Humanitarian - Australian Red Cross

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