Humanitarian - Australian Red Cross
Humanitarian - Australian Red Cross
Humanitarian - Australian Red Cross
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The inside<br />
The first half of this year brought devastation across our country and the region,<br />
and in many communities, the recovery process continues. In the coming months,<br />
and years, <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> will be helping communities in disaster-affected areas<br />
strengthen their capacity to cope with future emergencies. As we work together<br />
to help vulnerable people, we are grateful for the compassion shown by the<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> public through their generous donations to <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>. We would like to<br />
take this opportunity to say thank you.<br />
New Zealand’s city of Christchurch experienced a major earthquake in February which<br />
led to the tragic loss of many lives. Funds raised through the <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> NZ<br />
Earthquake Appeal 2011 (now closed) provide affected communities with emergency<br />
relief and recovery assistance, allow <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> to send specialist aid workers to assist<br />
in affected regions, and support the ongoing work of New Zealand <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>.<br />
Then, in March, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and a seven-metre tsunami hit<br />
northeast Japan. It was one of the most destructive natural disasters Japan has<br />
seen in living memory. To assist with Japan’s emergency relief and long-term<br />
disaster management, <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> launched the Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal<br />
2011. This appeal is now closed, however you can support our critical ongoing<br />
Disaster Relief and Recovery work at www.redcross.org.au.<br />
This issue of <strong>Humanitarian</strong> highlights the invaluable contribution our young people<br />
make at <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>. At the Youth Engagement Forum held in January, we had the<br />
pleasure of spending three days with 40 inspiring young people, who passionately<br />
discussed humanitarian issues. We are looking forward to further engaging<br />
our young <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> people at all levels of governance, and welcoming a new<br />
generation of young humanitarians to the <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> global network.<br />
Other stories in this edition look at the continuing efforts of <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> in the areas<br />
of international development, international humanitarian law, social inclusion, and<br />
migration support. We also bring you an update on our work with asylum seekers<br />
and the expansion of our Community Detention Program. There is little doubt<br />
that asylum seekers – who have often fled persecution and threats of death, and<br />
who have little or no support in Australia – are among those most in need. As the<br />
lead agency developing the program, <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> is helping to lead the way in this<br />
humanitarian work.<br />
You too can help create positive outcomes for people facing disasters and everyday<br />
challenges by volunteering, giving monthly, leaving a bequest in your Will or making a<br />
one-off donation. For more information about how you can help visit www.redcross.<br />
org.au or call 1800 811 700.<br />
Contents<br />
News in brief<br />
A new generation<br />
of young humanitarians<br />
Ordinary work in<br />
extraordinary places<br />
Improving the lives<br />
of asylum seekers<br />
Devastation in Japan<br />
The disaster that<br />
shook Christchurch<br />
On the road to recovery<br />
Males in Black<br />
Military Police in action<br />
Water, water everywhere<br />
but not enough to drink<br />
AVG joins the fight<br />
against disease<br />
02<br />
04<br />
06<br />
07<br />
08<br />
09<br />
10<br />
11<br />
12<br />
14<br />
16<br />
Robert Tickner<br />
CEO<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Michael Raper<br />
Director of Services and<br />
International Operations<br />
<strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
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