The international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine has triggered one of the largest humanitarian crises in Europe in decades, displacing millions and disrupting essential services. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched one of the largest humanitarian responses in our history. National Societies in Ukraine, Russia, in neighbouring countries, and far beyond have mobilized thousands of staff and volunteers to provide shelter, cash assistance, psychosocial support, first aid, and essential services.
The GBOG carefully reviewed the situation and issued a set of recommendations.
Over the past year, the IFRC has been working closely with the Russian Red Cross to follow up on the findings and recommendations. The IFRC is confident that recommendations have been seriously addressed.
We can confirm that the Russian Red Cross has shown strong ownership of the recommendations, with progress monitored and verified by the IFRC. The Russian Red Cross has integrated these recommendations into its own systems, strengthening internal checks, accountability, compliance mechanisms, and policies.
- Strengthening frameworks for child safeguarding, including their child protection policy based on IFRC standards and reinforcing their code of conduct. Extensive training was done to staff and volunteers including across its regional branches.
- Renewing its Ethics Committee, introducing new working modalities developed in cooperation with IFRC experts. This provides a stronger, independent mechanism to review sensitive issues, address complaints, and guide the organization.
- Establishing and applying a new partnership policy, which assesses and verifies all partnerships and associations across the country. Some partnerships have been concluded while others have been reinforced with clearer roles and responsibilities around strict humanitarian engagement.
- A Russian Red Cross Law has been approved in first reading at the Duma and final ratification is expected by the end of the year. Such Red Cross laws are essential to define its role as an auxiliary to public authorities, preserve public trust and ensure Red Cross teams can reach those most in need. These laws help ensure cooperation with the state while safeguarding the National Society’s ability to act independently, neutrally, and impartially. The IFRC has long supported efforts to establish such a law in Russia, as we do for our members globally.
With a permanent presence in Russia, the IFRC continues to support the Russian Red Cross in their life-saving efforts. The Russian Red Cross provides humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people across the country, including displaced families, refugees, and communities in need. With thousands of volunteers nationwide, it delivers services such as first aid, blood donation, mental health and psychosocial support, home care, and emergency relief.