143 on 143; 20 Days of Advocacy | 14 Nov - 3 Dec 2017 | Philippines
2017-11-14 08:00 - 2017-12-03 17:00 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk)
The 143 on 143; 20 Days Advocacy started last November 14 up to December 3, 2017 under HIV and Substance Abuse Prevention (HASAP) Project through support of IFRC. The four implementing chapters (Manila, Pasay, Quezon City and Rizal Chapter) initiate the implementation of the 143 on 143; 20 Days Advocacy in their area of concentration (Selected Site). The Chapters conducted a series of activities in community and school in by disseminating information focusing on HIV and Substance Abuse.
Drug Abuse Prevention Week is celebrated every third week of November pursuant to presidential Proclamation No. 124, dated November 26, 2001, and together with the World AIDS Day taking place on the 1st of December each year, this week provides an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for the people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS – related illness.
The Red Cross 143 – CHV and Youth Volunteers will be the frontlines in implementing to school and communities. It provides capacity building activities that will enable implementers strongly advocate on HIV and Substance Abuse, as well as conduct referrals on appropriate agencies and manage coordination activities including establishing linkages on different related sectors.
Through the mobilization of RC 143 volunteers, it aims to reach the community and engage the Philippine Red Cross on its advocacy in spreading awareness and eliminate the social stigma, as well as discrimination among people living with HIV. Furthermore, part of this event that needs to be addressed are cases of substance abuse through the use of injecting drugs and consider as contributing factors in terms of mode of transmission of HIV.

Gender and Diversity Refresher Training National Level | 21-22 November 2017 | Cambodia
2017-11-21 - 2017-11-22
The Cambodia Red Cross (CRC) conducted the gender and diversity refresher training during 21-22 November 2017.
Guided by the 2011-2020 Strategy, CRC has conducted various initiatives with a focus on (community-based) women’s and children’s health, with an emphasis on giving support to mothers and newborns, and assisting orphans with HIV/AIDS. In addition to the gender and diversity components of its health portfolio, CRC has a long history of addressing gender and diversity concerns through its Vulnerable Group Assistance program, which provides support to people with disabilities, orphanages, the elderly, people living with HIV/AIDS, and widows. The Vulnerable Group Assistance program is a mechanism for disaster preparedness.
CRC currently has a Gender and Diversity Policy, which was enacted in 2003 and is in the process of review and update. The review process is being conducted by a team consisting of: Head of Organizational Development, Head of Human Resources and the Head of Communications.
During a scoping mission in December 2014, after discussing the needs of a strategic gender and diversity approach to guide all policies, programs and tools with CRC senior management, it was agreed that such an approach is needed by CRC. The Disaster Management department of CRC also agreed that a gender and diversity perspective and an approach to promote gender and diversity equality is needed within CRC. The following recommendations were made: CRC needs to advocate for gender concepts more broadly in society; a standard Gender and Diversity regulation and policy should be integrated across CRC; as auxiliary to the government CRC should encourage the endorsement and implementation of the Gender Policy – CRC should promote awareness of gender within government and help them to promote their policy more widely.

Objectives

To promote gender and diversity Policy among Red Cross Staff, volunteers, and youth in CRC national head quarter (NHQ) and 25 Red Cross provincial branches.
To improve the knowledge and capacity of CRC NHQ/ branch staff in their work to reduce gender and diversity inequality.
To promote the gender and diversity work, engage with other actors as well as establish linkages with other networks.

Supporting documents:

Concept note
Agenda
Report

Basic First Aid training for Grab taxi drivers | 21 November 2017 | Bangkok
2017-11-21 08:00 - 17:00
A total of 31 (male 30, female 1) Grab taxi drivers were equipped with Basic First Aid in Bangkok on 21 November 2017. This was the ninth Grab taxi drivers training on 6 hours standard basic first aid in Thailand conducted in Thanapoom Tower, Bangkok, with the technical support from the facilitation team of First Aid Training Center of the Thai Red Cross Society National Headquarters.
There were 6 key topics focusing on both technical and practical sessions related to standard basic first aid for 6 hours including basic first aid procedures, bandaging hands, feet, head and arms sling, the wounds, choking, stroke, heart diseases, CPR-cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and referral and transportation to hospitals which were facilitated by four first aid instructors/ specialists from First Aid Training Center. All participants received the certificates after attended the training course.
In 2017, Grab Thailand organized about 10-11 basic first aid training courses in the series with the technical support from Thai Red Cross (Training Centre for First Aid and Health Care) and IFRC CCST Bangkok. For further information, please contact Mr. Chaiwat Chersakul, email: chaiwat.ch@grabtaxi.com and Dr. Pornsak Khortwong, IFRC Health Officer, email: pornsak.khortwong@ifrc.org

Gender and Diversity Technical Review Workshop | 21-22 Nov 2017 | Bangkok, Thailand
2017-11-21 08:00 - 2017-11-22 17:00
In April 2014 the IFRC launched the Regional Resilience Initiative (RRI). The Initiative supports eleven Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies (NS) in Southeast Asia and has the goal of reducing the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.
Specifically, the Initiative sought to enhance skills and capacities within NS so they can advocate more strongly at national and regional levels for the needs of men, women, boys, girls and diverse groups in disaster risk reduction. This approach was complemented by the strengthening of regional partnerships, both within Red Cross Red Crescent networks and with key partners such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat and other bodies.
The Country Cluster Support Team (CCST) in Bangkok is in the process of developing an evidence base to illustrate the RRI Gender and Diversity achievements of your National Society and as part of your participation in the regional gender and diversity (G&D) Network. The Gender and Diversity Technical Review Workshop to which you have been invited is a key part of that process.
The purpose of the workshop is to gather evidence and examples of how the RRI has supported the incorporation of gender and diversity equality/inclusivity into regional DRR policies and/or programmes through the support it has provided to NS and other relevant regional organisations.
The workshop has the following objectives:

To create a baseline and endline that illustrates RRI achievements and progress in relation to Immediate Outcome 1120 – ‘Increased integration of gender equality into national and regional DRR policies and programs’.
To provide G&D Focal Points with the opportunity to create their own personal stories of change related to gender and diversity.

The workshop method will combine storytelling techniques with a Theory of Change approach.
For more information, see the following documents:

Concept note
Agenda
Participant list
Practical information for participants
Presentation on objectives, methods and expected outputs of the workshop
Workshop process notes for participants

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence | 25 November – 9 December 2017 | Cambodia
2017-11-25 - 2017-12-09
Several reports show that Cambodian has seen a gradual decrease of domestic violence against women and girls since 2000. However, according to Cambodia Gender Assessment in 2014, there are still number of challenges facing the country in its effort to end gender-based violence (GDV), including but not limited to:

Growing number of reports on rape and sexual violence in the family;
Sexual harassment at workplaces and in communities;
Limited access to social and legal support services to survivors.

Between 25 November to 9 December 2017, CRC conducted activities under the campaign “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” on the topic “Leave No One Behind – End Violence Against Women and Girls.” The expected results and measurements for success include:

At least 30 Red Cross Youths attending the half-day workshop on GBV.
At least 750 youth from four universities attending GBV awareness
At least 200 youth, Red Cross staff, and volunteers attending the 16 Days Campaign for the elimination of violence against women at the Cambodian Red Cross National Head Quarter
Number or people around country to receive GBV information through this media National TV, Newspapers

Number of activities were conducted at four universities, with 872 students participated, from 25 November to 7 December. The activities included a mix of brainstorming, plenary discussion, presentation, and Q&A facilitated by the resource persons from the Ministry of Women Affairs.
On 9 December, CRC conducted a special event at the CRC National Head Quarter with 200 participants including representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, CRC leaders, staff, Red Cross youth and Red Cross youth advisors, deans and directors of universities, students, Red Cross partners, and other stakeholders).
Total number of participants attending in the 16 Days Activism was 1,072 participants, of which about 40% are female.

CRC Vice President handed certificate to a participant.
CRC Deputy Secretary General gave a speech.
CRC Vice President gave a speech.
Students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh attending the event.
Students from Cambodian Mekong University
Youth actors participating in the role-playing activity.
Youth actors participating in the role-playing activity.
Supporting Documents:

Report

CCST Thailand’s Final Evaluation of School Based Disaster Risk Reduction Program | 27 November – 2 December 2017 | Myanmar
2017-11-27 - 2017-12-02
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Country Cluster Support Team in Thailand conducted a final evaluation on the School Based Disaster Risk Reduction (SBDRR) program in Myanmar during 27 November – 2 December 2017.
Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) started to implement the SBDRR program in 2012. MRCS received the funding from the Chinese Red Cross (Hong Kong Branch) through the IFRC to implement the SBDRR project in eight schools as a pilot project in three townships — Kyauktan, Thakeda, and Hlaing Tharyar — from 2015 to December 2017. The project objective is to integrate and apply the multi-spectral approach to school safety by addressing issues related to multi-hazards and their impacts through ensuring that both disaster management and health concerns are equally addressed while implementing the SBDRR initiatives to raise the resilience levels among school-going children, teachers, parents, and communities, in order for them to prepare for known threats, act preventively, and respond effectively in times of need.
The purpose of the evaluation is to draw lessons that will be useful for the improvement of the existing and future program implementation. Additionally, the National Societies (NSs) in the region will benefit from the knowledge sharing, and mainstreaming of similar components into their long-term initiatives.
As a result of the evaluation, the project has fulfilled the requirement of all stakeholders and beneficiaries. The facility improvement activity has opened the door for good cooperation on other components. The training content is relevant to the local context and disaster encountered. The improvement on health promotion particularly the personal hygiene and first aid is clearly seen. The good cooperation among stakeholder is also observed. Moreover, this project has strengthened better cooperation among schools and other organisation which could promote sustainability of the project and may lead to interventions in other schools.
In this connection, the IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross Society convey our appreciation to the Chinese Red Cross (Hong Kong Branch) for giving a great opportunity through its funding to IFRC and MRCS in implementing this project.
A first aid competition among schools. Photo by MRCS
Students are washing their hands using renovated water and sanitation facility. Photo by MRCS
A school walk way was elevated to connect two buildings Photo by MRCS

Philippine Red Cross steps up service to Filipino migrants through new info system
2017-11-27 08:00 - 17:00
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has leveled up its services to overseas-based Filipinos through a digital platform that streamlines necessary information before, during, and after their stay abroad.
The PRC, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), recently unveiled the Virtual Volunteer (www.virtualvolunteer.org), a web platform that aims to link migrants to the organization’s services, as well as to other institutions that can assist them with their concerns on 27 November 2017.
The Virtual Volunteer serves as the PRC’s response to the need to establish an accessible platform that the 12 million-strong Filipinos, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), can access to avoid common difficulties, such as abuse and human trafficking.
“What we want is an immediate relief for people who are in emergency situations and right information can help them avoid falling in situations of abuse, exploitation, or trafficking,” PRC Secretary General Atty. Oscar Palabyab said. “Virtual Volunteer serves as light way to assist individuals before going to a new country and access information once at destination.”
The IBM-powered platform geo-locates users to generate tailored vital information such as existing legislations in their host countries, pre-departure documents and requirements, and contact information of embassies and bodies that provide medical services and legal assistance.
Moreover, the website also makes it easier for migrants to access PRC’s services that tackle migration, such as psychosocial support program, home and school visits, crisis intervention, restoration of family links, and ambulance services.
“Information empowers people and we believe in the power of every person. This approach gives every individual more information and more power to make sound decision, help them avoid difficulties, and ensure that they know their rights wherever they are,” said Christopher Staines, head of IFRC Country Office said.
As the name suggests, anyone connected to the internet can access the Virtual Volunteer via computer or mobile device through any browser.
“Through this web-based platform, migrants will no longer have to download an application to access the Virtual Volunteer, especially in times of emergency,” said Albert Marqueses, Digital Service Line Lead of Philippine Innovation Center, IBM Solutions Delivery. “Working with the IFRC aligns with IBM’s goal of being essential in shaping sustainable and humanitarian agenda.”
The PRC is the first Asian National Society to launch the platform, which has already been beneficial to over 30,000 people in Greece, Sweden, and Italy.

