OVERALL PROGRESS
Context
Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America and is located in the eastern part of the Southern Cone. It shares borders with Brazil and Argentina with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The country’s population is 3.4 million.
The country has been going through an advanced ageing process. According to a study, by 2050, 22 per cent of Uruguayans will be over the age of 65; this will rise to 30 per cent by 2100.
Uruguay has a democratic republican form of government with national, departmental and municipal levels government and administration.
The country stands out in Latin America for having a high per capita income and low levels of inequality and poverty. In relative terms, its middle class is the largest in the Americas, accounting for more than 60 per cent of its population. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the average unemployment rate was lower than in previous years (7.8 per cent). In line with this, there has also been a reduction in the informality rate. The proportion of households living in poverty was estimated at 0.2 per cent.
In Uruguay, lack of rainfall since September 2022 caused a significant reduction in the availability of and access to water in the country, which in turn has been affected by the presence of the ‘La Niña’ phenomenon in the region and by the high temperatures during the summer season. In January 2023, the Uruguayan state declared a water emergency.
Key achievements
Climate and environment
In 2023, the Uruguayan Red Cross launched a climate change project that empowered young volunteers to identify local issues and develop solutions. The initiative promoted environmental protection and sustainability through activeyouth involvement and project development.
Disasters and crises
In the period January to December 2023, the Uruguayan Red Cross developed digital campaigns to address crises and support community resilience. It conducted a comprehensive damage and needs assessment in response to drought impacts, assisting affected communities with livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) promotion and multipurpose cash grants. Additionally, the National Society held a disaster law briefing to strengthen its auxiliary role and highlight key research and advocacy strategies, including the International Disaster Response Law (IDRL) for Uruguay.
Health and wellbeing
For the reporting period, the Uruguayan Red Cross collaborated with the Ministry of Public Health and the Faculty of Chemistry at UDELAR to distribute health advisories, in response to Uruguay’s severe drought. It shared guidelines for vulnerable groups and promoted recommendations focused on water, sanitation and hygiene.
Migration and displacement
In 2023, the Uruguayan Red Cross engaged with migration focal points from Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay to improve coordination and data sharing on migration issues.
Enabling local actors
In 2023, the Uruguayan Red Cross strengthened its organizational capacity with a Capacity Building Fund grant and enhanced mental health programmes for vulnerable youth through the Empress Shôken Fund. It organized a youth event to address humanitarian issues and foster regional networking. The National Society also hosted the VIII Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, improving its advocacy efforts and government relations. It developed a financial management system, established new policies, restructured HR and invested in digital transformation.