The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which works in more than 80 countries all over the world, is asking its donors for 1.29 billion Swiss francs (1.05 billion euros, or 1.33 billion US dollars) to cover its activities in 2014.
Baghdad (ICRC) - As fighting intensifies around the Iraqi city of Mosul, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is increasing its presence in the field, in order to respond swiftly to new humanitarian needs.
Thousands of people have taken refuge in Niger following fighting between the security forces and armed groups in north-eastern Nigeria close to the border with Niger.
The crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) is affecting hundreds of thousands across the country. People are desperate as armed violence continues and there is frequent looting. But despite the severity of the problems in CAR, this crisis has largely neglected been by both the international community and media.
On World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (May 8) the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) marks 150 years since it was founded. Speaking from the ICRC headquarters in Geneva, Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC, said, "This means 150 years of engagement in conflict in which ICRC brought assistance to millions of people."
Violence has reached unprecedented levels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as fighting between the army and armed groups intensifies. The situation is compounded by inter-ethnic tensions and violence between armed groups in North Kivu and South Kivu.
The ICRC deputy head of operations Regis Savioz announced today in the Malian capital Bamako that his organization is launching a 40 million Swiss Francs public appeal to respond to the acute humanitarian situation still prevailing in northern Mali.
Hospitals in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic are overwhelmed with injured following the intense fighting of recent days. More than 200 people were admitted following the violence and 40 patients are still waiting urgent operations.
While the humanitarian situation in Somalia has improved slightly, there remain significant humanitarian concerns across the country. After two decades of fighting, tens of thousands of people have been separated from their families. The whereabouts of at least 12,000 people are unknown. Despite the passing of time, some Somalis are as determined as ever to find their loved ones.
Less than one month on from signing a peace accord (the Libreville agreement), thousands are living with uncertainty in the Central African Republic. There is a risk of fighting breaking out and many remain displaced, unsure whether to return home.