Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It’s a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work…



LIBYA: Libyan refugees in Tunisia and people displaced within Libya itself are returning to their homes in many areas in the Jebel Nefusa including Jadu, Nalut and Zintan where the ICRC distributed 3,000 hygiene parcels and some 18,000 cans of food to returnees.

HORN OF AFRICA: Today, The American Red Cross announced an additional $1.7 million contribution toward the ongoing crisis in the Horn of Africa. This additional pledge was made because despite widespread relief efforts in the region, massive humanitarian needs persist, with 12 million people impacted by three years of crippling drought.

BANGLADESH: The IFRC launched an appeal for 1.3 million Swiss francs to provide emergency relief to support 50,000 people affected by the widespread floods in Bangladesh. The American Red Cross has contributed $50,000 to the cause.

USA: Thousands of Red Cross disaster workers are working in the major relief operation along the eastern seaboard launched by the American Red Cross to help people in the path of Hurricane Irene.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross

IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies