American Red Cross international disaster response looks easy. A disaster strikes; people donate money; and the American Red Cross ensures that money, supplies and services reach the people that need them most. While this is certainly what happens at a bird’s eye view, the current conflict in the Gaza Strip provides an excellent example of how international operations actually work.

At first, the disaster needs to be assessed to determine its full impact and whether the local national society in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has the capacity to respond.

When the conflict first started in Gaza, before the American Red Cross could respond, assessments had to be done to determine the humanitarian needs. These assessments were done by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Magen David Adom (MDA), the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross, and other aid organizations on the ground. Reports identified critical needs: medical equipment, medicine and emotional support services, in addition to food and other basic supplies.

After the assessments were finished and a lot of planning done, the PRCS launched an appeal for US $6.8 million in aid. As the conflict continues, the needs on the ground may change.

Based on the terms of the 1997 Seville Agreement, an organization within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is designated as the lead for disaster response.

In response to armed conflict, the International Committee of the Red Cross takes the lead role. For this reason, the ICRC is currently coordinating Movement response in Gaza. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) assumes coordination responsibilities in other circumstances, although it is not unusual for the local Red Cross or Red Crescent society to do so if they have sufficient capacity.

Each organization fundraises with different methods. The ICRC fundraises on an annual basis for programs and response operations through the Consolidated Appeals Process. The International Federation makes specific appeals to its 186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent societies but only at the formal request of the Red Cross or Red Crescent society be affected by the disaster. Finally, if national societies choose to raise money for their own operations, they may also choose to ask for funds bilaterally – that is, they approach other national societies on a one-on-one basis.

In this operation, the ICRC is using funds raised previously, although it is also accepting donations for its programming. The PRCS issued a bilateral appeal. No appeal has been issued by the International Federation.

American Red Cross staff members meet to determine how the organization will respond.

Representatives of the International Services Department meet in the International Response Operations Center (IROC) to provide their perspective and plan an effective response.

In general, the organization provides relief from its International Response Fund (IRF), a general-purpose source of money which allows the organization to respond quickly and fundraise throughout the year. The amount of aid varies depending on available funds and the anticipated level of support from the American public, which is based upon the scope of need and the media coverage being granted to the emergency. The American Red Cross has committed $250,000 for the ICRC operations and an additional $250,000 to the PRCS in support of their efforts to address the increasing humanitarian needs on the ground.

The American Red Cross is also in close communication with MDA and stands ready to provide MDA, PRCS, and the ICRC with additional assistance if necessary.

In rare circumstances, the American Red Cross will accept in-kind donations (donations of goods or equipment) but generally the organization will send money as aid. It is much cheaper to buy and ship relief supplies locally than to ship from the United States. The American Red Cross may also send delegates with appropriate equipment for responses, such as the China earthquake or Southeast Asia tsunami.

Each department within National Headquarters plays an important role in coordinating response.

Regional Offices: The International Services Department organizes programming by region: Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East, Europe and Asia. Regional experts apply their expertise and connections to assess the situation and decide how the American Red Cross should respond.

International Disaster Response: This department helps to decide what the American Red Cross can do on the ground to support needs generated by conflict or disaster. Members weigh possible response options and coordinate the specific logistics of the operation.

Fundraising: The Development department coordinates fundraising strategy and messaging for national and local communicators. Representatives from the department also determine whether funds can be earmarked for a specific fund. This policy can vary by mail, internet and over-the-phone donation; right now, donors can only explicitly give to the conflict if they send a check to the American Red Cross or to their local chapters.

Restoring Family Links: This department helps to trace and connect family members that are separated by disaster and conflict. Until recently, cell phone service was functional in Gaza and minimal assistance was required. However, while families may not be in direct communication with their families now, the ongoing conflict prevents Red Cross representatives from responding to incoming requests from concerned family members.

International Communications: Chapters around the country rely on this department to provide up-to-date information, including FAQs and talking points, on the unfolding emergencies, which they can use for local media, volunteers and donors. This “internal reporting” is conducted principally through e-mails to American Red Cross chapter leaders and conference calls, synthesizing reports from field delegates as well as news and reports issues by national societies, the ICRC and the International Federation. The International Communications department also issues press releases and media advisories, conducts interviews and creates photography, audio and video essays that relate the American Red Cross work to the public.

Mat Morgan

Filed under: International