The representatives of the National Red Cross Societies of Norway and Belarus commended the work of the regional branches of the Russian Red Cross (RRC) to support refugees and displaced persons from the territories of Donbas and Ukraine. The delegation visited the regional RRC regional branches and the temporary accommodation facilities and spoke with the refugees in Kaluga and Rostov-on-Don.
During their visits to the RRC regional branches and temporary accommodation facilities the delegation of the Norwegian Red Cross and the Belarus Red Cross commended the high level of services provided by the Russian Red Cross to support the refugees.
“The work to help refugees from the Ukraine is organized by the RRC, together with the authorities, at a high level. One can see it at the temporary shelters in different regions. People are provided with full support and protection,” said Dmitry Shevtsov, Secretary General of the Belarus Red Cross Society.
Colleagues from the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are active contributors to the RCRC humanitarian mission. For example, thanks to the support of the Norwegian Red Cross, the Russian Red Cross organized a training course for the RRC hotline operators to improve their communication skills when they consult refugees and displaced persons in order to provide them with psychosocial support.
“We are delighted for the opportunity to celebrate 25 years of partnership with the Russian Red Cross. The situation requires that we step up our efforts to help people in need in accordance with the humanitarian principles. We applaud the important work of Russian Red Cross in the ongoing crisis.”, said Haakon Jakob Roting, Head of the Norwegian Red Cross International Programs Department.
The representatives of the Norwegian Red Cross also noted that it is important that the National Societies get promptly involved in the activities to provide the support to people in need.
“Red Cross is called upon in times of crisis, and crises also represent an opportunity to learn and strengthen our work. It is important that Red Cross branches show stamina and sustain their work over the next months”, said Marcos Diaz, Head of the Norwegian Red Cross Emergency Risk Management Department.
Following their visits to the RRC regional branches and to the temporary accommodation facilities, colleagues from Belarus and Norway noted that the Russian Red Cross provides assistance to refugees and displaced persons in a variety of ways.
“Refugees can receive not only humanitarian assistance (clothing, hygiene products, food), but also comprehensive legal support. Employment assistance is provided, children attend schools. A full range of health services is made available to them. Psychological support and family reunification services are provided. Refugees express their gratitude and appreciation to the RRC staff and volunteers for their care and kind attitude”, said Dmitry Shevtsov after his visits to the temporary accommodation facilities.
Summing up the outcomes of the visits, the Head of the Norwegian Red Cross international programs department noted that “people who live outside the temporary shelters are less visible, but some of them will be very vulnerable over time. It would be significant if Russian Red Cross could use its volunteer network to identify and help them. Also, it will be important to listen carefully to what the displaced people want. If they want to integrate locally or return home, the principles of safety, dignity and voluntary should always guide our actions”, Haakon Jakob Roting concluded.
