Red Cross Calls Attention to Neglected Crises

2006 World Disasters Report to be released December 13, 2006

WASHINGTON, Monday, December 11, 2006 — In 2005, the world responded more generously to people’s humanitarian needs than at any time in recent history. Emergency aid towards disaster response undoubtedly outstripped any other year on record. Yet, there were several disasters worldwide, which slipped away – unnoticed and disregarded.

The focus of this year’s World Disasters Report, issued by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation), is neglected crises. The report, in its 14th year of publication, looks at communities which languish in the shadows of disaster response – overlooked by aid organizations, media, donors and even their own governments. The 2006 World Disasters Report challenges the assumption that most of the world’s “forgotten/neglected” crises are conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa. Instead, it analyzes the impact of neglected natural, technological and health-related disasters. The report digs beneath the surface to identify the factors, issues and solutions which, when neglected, push people into disaster. Hard-hitting field reporting is combined with analysis of aid flows and donor preferences.

What:


U.S. Launch Event for the 2006 World Disasters Report

When:


Wednesday, December 13, 2006 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where:


The National Press Club
529 14th Street, NW - Washington , D.C. 20045

A teleconference number will be available for media that cannot attend. Contact the American Red Cross for a call-in number.

Editorial Notes:


The 2006 World Disasters Report will be available in hard copy format for press in attendance; an electronic copy of the report will be available by 6:01 p.m. EST on the American Red Cross public Web site, RedCross.org.

Although the report is commissioned by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and supported by additional organizations, it must be stressed that the writers are independent and are entitled to express their own views. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the official policy of the Federation or of individual National Societies. The report aims to provide a critical analysis relating to the use of information in disasters and does not seek to promote the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement above other aid agency efforts.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Contact Information

Susannah Cernojevich

Contact FOR MEDIA ONLY

American Red Cross

Contact via E-mail