The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency response. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of National Societies to respond to disasters.
Period covered by this update: 1st July to 30 September, 2011.
Summary: CHF 114,935 was allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 29 June, 2011 to support the CAR Red Cross National Society in delivering assistance to some 1,626 beneficiaries.
In early June 2011, serious violent winds hit the 6th subdivision of Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic (CAR), affecting 366 families, 326 of which were identified as the most vulnerable after having been left homeless.
With the DREF allocation, CAR Red Cross volunteers distributed non-food items such as blankets, tarpaulins, metal roofing sheets, jerry cans and cooking kits to 326 homeless families identified as the beneficiaries of this operation. Red Cross volunteers also carried out hygiene and sanitation activities such as the treatment of water wells, the rehabilitation of latrines and environmental hygiene (cleaning of gutters, etc.).
This operation has a four month duration, with a completion date of 30 October, 2011. In line with Federation reporting standards, the Final Report (narrative and financial) is due 90 days after the end of the operation (by 31st January, 2012).
The Netherlands Red Cross/Government contributed CHF 33,956 to the DREF in replenishment of the allocation made for this operation. The major donors and partners of DREF include the Red Cross Societies and governments of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the U.S.A., as well as DG-ECHO, the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID), the Medtronic and Z Zurich Foundations and other corporate and private donors. The IFRC, on behalf of the National Society, thanks all for their generous contributions. Details of contributions to DREF are found at: www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/Active/MAA00010_2011.pdf for 2011.