Philippine Red Cross rolls out training on disaster law for Chapters | 27-29 November 2017 | Tacloban, Philippines
2017-11-27 08:00 - 2017-11-29 17:00
Two months after the successful roll-out of the first batch of training of facilitators on Disaster Law in the Philippines in September, 21 Philippine Red Cross volunteers and officers from three local chapters received training on disaster law and advocacy to strengthen PRC’s internal capacity and use these skills for the benefit of the communities that they serve.
The local level Disaster Law Programme orientation and training is part of the Philippine Red Cross Disaster Law Programme’s thrust to capacitate local chapters and communities on disaster law, and serves as an important highlight of PRC’s role as a leading actor of community-based driven advocacy and action in the region.
The strength of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement lies in its people. This is true for Philippine Red Cross, whose strength lies in its vast network of volunteers and chapters around the country, all gearing to bring community voices to the decision-making table.
The training was held from 27-29 November, in Tacloban, Leyte Province. The 21 participants, volunteers and officers coming from Leyte, Cebu and Ormoc Chapters, were selected due to their experience in serving communities severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan and, in the process, relationships that they have built with local government and non-government stakeholders. Some of the trainees were also newly recruited volunteers who have just started
The training used the module developed for the Training of Chapter Facilitators but with more focus on knowledge transfer rather than facilitation skills. Trainees were highly interested in understanding the legal mandate of PRC in the Philippine disaster risk management system, local planning processes, and basic advocacy skills that they can apply at the community level.
The training was supported by the Regional Resilience Initiative, and is the first among a series of Disaster Law trainings that PRC will offer to its Chapters. Lessons learned from this pilot roll-out will feed into the continuous improvement of the disaster law training module in the Philippines.
See the activity report.

Cambodian Red Cross Discusses Safe Migration With IFRC | 28 November – 1 December 2017 | Cambodia
2017-11-28 - 2017-12-01
The CRC representatives met with Helen Brunt, IFRC Senior Migration Officer, from 28 November to 1 December 2017 to discuss on migration issues. The meeting was aimed to i) discuss AoF7: Migration with leadership, staff, and volunteers of CRC, including scope for potential IFRC support and National Society peer-to-peer exchanges, ii) meet with key local authorities in Preah Vihear Province and support CRC in their auxiliary role and relationship with the Cambodian Government, and iii) learn more about CRC’s Restoring Family Links (RFL) and ‘safe migration’ awareness-raising activities.
The visit provided IFRC a unique opportunity to experience first-hand activities conducted by CRC related to migration. Since the start of 2017, ‘Safe migration’ messaging has been included in awareness-raising activities primarily focused on RFL and ‘safer rural communities’ in Preah Vihear Province which borders Sisaket Province in Thailand – an initiative supported by ICRC.
This mission to Cambodia also provided the opportunity to meet with leadership of CRC and share updates on IFRC’s Global and Regional Migration Strategies and plans, as well a meet with local government officials and introduce the RCRC Movement’s humanitarian mandate in relation to migration and cross-border movements of people in the Mekong region.

Youth in School Safety (YSS) Training of Facilitators | 2-5 December 2017 | Brunei Darussalam
2017-12-02 08:00 - 2017-12-05 17:00
Comprehensive School Safety has been a priority in DRR in Asia since 2006 with the launch of the ISDR global campaign on Safer Schools. It has been an important part of DRR in the education sector, addressing the risk of children in schools and community contexts. Global Comprehensive School Safety Framework requires children and youths to play a specific role in their school safety by guiding teachers and parents to join the school safety in an effective way.
“Youth in School Safety” (YSS) facilitators’ training was designed for youth empowerment at schools to strengthen the bonds between school children and Red Cross youths, teachers and parents in their specific roles in school safety by equipping them with basic knowledge and skills for School Based Disaster Risk Reduction.
The training methodology with a participant-centred, experiential learning approach relies on a non-cognitive methodology, meaning those feelings, experience, or the physical body, rather than intellectual analysis adopted from Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change (YABC) toolkits. It supports youth to analyse the School based Risk which is not only about the disaster but all comprehensive risks such as school bulling, violence, school hygiene and road accident and gain a knowledge and put them in practice by addressing/identifying specific gaps/issues and their root causes in their existing knowledge and practice, giving all possible solutions to such issues by their own, through scenario based games, role-plays, simulation and visualization exercises. In a second phase, Children and youths share experiences with their peers and reflect together and make a ‘from their heart to their mind’ learning journey to become ethical leaders for School Safety.
The training was organized by Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent (BDRC) in a close coordination with the Ministry of Education in an aim to expand this programme to all schools over the country. It was conducted on 2-5 December 2017 in Brunei Darussalam, with the participation of 16 persons (13 female and 3 male).
The event was covered on the Brunei newspaper (Spectrum)
Another coverage on the training by a Brunei newspaper

For more information, see the following documents:

training report
annex 1 (action plan of facilitators)
annex 2 A (group 1)
annex 2 B (group 2)

Gender and Diversity Sensitization in Thai Red Cross's Supervisor Skill Development Training | 4 December 2017 | Thailand
2017-12-04
On 4 December 2017, a two-hour introductory session on Gender and Diversity was conducted at Thai Red Cross’ Supervisor Skill Development (SSD) training by Thai Red Cross Gender Focal Point together with IFRC. The total of 109 staff (five men and 104 women) from different departments in Bangkok and other provinces learned about the key concepts of Gender and Diversity as well as the importance of its programming. The SSD (50-hour) is one of the three management development courses internally organized on a yearly basis by the Human Resources Bureau, with objectives to teach the newly appointed supervisors on the management principles, to build capacity on management method and how to be a supervisor, as well as to create a network to exchange knowledge and experience among them. Initiated by Thai Red Cross endorsed Gender Focal Point, this was the first time that Gender and Diversity was integrated in such fundamental course.

Supporting documents:

Pre/post training tests
Handout 1
Handout 2

Gender and Diversity Approaches to Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Training | 4-8 December 2017 | Kampong Chhnang | Cambodia
2017-12-04 - 2017-12-08
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (VCA) is a key assessment process used by the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) and some of its branches for participatory community assessments. The VCA process allows the CRC to understand people’s exposure to and the needed capacity to be resilient to natural hazards. The VCA also enables local priorities to be identified and appropriate action taken to reduce communities’ risk to disasters. It eventually assists in the design and development of programs, drawing on sustainable solutions from within the community.

Objectives

To assess risks and hazards facing communities and the capacities they have for dealing with them; involve communities, local authorities, and humanitarian and development organizations in the assessment from the outset.
To draw up action plans to prepare for and respond to the identified risks
To identify risk-reduction activities to prevent or lessen the effects of expected hazards, risks and vulnerabilities.

