A century and a half after the creation of the ICRC, humanitarianism is alive and well — but it faces great hurdles. Our story starts on two tracks: a historical timeline beginning just before the Movement’s founding; and an exploration of a current-day conflict. Also in this issue: Focus on Afghanistan; Movement history; Silent killers

This report covers the period 1 January to 31 December 2012

Overview

The IFRC’s East Asia regional delegation (EARD) serves to support and build capacities within the national societies (NSs) of the East Asia region. The region includes China, Mongolia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, and Japan. The IFRC supports all five national Red Cross Societies in the region and additionally has long-term planning frameworks specifically for the NSs in China, Mongolia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Description

The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR) was established in May 2000 and provides direct grant assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) while fostering long-term socioeconomic development. The grants target poverty reduction initiatives with the direct participation of nongovernment organizations, community groups, and civil society.

1) Summary

“Pastoralist drop-out” – an abrupt cessation of traditional pastoralist livelihood activities, whether dictated by circumstance or more voluntary in nature – and the subsequent rural to urban migration that it entails has been rapidly increasing in Mongolia over the past two decades. This relatively new phenomenon is accompanied by profound and comprehensive demographic, socio-economic, and socio-cultural changes. This increasingly apparent and problematic shift is sure to have lasting implications for Mongolian society.

[Extract]

1. Introduction

2A. Overview of context in Mongolia

Mongolia is situated in the north-east of Asia, bordering Russia in the north, and the People’s Republic of China in the south. It is ranked 110 out of 187 countries in the Human Development Index2 and is classified by the United Nations Development Programme as middle income. With a population of 2.75 million people (33% below the age of 183), it is the most sparsely populated country in the world, and is also the second largest landlocked country in the world.

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Record 2012 wheat harvest is officially estimated

• Wheat imports are forecast to reach the lowest level on record

• Livestock numbers have almost recovered but still remain below the pre-2009 natural disaster levels

• Prices of rice and wheat flour generally stable but the inflation rates remain high

Record 2012 wheat harvest is officially estimated

1. Philippines - Heavy rains hamper humanitarian activities in Bopha-affected areas. The revised Action Plan was launched in Manila on 25 January asking for US$76 million. As of 19 Jan, nearly 6,500 people are displaced in evacuation centers while nearly 845,000 are displaced outside of formal centers.
   Source: OCHA

2. Indonesia - Mt. Rokatenda erupted on 3 Feb resulting in the evacuation of a number of villagers. The local authorities distributed 11,000 masks to villagers remaining on Palue island, where the volcano is located.
   Source: OCHA

Today, Mongolian president Ts.Elbegdorj met with Mr.D.Terbishdagva, Deputy prime minister, Mr.Kh.Battulga, Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Ts.Tuvaan, deputy minister of Agriculture, Mr.T.Dulamdorj, Head of NEMA on winterization and zud issues.

Executive summary