Cross has supported the ICRC with an yearly contribution since 2003.
Current programmes in Myanmar
Title : Community Health Development Programme Objective : To improve health and quality of life of vulnerable groups in selected townships and mitigate the socio-economic and health impact of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria through building sustainable self-reliance and community action. Coverage : Mogok, Thabeikkyin and Segun Townships in Mandalay Division. Duration : 3-years (1st January 2005 - 31st December 2007) Budget : Financed by the Danish Red Cross (publicly collected funds) with USD 605,525. Approach : The programme is implemented in three major mining and gold panning townships and seeks to create awareness and knowledge as well as behaviour change in relation to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and water born diseases among mine and seasonal workers as well as improving the capacity of communities to sustainable and adequately respond to priority health issues. One of the strategies is to use community based first aid as an entry point to introducing an essential health package in the workplace. The programme also seeks to improve the capacity of MRCS headquarter and branch level staffs and volunteers to implement programme activities.
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FinRC and International Operations
FinRC is currently in the process of re-designing its strategy for international operations. The end product is to be completed and board-approved by the end of the year. A key theme and dimension of the new the plan is regionalization which will manifest itself – amongst other ways - in the deployment of FinRC representatives in selected regions. The FinRC support will continue to be channeled predominantly through IFRC and ICRC coordinated programs and interventions of both short and long term duration while bilateral organizational and administrative capabilities are being developed to allow flexibility and FinnX Facts alternatives in FinRC approach to program design and implementation, • Finland population monitoring and reporting. 5.2 m • 93 000 members Key sectors • 60 000 active volunteers 1) Disaster preparedness • 200 000 blood donors • Long-term preparedness programs supporting communities in • 12 districts increasing their capacity to respond to disasters • 580 local branches • 1 000 employees, 50% • Healthcare in disasters (FA, health education) with the Blood Transfusion Service 2) Health • > 30 years of • CB health initiatives to improve the health status of the population international development & aid • Provision of FA and health education work • Creation of stronger volunteer networks that are able to mobilize • International more volunteers for health education Personnel Reserve • Provision of HIV/Aids awareness and education comprises about 600 professionals, on average 100 of whom 3) Quality improvement and strengthening of partners’ operational capability on assignments every • Support the NS strategic planning, monitoring and reporting year. capabilities • Incorporating the needs of the NS as well as the vulnerable people in every phase of the program (planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting) thereby increasing ownership of and sense of responsibility for programs. • Inclusion of impact monitoring and evaluation also in the Federation coordinated programming and reporting • RC global and country specific strategies are followed up to optimize collective impact. With the help of the indicators included in the plans the RC contributions toward the MDGs can be gauged • Provision of technical support to NS in areas where their own skills and experience are weak and hiring of professionals is beyond their means. Technical staff is trained and involved in planning processes.
The New Regional Dimension of FinRC organization
Background • Global agenda calls for changed mindset and attitudes, creativity in cooperation and coordination • FinRC General Assembly 2005: "FinRC is a courageous and reliable organisation assisting people and is close to all" • Disaster relief work continues as a key element of FinRC international operations requiring (i) first-hand information, (ii) effective response, (iii) proximity to donors in the regions => Set up regional representations in key regions
• Long term objectives of regional presence: o Strengthen the Finnish Red Cross co-operation and relations with its partners in the concerned regions; o decentralize programme management. • Immediate objectives: o increase the quality of programme implementation; o initiate new broader programmes and expand the volume of co-operation with present and new partner NS in the region; o improve the capacity of the partner NS in the programme planning and management; IFRC SEA 2007 Management Planning Meeting – Bangkok, Sept 28-29, 2006 1(2)
o improve the monitoring and reporting of the programmes in the field; o improve networking with the regional organizations and the RCRC movement in the region. • Responsibilities of the Asia Regional Representative:
The overall function of the position is to represent and promote the interests of the Finnish Red Cross in Asia by establishing cooperation and building partnerships with relevant organizations and other stakeholders in the region. In collaboration and coordination with other Red Cross Movement partners, the representative also identifies new program opportunities; mobilizes new financial and other resources; monitors and provides support for existing programs and acts as the FinRC liaison in disaster response interventions in the region. The FinRC Tsunami teams in Sri Lanka and Thailand will continue to report directly to FinRC Helsinki HQ.