There were 19 participants (10 males and 9 females) from 18 Cambodian Red Cross Provincial Branches. Participants in the training came from a variety of professional background, including from disaster management, health first-aider, and youth adviser.
Supporting documents:

Concept note
Agenda
Report

Trainings of Trainers on Disaster Law | 4-8 December 2017 | Viet Nam
2017-12-04 - 2017-12-08
Disaster Law disseminations continue in Viet Nam
Disaster Law Training of Trainers in Can Tho city, Can Tho Province. Photo by: VNRC HQs
Training of Trainers on Disaster Law in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province. Photo by VNRC HQs
In December 2017, the Viet Nam Red Cross continued to disseminate disaster law to local-level stakeholders and communities through two trainings of trainers held in Can Tho Province in the Mekong Delta on 4-5 December and in Binh Dinh Province (Central Viet Nam) on 7-8 December. The objective of the trainings was to train a pool of Disaster Law facilitators, based on a “fun and participatory” methodology to make disaster law topics accessible to communities.
The training included sessions on disaster law and Vietnam Red Cross law under the tagline of “Know Your Rights, Roles and Responsibilities in Disaster Management.” Participants joined in role-playing exercises and games, including a walk-through scenario developed for the Vietnam context and a jeopardy-style quiz. Lively discussions, laughter and acting talents broke out in the room.
These trainings are part of a wider initiative of the IFRC to support Disaster Law disseminations in Southeast Asia, with funding support from Canadian Government and the Canadian Red Cross. It is expected that the trained participants will roll-out the training modules in their communities, thus contributing to an increase in the general knowledge of the population related to disasters and risk reduction.

Regional Lessons Learned Workshop on DIPECHO Actions in Southeast Asia | 7-8 December 2017 | Bangkok, Thailand
2017-12-07 08:00 - 2017-12-08 17:00
The European Commission’s department for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has been contributing and investing in DRR and preparedness projects over the last decades both in terms of funding and activities. DG ECHO initiated DIPECHO (Disaster Preparedness ECHO) programme in 1996 with the key goal to increase communities’ resilience and reduce their vulnerability. In turn, communities at risk could be better prepared for and protect themselves against various shocks and stresses, including disasters triggered by natural hazards, conflict, economic crisis etc.
Over the past 20 years, support given by DIPECHO has generated significant impacts in disaster risk reduction and in community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) which resulted in the protection of lives and livelihoods by helping communities and institutions to be better prepared to face disaster risks while promoting disaster preparedness in national and regional frameworks and agendas.
The impact of disasters has changed in Southeast Asia in the past few decades. DIPECHO partners, local community, civil society organizations (CSOs), and national and sub-national governments, including regional institutions have developed various coping capacities. As a result of DIPECHO’s support, significant achievements have been made in disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Southeast Asia in the past 20 years. In this backdrop, a study has been developed to capture the extent of DIPECHO contributions in the evolution of DRR in the region which draws out good practices and achievements as well as challenges and key lessons learned. The study seeks to provide concrete recommendations for future DRR on how various players can continue to improve coping capacity in the government, CSOs, and at the local level, in-line with regional and global frameworks such as the new AADMER Work Plan and in support for the implementation of the Sendai Framework. The study will be presented during this proposed Regional Lessons Learned Workshop of ECHO Partners to be held on 7 to 8 December 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The workshop is expected to generate 2 key outcomes:

Outcome 1: Final list of good practices and achievements as well as related challenges, lessons and gaps in Southeast Asia confirmed and verified by partners.
Outcome 2: Documentation of the recommendations to build on DRR in Southeast Asia, which includes priority actions, advocacy messages and strategies to enhance the investment in DRR in the region.

View and download the supporting documents:

Concept note
Registration form
Agenda
Participant list
Practical information for the participants
Study on two decades of DIPECHO contributions to DRR in Southeast Asia report [pre-final version]
Annex of the Study on the two decades of DIPECHO contributions to DRR in Southeast Asia report [[pre-final version]

For a more interactive page, click here

Violence Prevention Integration into CBHFA Training | 12-14 December 2017 | Kampot, Cambodia
2017-12-12 - 2017-12-14
Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a pressing problem not only because it violates human rights, but also because it poses a challenge to public health and economic and social development.
GBV in Cambodia remains a significant issue and is a result of gender inequality and traditional gender norms existing within Cambodia’s societal structure. Gender inequalities are also reflected in sexual relationship where females are not given equal opportunities in decision making.
Following the research study by the Ministry of Women Affair, the Cambodia Gender Assessment 2014 has shown that out of 417 men 22 percent of them had experience physical violence in the past year and 25 percent had experience physical or sexual violence in their life time. In 2013, out of 1,831 men and women’s violence, it was found that 35 percent of every male partner had use physical or sexual violence against an intimate partner.
Rape and sexual violence is perpetrated by family members, acquaintances and sometime strangers, and it often occurs in home, school, workplace, and in the community. There are limited studies in Cambodia with robust data reported by victims of rape and sexual violence. Rape is typically an under-reported crime.
The Cambodia violence against children survey showed that more than 50 percent of both men and women experience at least one incident of physical violence prior to age 18.
The Cambodian Constitution enshrines the right of all Cambodians to life, personal freedom, and security (article 42), and guarantees that there shall be no physical abuse of any individual (article 38).
Guided by 2011-2020 strategy, the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) has conducted various initiatives with a focus on (community-based) women’s and children’s health, with an emphasis on giving supports to mother and newborns, and assisting orphans with HIV/AIDs. In addition, CRC has a long history of addressing gender and diversity concern through its vulnerable group assistance programs which provide support to people with disabilities, orphanages, the elderly, people living with HIV/AIDs, and widows.
In order to further promote this gender and diversity initiative, CRC currently builds on existing gender policy, which was enacted since 2003, to be the comprehensive gender and diversity policy through consultative review with technical expert from IFRC, Ministry of Women Affair, and CRC leadership including department directors/deputy directors/managers as well as directors and deputy directors from all 25 CRC branches. The policy was finally endorsed and disseminated to all 25 Red Cross branches during the training of trainer on gender and diversity held in December 2016 last year.
To bring up this initiative forward, and as an auxiliary to the Royal Government of Cambodia, CRC conducted the training on violence prevention integration into CBHFA to selected CRC program staff and branches during 13-14 December 2017 in Kampot Province. The training provided a broader picture of violence root cause, impact, and prevention mechanism to all participants that can be used to mainstream or integrate in their program, branch development work, and in other disseminating activities.
Objective

Build the knowledge/capacity/skill of selected CRC-NHQ/branch/program staff in the field on violence prevention and response module, and ensure participant can train their RC volunteers on how to answer tricky questions and deliver related key message persuasively
Introduce tools/guideline/framework and learn experience/lesson learnt/mechanism related from relevance ministries/organization.
Understand how to effectively mainstream violence prevention and respond into CRC’s programming/activities and identify the opportunities it brings.

