Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund - Canadian Red Cross 2018-2022

The Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund project supports a draw-down fund administered by the Canadian Red Cross which allows Canada to rapidly respond to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) emergency operations following small- and medium-scale humanitarian crises. The draw-down fund is a flexible funding mechanism that supports a timely and effective humanitarian response to those affected by natural disasters or complex emergencies including conflict population movement food insecurity and health crises. This project also supports the IFRC’s pilot Forecast-Based Action Mechanism. Triggered by forecasts such as weather patterns or precipitation levels the mechanism disburses funding to local Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies to take early action and put in place preparedness measures in the early stages of a disaster to reduce the impact on local populations.

The expected outcomes of project include: (1) reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people; and (2) enhanced effectiveness and reach of IFRC relief operations serving people affected by humanitarian crises. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.