Tentative FinRC program support in Asia 2007-2009 (excluding EC/ECHO)
In addition to allocation of resources for responses to sudden on-set disasters and the substantial FinRC contribution to the Tsunami reconstruction programs in Sri Lanka and Thailand within the respective Movement Coordination mechanisms, the focus of FinRC support in Asia over the next 3 years will be on Federation coordinated CB health as well as wider preparedness programs aimed at improving the health status and increasing the disaster response capacity and capability of the vulnerable communities in the region. It is hoped that the indicated, and as yet tentative, programs and budgets will be significantly increased through the securing of further FinRC mobilized funding of non-Finnish origin.
Where What 3-year budget EUR Tsunami reconstruction: 17 000 000 Sri Lanka Ampara, Sri Lanka: Health infrastructure and housing construction, CBHA, OD, Livelihoods. 6 000 000 Andaman Sea Region, Thailand: Health Infrastructure, Health Thailand Promotion and First Aid Training, Blood Service, SAR Info & Communications. South Asia DP – continue on-going support to alleviate the impact of 1 000 000 (Afghanistan, catastrophes by increasing the level of preparedness of the Nepal, India, communities, and their ability to respond during and recuperate Pakistan) after disasters. In Afghanistan also a CBFA program and support for the dissemination of RC values is envisioned. West Bengal (India) will receive support in the establishment of emergency stocks. Mongolia FinRC has been supporting programs in Mongolia since 1999, 240 000 DP mainly in the health & social sector and these are set to continue. 260 000 Health Health care, FA, social support, HIV/AIDS and blood donor recruitment will be the main themes. A new additional focus will be on DP – help the nomads to respond to the hardships caused by the fierce and long winters by increasing their ability to produce and store cattle fodder China CVR in Guangxi, Hunan and Chongqing provinces. Apart from 240 000 having traditionally responded to IFRC emergency appeals, FinRC has not traditionally been active in support of developmental programs in China. Cambodia FinRC supported the CRC programs in the late 90’s and 2000, the 230 000 most recent supported initiative was that of in 2003 mine clearance pilot program in 2003. Combating human trafficking is the new focus for cooperation being discussed with CRC and IFRC. Myanmar FinRC has been supporting MRC health and DP programs since 200 000 2002. The focus going forward will be CB health program featuring training and education. The aim is to increase the disaster and accident response capacity of individuals and communities.
French Red Cross
The French Red Cross seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering and to improve the situation of vulnerable people. The French Red Cross carries out activities in France and worldwide, in close coordination with the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The activities cover three main areas: social care, health, disaster preparedness and relief.
French RC activities are implemented by 50.000 volunteers and 16.000 employees working in 1.075 local branches, 100 departmental delegations and 559 institutions. 135 delegates work abroad on emergency and development programs.
International Activities
The French RC is active in different parts of the world, with a special focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, the Balkans, Middle East and South East Asia. International activities focus on primary health care, emergency response and preparedness, education and prevention, rehabilitation and reconstruction, water and sanitation. French RC works together with the local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to build their capacity and strengthen their financial and technical capabilities. In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and 185 national societies, the French RC promotes the dissemination of International Humanitarian Law.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
• Primary Healthcare in emergencies • Water and sanitation • Logistics services • Distribution of emergency relief items • Shelter, infrastructures and housing reconstruction • Community based preparedness programmes
Organizational Development
• Capacity building of the local national societies • Support for fund raising and implementation of income generating activities • Training in project planning, management and monitoring • Strengthening of technical capabilities (water, health, etc.) • Training and organization of volunteers
Health Care
• HIV/AIDS: awareness and prevention activities • HIV/AIDS: outpatients treatment centres • Construction / rehabilitation of water supply and treatment systems • Sanitation facilities • Health and hygiene promotion • First Aid training
Programmes in Asia
Long-term Commitment
The French Red Cross has been implementing emergency, rehabilitation and development programmes in Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam for many years. The activities in 2007 should be as follows: • Cambodia: rural development, food security, water and sanitation, health and hygiene promotion, HIV/AIDS outpatient treatment centres. • Lao: water and sanitation, health and hygiene promotion. • Vietnam: road safety, first aid, water and sanitation, health and hygiene promotion.