Role-playing activity
Supporting documents:

Concept note
Agenda
Training report
Dignity, Access, Participation, and Safety (DAPS) Framework [Khmer version]

Understanding the Legitimacy & Mandate of Malaysian Red Crescent Society | 16-17 December 2017 | Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
2017-12-16 08:00 - 2017-12-17 17:00
Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) had undergone the Organizational Capacity Assessment & Certification (OCAC) in 2015 and it had positively identified gaps on matters pertaining to policies, the absence of review on regulatory mechanisms, enhance understanding of the legality and the mechanic of administration of the Society at various levels.
MRCS had also completed the organization-wide Branch Organizational Capacity Assessment (BOCA) in 2016 and the trend indicated that there are still some room of improvements on matters pertaining to Emblems, State (Branch) Planning and policies.
Arising from the two assessment, MRCS had organized a Policy Development workshop to formulate policies that were considered as necessary and pertinent to the Society. Since then, the policies had been endorsed by the National Council of the MRCS. Along with this, another bold step was taken to review the MRCS Corporation Rules.
The output of the Policy Development and Review of the MRCS Corporation Rules had been put into effect. Nonetheless, it is unclear how well the contents are understood at state and district level for effective implementation.
On this basis, MRCS is proposing to organize a workshop to provide a better understanding of the legal base and current policies so that officials at all level understand their obligation, roles and responsibilities to function efficiently and effectively as how a humanitarian organization is expected. This is also followed by understanding some of the basic principles of law which would assist the MRCS at state and district level to administer in accordance to the general principles of law, thus ensuring that the principle of humanity is safeguarded.
Workshop Objectives:

To provide officials at governance and senior management at State and District level with a greater understanding of the domestic legal foundation, regulatory mechanism on operational context and other Movement Statutes & Guidance.
To give greater insight on the Red Cross Red Crescent Emblem, including the Third Additional Protocol vis-à-vis the consequences for National Society.
To strongly emphasize and caution on some areas of Conduct in MRCS context.

Workshop Structure & Content:
1. Understanding the Legitimacy and Mandate of MRCS
a. Domestic Legal Foundation
i. Geneva Convention Act – Issues affecting National Society
ii. MRCS Incorporation Act – Corporation Objects & Purposes
iii. MRCS Change of Name Act
b. Regulatory Mechanism on Operational Context
i. MRCS Incorporation Rules (with latest amendment)
ii. MRCS Policies
iii. MRCS Handbooks – Overview
1. Administration & Management
2. Financial Regulations
c. Other Statutes & Guidance
i. Statutes of the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement (particular reference to Art 3 & Art 4)
ii. Resolution of International RCRC Conference & General Assembly – implementation in MRCS
iii. RC Fundamental Principles – Principles in Action
iv. NS Auxiliary Status – what does it mean vis-à-vis Objects & Purposes of Corporation

Supporting documents: Tentative programme | Concept note
Powerpoint presentations:

Sources of Legal Mandate and Auxiliary
MRCS Summarized Policies and Natural Justice
Anti-Harassment Guidelines and Offenses against Property
Mistake and Misrepresentation

Resources:
1.Red Cross Red Crescent Movement

55(1) UNGA 1946 Creation of the National Societies
Geneva Conventions 1949
Handbook Red Cross Red Crescent Movement
ICRC Mission & Work
Policy on ICRC Cooperation with National Societies
Seville Agreement
Statutes of the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement
Strategy 2020
Malaysian Red Crescent Society Pledges 2015
Statutes of the International Committee of the Red Cross 2018
Internal Regulations of the International Committee of the Red Cross 2018
Federation Policy Review – Status of existing Federation policies and recommended next steps

2. Malaysian Red Crescent Society

Geneva Conventions Act 1962
Malaysian Red Crescent (Incorporation) Act 1965
Malaysian Red Crescent Society (Change of Name) Act 1975
Malaysian Red Crescent Society Constitution 2016
Strategy 2020 [English] [Malay]
Strategy 2020 Plan of Action 2011-2015

2A. Malaysian Red Crescent Society’s Policies
Legal, Gender and Diversity, Planning Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting (PMER), Human Resources, Finance Planning and Budgeting, Communication, Resource Mobilization, Membership Guidelines, Branch Development, Child Protection, Volunteer, and Youth
Handbooks in Malay: Panduan Pentadbiran, Panduan Kewangan, Panduan Pasukan Subsidiari, Panduan Perkhidmatan, Peraturan Pakaian Seragam PBSMM, Regulation of the use of the emblem [in English]
2B. Malaysian Red Crescent Society’s Emblem
3. Conduct and Integrity

Action against sexual harassment at work in Asia and the Pacific
Anti Harassment Guidelines
Child Protection Policy
Contracts Act 1950
Misrepresentation Act 1967
Natural Justice – De Smith & Brazier
Penal Code [Act 574]
Theft Act 1968 and Theft Act 1978

4. Fundamental Principles

The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – Ethics and Tools for Humanitarian Action
Puzzle Exercise

5. Auxiliary Status

Auxiliaries to Public Authorities: Conclusion from the study undertaken by the IFRC
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field

6. Emblem

Emblem Protection System
Use of the emblem by British Red Cross
ILD Internal Emblem Misuse Process
Emblem Misuse Referral Form
Emblems (Presentation) and (brochure)
Emblems questions and answers
Emblems and logos in communication, marketing and fundraising
Emblem survey sample questions
Emblems – safeguarding their power to protect and preventing misuse
Model law concerning the use and protection of the emblem of the red cross or red crescent
Regulations on the use of the Emblem of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent by the National Societies
Study on the use of emblems

Special thanks to the British Red Cross for sharing some of the references pertaining to the protection of the red cross and red crescent emblems.
Contact information: Saiful Izan bin Nordin, Manager, International Humanitarian Law, Legal and International Relations, Malaysia Red Crescent at ihlmrcs@gmail.com

