Red Cross EU Office

Restoring our ability to help each other “The most joyful moments are when we are able to perform the rescue, and bring all the survivors to safety on board. And the second one is when they disembark, even if I know that it's not the end of the challenges,” shares Sara Mancinelli, IFRC operations manager aboard the Ocean Viking. The Ocean Viking rescue vessel, chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC, patrols the Mediterranean Sea to rescue people in deep distress at sea. The European Union is at a pivotal moment in negotiations on the #FacilitationDirective, which defines migrant smuggling in EU law. We must ensure that people seeking safety and a better life are not punished for their journeys, and that those who offer help are not criminalised for their humanity. This reform offers an opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its foundational values of dignity, solidarity, and justice: helping others must never be a source of fear or punishment. #solidarity

Tomorrow is EU Anti-Trafficking Day—a moment to reaffirm that survivors must be at the heart of the EU’s anti-trafficking response. Survivors need access to protection services that meet their immediate needs. But just as importantly, they deserve long-term support: opportunities to earn a living and lead their own recovery. This kind of support remains scarce and must be strengthened, in line with the EU Anti-Trafficking Strategy.

Tomorrow, we’re joining the European Food Banks Federation - FEBA to discuss about food aid and social inclusion. Kinga Albert, Social Inclusion Officer at Red Cross EU Office, will share our perspective on the current state of poverty and food insecurity. Join us online! https://lnkd.in/erKhrsD2

Restoring our ability to help each other Offering a hand, a smile, a meal, a word of kindness is what we’ve always done. At the heart of it, these everyday gestures reflect a basic human instinct that connects us all: helping each other is what makes us human. The EU is at a pivotal moment in negotiations on the #FacilitationDirective, which defines migrant smuggling in EU law. We must ensure that people seeking safety and a better life are not punished for their journeys, and that those who offer help are not criminalised for their humanity. This reform offers an opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its foundational values of dignity, solidarity, and justice: helping others must never be a source of fear or punishment. #solidarity

Our colleagues at the Irish Red Cross are looking for a International Programme Officer to join their team. 🚨 Deadline is tomorrow—check it out!

Last year alone, disasters affected over 146 million people. Disasters are not only about response. They are about prevention, readiness and resilience of the whole-of-society. We welcome the European Union’s support for locally led disaster risk reduction and call on it to further protect lives, livelihoods and infrastructure before disaster strikes. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC has shared key recommendations on the Disaster Law Treaty for the protection of persons in the event of disasters—insights that matter for the EU too. Watch the video to learn more! #InternationalRiskReductionDay

On World Mental Health Day, we’re highlighting the vital role of early mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies. Timely support can make a profound difference—helping people regain a sense of safety and control, and empowering them to make informed decisions that support their wellbeing. Discover how we are making a difference in communities 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_a9G-XE

Teachers are pillars of their communities worldwide, but in Somalia, a group of teachers are having an important impact beyond education. In 2024, Somali Red Crescent Society volunteers – including teachers – helped identify three separate measles outbreaks, demonstrating how educators can be on the first line of health monitoring and response. https://lnkd.in/ePgRZHMT

We call on the European Union to act within its remit to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian assistance and the protection of humanitarian workers, including medical personnel.

“Being displaced from Ukraine to a new country broke something inside me. I lost my home, my work, my familiar streets, and the sense of control over my own life. The uncertainty, the loneliness, and the constant worry for those still in danger took a toll on my mental health. In Latvia, I came face to face with people — my people — who were carrying the same invisible wounds. That shared pain led me to join the Latvian Red Cross, determined to make mental health support a priority for every person affected by this conflict and displacement.” These powerful words were shared by Olha Lysenko, EU4Health project manager at the Latvian Red Cross / Latvijas Sarkanais Krusts, at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC session ‘Solidarity in Action on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support’. The session took place in the framework of the European Health Forum in Gastein with the European Commission-EU Health and Food Safety, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub, Mental Health Europe, and Ministry of Health Lithuania.