2016 ANNUAL REPORT Vanuatu Red Cross Society The fundamental mission of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society is to improve the lives of the most vulnerable without discrimination through voluntary service. 3 CONTENTS Message from the President 6 Message from the CEO 7 The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement 8 About Vanuatu Red Cross Society 10 Board & Governance 11 2016 OPERATIONS 17 Cyclone Pam Recovery 18 Disaster Risk Reduction 22 Water, Sanitation & Hygiene 26 Health 28 Law & Fundamental Principles 29 Gender, Protection & Inclusion 30 Branch Activities 32 Special Events 34 2016 FINANCIALS 37 Contact Us 45 4 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT This past year has provided an opportunity for Vanuatu Red Cross Society reflect on the remarkable progress we have made in the last few years and to assess where we would like to go from here. As we prepare for the Cyclone Pam recovery operations to come to a close in 2017, we are focusing on our future and how we can continue to work towards our mandate of helping Vanuatu’s most vulnerable. 2016 was a particularly strong year in regards to the relationship between VRCS and the Government of Vanuatu. In our role as auxiliary to the government, we have a commitment to support relevant government departments such as the National Disaster Management Office in the provision of services to the community. During 2016 we dedicated ourselves to ensuring this unique relationship with the government is well understood and defined for both parties. Moving forward, in collaboration with the government, we have the potential to greatly benefit the people of Vanuatu if we continue to work together towards shared goals. I would like to thank the National Board for their hard work and commitment to the Society this past year and hope that we can continue to work together to guide and advance Vanuatu Red Cross into 2017. I would also like to mention the efforts of the Provincial Branch Committees this year as they have proven themselves very dedicated to the development of their branches and provinces. It is encouraging to see such enthusiasm for the Red Cross movement and humanitarianism in our provinces and I look forward to what 2017 will bring for the Vanuatu Red Cross Society. Ati George Sokomanu Board President 5 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO 2016 was another productive year for Vanuatu Red Cross Society. Whilst our work continued to focus on helping communities recover following the destruction wrought by Cyclone Pam in 2015, we also worked with communities on a number of other projects and activities. The Branch Organisational Capacity Assessment (BOCA) work that was undertaken through the year was extremely valuable and saw all of our branches developing a plan for how to strengthen and develop their operations. Stronger provincial branches is a core focus of VRCS as a more developed provincial network will allow us to better serve the people living in rural and remote areas of Vanuatu. The VRCS President, Ati George Sokomanu, was very hands-on in this work. This process was supported by the IFRC and in particular I would like to thank Ahmed Sami (Sana), the regional Organisational Development delegate, for his ongoing support in this work. In May, I had the opportunity to attend the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul. The Summit focused on the humanitarian sector working together to affect meaningful change for the most vulnerable. In particular, the Summit committed to ensuring humanitarian funding was accessible to local organisations working in affected areas, something that we at VRCS fully support. 2016 saw Vanuatu Red Cross begin the transition out of the Cyclone Pam recovery work and back to normal operations. Working towards this transition has been a challenging time for the Society as we shift our focus back to our core operations whilst at the same time wishing to develop and retain all that we have learned during the recovery period. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff, volunteers and the management team for their continued commitment and dedication to the completion of the recovery work and the building of a new way forward for the Society. Our new strategic plan for 2017-2020 was developed and drafted in 2016 and will be finalised in 2017. This plan clarifies our vision for the future of the Society and the areas in which we aim to focus our work. In line with this plan, we have some exciting new projects starting up in 2017 and continue to look for new opportunities to carry on working with communities towards a stronger future. I am eager to see what 2017 brings and to be able to lead VRCS into this new phase. Jacqueline de Gaillande Chief Executive Officer 6 THE RED CROSS RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED to victims of natural and technological disasters, to CROSS – (ICRC) refugees and in health emergencies. It acts as the official representative of its member societies in the ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent international field. It promotes cooperat on between organisation whose humanitarian mission is to protect National Societies and works to strengthen their the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal capacity to carry out effective d saster preparedness, violence and to provide them with assistance. It directs health and social programs and co-ordinates the international relief activities conducted by the Movement in situations of conflict. It a so endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and NATIONAL SOCIETIES strengthening humanitarian law and un versa National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies embody humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is the work and principles of the International Red Cross the origin of the International Red Cross and Red and Red Crescent Movement in 189 Countries. National Crescent Movement Societies act as auxiliaries to the pub c authorities of their own Countries in the humanitarian field, and INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE RED provide a range of services nc ud ng disaster relief, health and social programs. During wartime, National CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES - Societies assist the affected c v an population and (IFR support the army medical services where appropr ate The IFRC works to inspire, facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies. Founded in 1919 the IFRC directs and coordinates international assistance of the Movement 7 THE SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is guided by seven Fundamental Principles. HUMANITY The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement endeavours in its international and national capacity to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. IMPARTIALITY It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. NEUTRALITY In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. INDEPENDENCE The movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services to their governments, and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able, at all times, to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement. VOLUNTARY SERVICE It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. UNITY There can only be one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. UNIVERSALITY The International RCRC Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide. 8 ABOUT VANUATU RED CROSS SOCIETY ABOUT US support of volunteers. The Society regularly seeks feedback and involvement in decision making from The Vanuatu Red Cross Society was founded on October beneficiaries, members, volunteers, donors and partner 11th, 1982 pursuant to the Vanuatu Red Cross Society organisations. Act No: 23 of 1982, and is a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal. Its Constitution is based on the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols of 1977, to which Vanuatu is a party, and the fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Red Cross began operating in Vanuatu as a branch of the British Red Cross. CONSTITUENCY The Vanuatu Red Cross Society has a total of 5 Provincial branches with its Headquarters located in Port Vila, Membership of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society is open to everyone. There are three (3) forms of membership: active (volunteers), subscribing (fee- paying) and honorary. The Society has over 900 registered volunteers and this number increases when there is an activity needing the 9 BOARD AND GOVERNANCE The VRCS board members took a very active role in Pacific Fundraiser Network meeting in Kuala Lumpur in operations in 2016. The President of the board, Ati July. George Sokomanu, was involved in the Branch The VRCS board also welcomed back Marie Ng and Rod Organisational Capacity Assessment (BOCA) process, Newell as members after two years away. Both have visiting all five provincial branches to participate in and been involved with VRCS for many years and bring contribute to their BOCA workshops. The President also valuable knowledge and experience to the board. travelled with Board Secretary, Jim Woodford, to Lamap in April to attend a Disaster Risk Reduction Two board members were honoured for their workshop organised as part of the Supporting contribution to the Cyclone Pam response at a National Community Planning project, implemented in Award ceremony held in November.