Eleven Grab Taxi Drivers Equipped with Basic First Aid | 27 December | Bangkok, Thailand
2017-12-27 08:00 - 17:00
The ninth first aid training was offered to the Grab taxi drivers on 27 December 2017 at the Thanapoom Tower on Petchaburi Road, Bangkok. The six-hour standard basic first aid training was conducted to provide technical support from the facilitation team of the First Aid Training Center, Thai Red Cross Head Quarter.
Eleven Grab taxi drivers (all males) participated in the training. There were six key topics focusing on both technical and practical aspects of the standard basic first aid, including: basic first aid procedures; bandaging of hands, feet, and head; use of arm sling; treatments of wounds, choking, stroke, and heart diseases; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and referral and transportation to hospitals. The training was facilitated by four first aid instructors/specialists from the First Aid Training Center, Thai Red Cross Head Quarter. All the participants received certificates after completion of the training course.
In 2017, there were ten training courses organized by Grab Thailand. In total, there were 216 Grab drivers participating in the training courses.
Additionally, in 2018, Grab Thailand is planning to organize about 4 basic first aid training courses (one training per quarter) with the technical support from the Thai Red Cross (Training Centre for First Aid and Health Care) and the IFRC CCST Bangkok. For further information, please contact Mr. Worawat Thiensuwan, Grab Thailand Coordinator at worawat.th@grabtaxi.com and Dr. Pornsak Khortwong, IFRC Health Officer at pornsak.khortwong@ifrc.org.

Regional Meeting on Building Stronger TB and TB/HIV Community Partnerships for Advocacy in Asia and the Pacific | 23-25 January 2018 | Bangkok, Thailand
2018-01-23 - 2018-01-25
Based on Stop TB 2017 Global Report, the following Asia and Pacific countries have the highest Tuberculosis (TB) burden: Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Papua New Guinea.
The Stop TB Partnership, IFRC, and regional TB/HIV community advocacy networks share a vision of a world where everyone, including those most vulnerable and marginalized, can access healthcare. This includes access to tuberculosis and HIV testing, treatment, care, and support. The Stop TB Partnership and IFRC work together to strengthen regional advocacy efforts to hasten the end of TB and HIV epidemics and to build connections between community advocates, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other key actors.

During 23-25 January 2018, the two parties organized a meeting titled “Stop TB Partnership and IFRC Joint Regional Meeting on Community TB and HIV Advocacy” with the aim to strengthen the regional TB advocacy efforts in Asia and the Pacific by building on the existing regional community networks of People Affected by HIV and TB and a network of Red Cross and Red Crescent health and HIV & TB practitioners.

Meeting objectives

Build the capacity of advocates in coordinated strategy development and implementation.
Build the awareness among Red Cross Red Crescent staff and volunteers on how to contribute to the paradigm shift that is required to end TB and HIV epidemics.
Build partnerships between National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies and members of regional TB/HIV community networks, and joint commitments to advance issues of communities, rights and gender (CRG), community monitoring for social accountability, integration of health systems and universal health coverage, strategic planning and political engagement that can contribute to the sustainability of national and regional TB and HIV responses and;
Advance advocacy priorities for TB Advocates to pursue nationally, regionally and globally.
– Facilitate cooperation and exchange of best practices in service provision, capacity building and technical training;
– Peer-to-peer sharing of experience and skills gained.
– Share common approaches and solutions in the region.

Supporting documents:

Concept paper
Agenda 1 and 2

For more information about the event, please visit the official website.

ASSI Regional Training and Learning Exchange Workshop on School Disaster Management | 24-26 January 2018 | Bangkok, Thailand
2018-01-24 - 2018-01-26
Representatives from IFRC Bangkok and the Thai Red Cross Society participated in the ASEAN Safe School Initiative (ASSI) regional training and learning exchange workshop on School Disaster Management (SDM) which was held in Bangkok during 24-26 January 2018. Also participated were representatives from ASEAN member states, NGOs and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The participants also visited the Sang-Um school (school safety project implemented by Plan International) to learn about good practices and strategies for school disaster management.

Training objectives:

To enhance SDM capacity of government officials and other school safety practitioners in the region;
To provide a platform for knowledge exchange; and
To sustain discussion on school safety to further the goals of ASSI.

Participants’ takeaways:

Each country has developed an action plan on how to promote SDM in their country.
Each country will have a platform to promote school safety at a national level.

RCRC Movement Calls For ‘Humanized Recovery’ From Disasters at World Urban Forum | 7-13 February 2018 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2018-02-11
The ninth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF9) on 11 February 2018 heard a call from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement for greater accountability after disasters that may leave survivors bereaved and struggling to find shelter, food, and water. RCRC Movement specialists believe disasters, climate change, and conflicts are felt most acutely in cities that are often growing rapidly without proper planning, and are calling for increased investment in disaster risk reduction (DRR).
“Building back better without accountability to the people we serve harms human dignity,” Xavier Castellanos, IFRC Asia-Pacific Regional Director, told a special session of WUF9 in Kuala Lumpur. Better policy-making and planning are needed to humanise recovery, he said, along with more investment in DRR, climate adaptation and greater engagement with communities affected by disaster. Click here for more information.

Cambodia Red Cross Conducts Healthy Aging Training in Svay Rieng | 20-24 February 2018 | Cambodia
2018-02-20 - 2018-02-24
Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) and IFRC conducted the “Healthy Aging” training for the elderly people and CRC volunteers from Svay Rieng Province during 20-24 February. Sixty-eight elderly people (32 females) from five villages took part in the activity, while 22 volunteers (12 females) also participated. The training focused on promoting healthier lifestyles which include physical exercises, healthy eating, and health assessment. Click here for more information.

Mission report is provided here.

