Latin America and the Caribbean - Emergency Assistance - ICRC 2015

March 2015 – Latin America and Caribbean countries continue to experience strong economic growth and to implement social programs that help reduce poverty and inequality. Nonetheless the region remains highly disaster prone and exposed to epidemics. Certain parts of the region are also affected by increasing violence as a result of organized armed groups and gangs. This leads to forced displacement confinement limited access to basic services and shrinking humanitarian access in some areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC) primary mission is to help protect the lives and dignity of people affected by conflict and other situations of violence. The ICRC provides assistance and prevents further suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. With the support of DFATD and other donors ICRC provides protection and assistance to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Project activities include: (1) providing safe water sanitation facilities and shelter; (2) providing health care; (3) providing livelihoods support and vocational training; and (4) increasing protection and promoting respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to water sanitation facilities and adequate shelter; (2) increased access to health care services; (3) increased access to livelihoods support and vocational training; and (4) increased assistance and protection services and respect of international humanitarian law. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.