The French Red Cross intends to continue its successful cooperation with the national Red Cross societies of Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam at least until 2010 in the sectors of health (water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS, health and hygiene promotion, road safety), disaster preparedness and response, and organizational development.
Tsunami Response
When the first news of the earthquake and tsunamis of 26 December 2004 reached the French RC, it was immediately decided to deploy Emergency Response Units in coordination with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): experts in water and sanitation, logistics, health and appropriate relief supplies were provided. Volunteers were also sent to provide psycho-social and logistical support to the affected French citizens and their families. Once the urgent needs were met, the activities shifted to rehabilitation and long-term recovery. The main activities were and still are: housing and infrastructure reconstruction, livelihoods, water and sanitation, health and hygiene.
The French RC implements more than 160 projects in 6 tsunami affected countries in Asia: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Thailand and Myanmar1. The activities are done either directly by the French Red Cross teams, or by the IFRC, or through other humanitarian organizations. These activities support 700.000 people as they rebuild their lives after tsunami. The total budget for these operations is around 115 millions euros. Most of the funds have already been committed, and in June 2008, 90% of them shall be spent.
Key Programme Areas
• Reconstruction: rehabilitation or reconstruction of shelters, houses, schools, heath centres, hospitals, and other basic infrastructures. • Health: health in emergency, hygiene promotion, community health education, first aid training… • Water and sanitation: water trucking and distribution, well cleaning, deep well drilling, construction of water supply systems, construction of latrines, sewerage water system, waste management… • Livelihoods: replacement of lost productive assets, vocational training, distribution of tools kits and professional equipment, support of income generating activities… • Psychosocial support: support of traumatized populations, group-based and creative activities, special programs for children… • Education: sponsorships, school rehabilitation and equipment… • Disaster Preparedness: Long-term programmes increasing communities’ capacity to respond to disaster, incorporation of risk-reduction in all relevant programmes (anti seismic standards, etc.), early warning systems… • Food security: food items distribution, agricultural recovery…
1 Some tsunami response projects are also implemented in East Africa (Kenya and Somalia)in the sector of disaster preparedness.
South-East Asia Regional Office
GRC Partnership in South-East Asia
Context
Amongst all the regions in the world South-East Asia (along with the Pacific region) has been the less noticed by the German Red Cross international co-operation over the last two decades. There are originally less links between Germany and most of the countries in South-East Asia with exception of Vietnam (Vietnamese workers/academics during communist East Germany period) and Thailand (joint business enterprises and tourism).
Already before the tsunami in 2004 struck the region discussion started in GRC headquarters to establish a sub-regional office in Bangkok to focus on long-term bilateral partnership with some selected NS in the region. The model of regional offices with similar tasks has already been successful implemented by German RC in South Asia, Eastern and Southern Africa, Middle East and Southern America.
After consultation with several NS in the SEA region the regional office of the German Red Cross in Bangkok was opened in August 2005, integrated in the Regional Delegation of the Federation. The office is presently developing partnerships with six NS of South-East Asia, whereby the GRC delegation in Indonesia is reporting directly to the Tsunami desk of the GRC in Berlin but with general links to the GRC regional office. Intensive talks about a longer-term partnership have been started in 2005 with five National Societies of the region, namely Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines and Timor-Leste, The GRC has started to develop a sub-regional strategy for South-East Asia which is supposed to be finalized in the first quarter of 2007.