Regional Resilience Initiative Lessons Learned Workshop | 21-23 February 2018 | Bangkok, Thailand
2018-02-21 - 2018-02-23
The Lessons Learned (LL) workshop is the opportunity for project stakeholders to come together and share insights and experiences of working with and on the Regional Resilience Initiative (RRI) project. Stakeholders are facilitated – through a structured analysis approach – to share opinions, perspectives and experiences related to the project. The main LL approach is essentially a project assessment that can be framed as key questions as follows:
1. What worked well in the project?
2. What could have been improved in the project?
3. What could and should be done differently next time?
The LL exercise should draw on both positive experiences i.e. good ideas that improve project efficiency and/or effectiveness, as well as negative experiences.
Background
In April 2014, IFRC launched the RRI project, which was a 4-year endeavour funded by the Canadian Government (GAC – Global Affairs Canada) and the Canadian Red Cross (CRC). The Initiative supported 11 National Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Societies (NS) in Southeast Asia with the overarching goal of reducing the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities.
Specifically, the Initiative sought to enhance skills and capacities within NS so that they could advocate more strongly at national and regional levels for the needs of communities in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This approach was complemented by the strengthening of regional partnerships, both within RCRC networks and with key partners such as the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat and other regional stakeholders.
In August 2017 a consultancy was commissioned to support the RRI Country Cluster Support Team (CCST) to illustrate the overall picture of RRI achievements in terms of intended outcomes, progress towards outcomes, and main achievements secured through the Initiative. A key part of this process was the hosting of a Lessons Learned workshop toward the end of the consultancy aimed at helping validate key findings and promote the learning gained from the RRI experience to a wider stakeholder audience.1 The workshop will be held over a period of 2 ½ days between 21-23 February 2018.
Click on these links to find more information on the workshop:
– Concept note
– Workshop agenda
– Participant list
Pre-workshop reading materials
– RRI infographic
– Case studies (4): Disaster Law, Gender and Diversity, Support to ASEAN, and Resilience Library
– Summary of the RRI Steering Committee Meeting in May 2017
– “Community Voices” videos (6) from Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar (Fire), Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
– Timor Leste Red Cross ( CVTL) promoting community resilience

Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Ambassador of Canada to the ASEAN Marie-Louise Hannan
Opening remarks by Deborah Cote, Program Manager Asia, International Operations, Canadian Red Cross
Opening remarks by Marwan Jilani, Head of CCST, IFRC Bangkok

Presentations
Day 1:

RRI Baseline and Endline Findings
RRI Milestones

Day 2:
Session 1: Localisation

Preparedness for Effective Response
Myanmar Red Cross Society
Localization and Disaster Response
Disaster Preparedness and Response in Lao PDR
The Grand Bargain: Working Together efficiently and Effectively

Session 2: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence in emergencies
Presentation by Cambodia’s Women’s Affairs Ministry
Examples of SGBV projects of CRC’s NS partners

Session 3: Advocacy

Data and Information Collection and Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM)
The Sendai Framework Monitoring Process & CSO Contributions
Using Evidence and Advocacy for Positive Change

Session 4: Peer-to-peer support and networking

Peer-to-Peer Support and Networking
Thai-Lao Cross Border Cooperation
Regional Resilience Knowledge Hub

** Workshop report **

Lao Red Cross Holds Lessons Learned and Closure Workshop for School Safety Project | 26 February 2018 | Vientiane, Lao PDR
2018-02-26
Lao Red Cross Society (LRC) Vice President Thongphachanh Sonnasinh chaired a workshop, organized on 26 February, to review the lessons learned from the Disaster Risks Reduction (DRR) in School Project. Among the 24 attendants were representatives from provincial authorities. Between September 2017 to January 2018, LRC has built six classrooms, two bathrooms, and wash basins, as well as provided training on disaster preparedness and first aid to teachers and staff from schools in Vientiane Province. Public announcement systems were also installed in two schools for use during emergency, while medicine and first aid kits were also provided. Click here for more information.

Lao Red Cross Conducts Emergency WASH Training for Volunteers | 26 February - 3 March 2018 | Champasak, Lao PDR
2018-02-26 08:00 - 2018-03-03 17:00
During 26 February to 3 March, Lao Red Cross and IFRC jointly conducted an Emergency WASH (E-WASH) training for the Red Cross volunteers in Monlapamock district, Champasak Province. The two-day training was conducted for 21 volunteers from seven villages and one WASH focal person from the Ministry of Health. The E-WASH training began with theoretical sessions and table-top exercises. The second half of both days mainly focused on practical sessions, i.e. installation of the water purification unit (Aquaplus AP 700 CL) and construction of a pour-flush toilet. Borehole and latrines have also been installed in a primary school of Baan Hin Lat with the help of six male teachers and 98 students (44 female). Baan Hin Lat village is located about 120 kilometers from Pakse and 60 km from Monlapamock district. Click here for more information.

Photos by IFRC Bangkok.

3rd National Disaster Response Team Training | 12-16 March 2018 | Ayutthaya, Thailand
2018-03-12 - 2018-03-16 | Ayutthaya, Thailand
Under the USAID project, Thai Red Cross Society (TRCS), with technical support from IFRC, conducts the third (last) National Disaster Response Team (NDRT) training during 12 to 16 March 2018, with a focus on Water and Sanitation(WATSAN) and Public Health in Emergency(PHiE).
The objective of this training is to build the capacity of TRCS headquarter and provincial staffs (Health station) in assessment, planning, implementation, and coordination of WATSAN and PHiE interventions. The participants include the TRCS staff who already trained as NDRT in the last two introduction courses.
The expected outcome are i) TRC staffs have knowledge and skills on WATSAN and PHiE, ii) TRCS staff are able to develop emergency assessment (need assessment and assessment plan) and emergency plan of action , iii) to encourage the collaboration of TRCS at Headquarter and provincial Red Cross chapter/health station and DDPM, and iv) to increase the manpower of TRCS for WATSAN and PHiE specialist.
Total of 34 participants (F 25, M9) attended this training.
Reading materials:

Training agenda
Report

Presentations:

Introduction
Reverse Osmosis
Water Quality and Lab Testing
Emergency Plan of Action
TRCS Water Unit

Photos by Thai Red Cross Relief and Community Health Bureau

Photos by IFRC Bangkok

Advanced Training Course on E-WASH Response and Preparedness | 19-23 March 2018 | Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
2018-03-19 - 2018-03-23
The advanced training course on Emergency Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (E-WASH) was organized with the support of additional funding from Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) and with the purpose of improving the capacity of Lao Red Cross Society (LRCS)’s staff to prepare and respond to disasters in the affected areas. The advance 3-day training course was conducted for 15 WASH focal persons from 5 targeted provinces. The training took place at Luang Prabang Provincial Branch and was participated by 15 Participants, 13 Males and 2 Females, from five provincial RC branches (Oudomxay, Xayabouly, Luang Prabang, Khammouan, and Champasak Provinces).
The training for WASH focal persons included theoretical sessions, table-top exercises, and practical sessions, i.e., installation of the water purification unit and construction of a pour-flush toilet (second day).
LRCs has been receiving funding support from the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) in strengthening E-WASH capacity since March 2016, focusing mainly on Khammouan Province including the procurement and installation of two water purification units (one in Khammouan and one at the National Headquarter in Vientiane).
Two latrines were also installed in a primary school of Baan Sri Boun Heuang which is located in Muang Nam Bak village and about 95 kilometers from Luang Prabang Province. The school consists of two male teachers and a female teacher and 78 students (42 females and 36 males).
Mission report is available here.
Training Presentations:

Training objective
General WATSAN in Emergencies
Introduction to WASH-Related Diseases
Manpack Installation
Introduction to Excreta Disposal, Drainage, and Hand Washing Facilities
Hygiene Promotion
Assessment, Action Plan, and Monitoring

https://youtu.be/1017jiuriEo
Video shows students learning about personal hygiene and the 7-step hand washing.

