What we do overseas

This is achieved through the provision of funding and personnel as well as directly implementing projects and activities in a number of countries, primarily, although not exclusively, in Africa and Asia. Where we work Overseas

Vital life-saving operations have been undertaken by the Irish Red Cross since its establishment, involving both aid to people on the ground and where necessary, after transfer to Ireland. From the establishment of the St Ló Hospital in post-war France to the assignment of delegates to countries struck by war or natural disasters today, the Irish Red Cross has developed a history of expertise (Achievements / History) in the field. The Irish Red Cross was also the first body to run Government refugee programmes, which saw the transfer of large groups of people to Ireland in the fifty years after World War II. Today, the Irish Red Cross continues to provide a specialized Tracing and Red Cross Messaging Service to people whose lives have been hit by either man-made or natural disasters and who find themselves in Ireland as refugees and/or asylum seekers but separated from family, loved ones and friends.

The major priority for the International Department remains the provision of both funds and personnel so as to allow the Irish Red Cross to respond effectively and professionally to emergencies wherever they may occur and post emergency recovery. In addition the Irish Red Cross has an important role to play in education and awareness as well as policy formation on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the law that governs war and conflict. In 2005/6 the Irish Red Cross was and continues to be a major provider of funding and professional personnel to relief operations and post emergency recovery in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Maldives-following the Tsunami that hit the region on 26th December 2004, as well as responding similarly to other major crisis in Darfur-Sudan, Niger, Pakistan-following the earthquake of October 8th 2005, Malawi, Kenya and Ethiopia. In addition the Irish Red Cross transferred substantial amounts of funding and provided numerous personnel to assist with life saving and recovery operations in Beslan, Afghanistan, India, Palestine, Rwanda, north Korea, Iraq, Mozambique, Iran, Kosovo, Uganda, Liberia, Columbia, Indian Ocean Islands, the United States and Central America-Hurricanes Stanley, Ivan and Katrina as well as 9/11. Special funds were also earmarked for HIV/AIDS activities and Landmines Awareness campaigns.

For further details on the International Department you can contact Noel Wardick, Head of International Department; Dug Cubie, Asia and Middle East Desk Officer or Jane Dunne, Africa Desk Officer.

For specific information on fundraising please contact a member of the Fundraising team.

All of the above can be contacted through Reception at +353-1-6424600.