Key sectors
1) Community and Branch Development • Long-term branch development support to increase the capacity of RCRC at commune, district, provincial and national level through training, equipment, exchange programs • Long-term community development support in health, watsan, disaster preparedness and livelihood approaches • Support in development of livelihood concepts and micro-credit systems • Strengthening of Red Cross volunteer and Red Cross Youth networks
2) Health • Community based health initiatives to improve the health status of the population, e.g. environmental health, water & sanitation, HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases • Re-numerated voluntary blood donor recruitment • Health in emergencies, incl. emerging health problems (e.g. avian influenza) and health interventions after disasters
3) Disaster management • Community-based DP initiatives to strengthen community resilience for natural and man-made disasters 1
• Preparedness for response to disaster through provision of expertise, training and equipment • Support in the development of livelihood concepts (e.g. voucher systems) in recovery phases after disasters
German Red Cross program support in SEA
The focus of German RC support to the NS in South-East Asia will be on bilateral co-operation with up to six RC societies in the region. However GRC will support the Federation (and eventually ICRC) in multilateral program especially in coordination, OD and selected technical areas. With its long-standing expertise in disaster relief and recovery, GRC will seek its role in disaster response operations in the region whenever it is seen appropriate.
Country Present Cooperation Planned Cooperation Cambodia CAS and bilateral MoU signed • Landmine Risk Education Program 2006 • Community and Branch – 2009 (bilateral) – 330.000 € Development (bilateral) • Voluntary Blood Donor Recruitment • Avian Influenza (multilateral (bilateral) – 53.000 € • Avian Influenza (multilateral) – 50.000 € Vietnam Bilateral MoU signed (autumn 2006) • Avian Influenza – 110.000 € • Community and Branch Development in 4 Northern Provinces • Voluntary Blood Donor Recruitment • Avian Influenza Philippines Bilateral MoU under preparation • Emergency Appeal Landslide • Community and Branch Development (multilateral) – 80.000 € in Palawan province (bilateral) • Support to Finance Development • Establishment of “Emergency WatSan Unit” Laos No MoU discussed yet • Voluntary Blood Donor Recruitment (bilateral) • HIV/AIDS • Community and Branch Development Timor-Leste No MoU discussed yet • Federation Appeal: Storms and Floods • Mother-and-Child Health Care – 50.000 € • Branch Development
Thailand No MoU existing • Establishment of “Emergency WatSan Unit” – 50.000 € • Installation of Water Treatment Unit in Phang Nga province – 5.000 € Indonesia Bilateral MoU existing, presently under revision • Reconstruction of private houses, • Strengthening DM capacity of PMI on schools and community centre in Aceh headquarter level and selected province (Tsunami operation) provinces • Ambulance project in Northern • Quality assurance in PMI ambulance Sumatra province (Tsunami operation) program
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• Emergency housing in Java province • Strengthening finance resource (Yogyakarta earthquake operation) development at HQ and selected provinces • Volunteer Management SEA General Integration in SEA Regional delegation • Support to RHU (watsan delegate) – • Coordination function of RD + CD 78.000 € • Support to technical units in RD • Water & Sanitation in emergencies (sub-regional co-operation) • Livelihood approaches and micro- credit systems
Partnerships
The German RC is presently closely working with three National Societies in SEA region, namely Cambodian Red Cross, Vietnam NRC and the Philippines NRC, where Memoranda of Understanding have either been signed or will be signed in due time. In addition further close co-operation with the Thai RC, the CVTL and Lao Red Cross is envisaged for the future. Links are still maintained with the Myanmar RC, the Malaysian Red Crescent and Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI), the later is supported by the German RC country delegation in Indonesia.
Close co-operation with the Federation Regional Delegation in Bangkok and the country delegations in Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Timor-Leste has been established in all ongoing planning and programming. Contacts with the Regional Delegation of the ICRC in Bangkok and the country delegation in the Philippines has been set up. In Cambodia the ICRC is offering technical advice in the framework of the landmine risk education program funded by German RC.
The GRC Regional office is cooperating with the respective German Embassies in all six countries, some German governmental (e.g. GTZ) and non-governmental organizations in the SEA region and has started to closely work with ECHO and other European Union institutions. In Indonesia a partnership with the GTZ is already well on its way in the Tsunami recovery program and is supposed to be extended to programs in other regions of Indonesia.
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