Photos by IFRC Bangkok

Real-time Evaluations of Evaluators Training | 20-22 March 2018 | Bangkok, Thailand
2018-03-20 - 2018-03-22

9th ERAT Induction Course and Simulation Exercise in Myanmar
2018-03-26 - 2018-04-01
Between 26 March and 1 April 2018, 30 ASEAN citizens gathered in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar to undertake a week long and intensive training course alongside a 3-day simulation exercise to become members of the Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT). For this course, participants came from ASEAN Member States (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam), AADMER Partnership Group (APG) representing the civil society, partner organizations, ASEAN Secretariat, AHA Centre, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
The main objective of the course is to prepare for regional responders and in-country resources, with experience in emergency management and coordination, for major disasters in the ASEAN region. The AHA Centre maintains a pool of trained ERAT members that are ready to be deployed for in-country and regional response operations.
Most of us may not know that ASEAN has a special team that is always ready when needed by the countries facing disasters. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Emergency Response and Assessment Team or ASEAN ERAT is a team that is equipped with specialized knowledge and skills during emergency response, such as rapid assessment, coordination and resource mobilization, and facilitating humanitarian assistance. A team from the ASEAN countries have a role in rapid disaster response.
Establishment of ASEAN ERAT is relevant to the context and the high potential for disaster in Southeast Asia region. ASEAN ERAT was first formed by the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) in 2007, which adhered to the AADMER and ASEAN SASOP. ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response or AADMER came into effect on 26 July 2005 and is a framework for cooperation, coordination, technical assistance, and mobilization of resources in emergency response, while ASEAN SASOP is standard operating procedure for ASEAN humanitarian mission.
ASEAN ERAT was first mobilized for the humanitarian mission after the Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar in 2008. Since then, ASEAN ERAT has conducted several humanitarian missions, such as the Mentawai Tsunami (2010), Bangkok Flood (2011), Bopha Typhoon (2012), Bohol Earthquake (2013), Haiyan and Rammasun Typhoon (2014), etc.
This is the 9th ERAT Induction Training where the Red Cross and Red Crescent plays a crucial role in being as one of active humanitarian players on the ground and ensuring humanitarian principles and rules as well as RCRC response tools are inducted and embedded throughout the course and simulation exercise.

15th Annual Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leadership Meeting | 10-11 April 2018 | Melaka, Malaysia
2018-04-10 - 2018-04-11
The 15th Annual Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leadership Meeting will be held in Melaka, Malaysia, from 10-11 April 2018, hosted by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society with the support from the IFRC. The meeting will be participated by the leaders from 11 Southeast Asia National Societies: the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent, Cambodian Red Cross, Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Lao Red Cross, Malaysian Red Crescent, Myanmar Red Cross, Philippine Red Cross, Singapore Red Cross, Thai Red Cross, Timor-Leste Red Cross (CVTL) and Viet Nam Red Cross.
The leadership meeting is an important opportunity for presidents, secretaries, general and senior management in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to evaluate challenges, successes and future direction, as a way of further strengthening the world’s largest humanitarian network.
For more information, visit the main page for the 15th Annual Southeast Asia Red Cross Red Crescent Leadership Meeting.

ASEAN Consultation Meeting on SGBV Research | 2-3 May 2018 | Jakarta, Indonesia
2018-05-02 - 2018-05-03
The proposal to conduct the Joint Study on Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Disasters in ASEAN was endorsed by the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) Working Group on Prevention and Mitigation in March 2017, and was subsequently endorsed at the 30th ACDM Meeting in Vientiane, Lao PDR in April 2017.
The joint study is implemented as part of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2016-2020, Priority Programme 4: Protect, and covers Indonesia, Lao PDR and the Philippines. The study aims to better understand how public authorities and humanitarian actors can prevent and better respond to gender based violence during and after disasters. The research initiative, undertaken by IFRC, Lao Red Cross, Palang Merah Indonesia, Philippines Red Cross, and the ACDM Working Group on Prevention and Mitigation, was implemented in Indonesia, Lao PDR and the Philippines.
The inter-sectoral consultation meeting is being held during 2-3 May 2018 and bringing together IFRC and the following ASEAN bodies, namely, i) ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW); ii) the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Women and Childrens’ Rights (ACWC); and iv) the ACDM Working Group on Prevention and Mitigation.
The objectives of the consultation are to provide a platform for sharing of research methodology, presenting results, and developing recommendations on the issues to be addressed as well as way forward for promotion of the welfare and protection of the rights of women and girls in disasters at ASEAN level.
Meeting documents:

Concept note and agenda
Welcome pack
Participant list

Presentations:
Remarks by Sharon Armstrong, Director and Counsellor (Development), Indonesia and ASEAN Programs Mission of Canada to ASEAN
Remarks by Giorgio Ferrario, IFRC CCST Jakarta
Remarks by Vilayphong Sisomvang, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Lao PDR
Session 2:

Regional Landscape on Promotion of Women&Children’s Right and Disaster Management
GBV Prevention and Response During & After Disasters
Research Linking SGBV Policy and Disaster Laws

Session 3:

SGBV Research Results and Recommendations

Session 4:

Research Linking SGBV Policy and Disaster Laws

Session 5:

Red Cross Red Crescent Approaches to Social Protection
Operationalising protection, gender and inclusion in emergency programming
Gender Mainstreaming During Disaster
Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children

Giorgio Ferrario, Head of Country Cluster Support Team and Representative to ASEAN of IFRC
Mr. Vilayphong Sisomvang, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Lao PDR
Sharon Armstrong, Director & Counsellor (Development) for Indonesia & ASEAN at the Embassy of Canada Jakarta
