programmes and projects - austrian red cross · the project in west arsi zone provides safe and...

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HEADQUARTERS International Aid

PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

WORLDWIDE

EASTERN AFRICA SOUTH ASIA SOUTHEAST ASIA AMERICA/CARRIBEAN EASTERN EUROPE/BALKANS/SOUTH CAUCASUS

www.redcross.at

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Contents

Mission statement and strategy …………………………………………………………………… 4 Programme focal points and cross-cutting issues …………………………………………………….. 4 Regional focal points ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Focal regions and key countries for international aid ……………………………………………….. 5 Eastern Africa

Ethiopia ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………. Kenya ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………..

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Sudan ……………………………………………………………………………….………………………...

South Sudan ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Southeast Asia

Laos ………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………... 14 Myanmar ……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 16 Timor- Leste/East Timor ………………………………………………………………………………... 18

South Asia Nepal ……………………………………………………………………………...…………………………... 20 Pakistan ………………………………………………………………….……..……………………………... 22 America/Caribbean Haiti ……………………………………………………………………………...…………………………... 24 Eastern Europe/Balkans/South Caucasus Armenia ……………………..…………………………………………………………………………… Azerbaijan ……………………..……………………………………………………………………………

Belarus ……………………..…………………………………………………………………………… Georgia ……………………..…………………………………………………………………………… Macedonia ……………………..……………………………………………………………………………

Montenegro ……………………..…………………………………………………………………………… South East European Forum on Climate Change Adaption …………………………………………

Contacts ……………………………………………………………………...……………………………… 39

IMPRESSUM: AUSTRIAN RED CROSS, 1041 Vienna, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 32 Central Register of Associations number: 432857691

Photos: AutRC, AutRC/Nadja Meister, IFRC, RC Aserbaijan, RC Ethiopa, RC Kenya, RC Macedonia, RC Montenegro, Gregor Titze

Maps: Encarta, Wikipedia Country data: UNDP United Nations Development Report, UNICEF,FAO, www.cia.gov, www.who.int,

German Federal Foreign Office, www.worldbank.org Editors: Gerlinde Astleithner, Katarina Banicevic, Barbara Busch, Elisabeth Cerny,

Michael Grabner, Walter Hajek, Eduard Trampusch, Martha Wirtenberger, Astrid Zelger Layout: Astrid Zelger

June 2012

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http://www.cia.gov/

http://www.who.int/

http://www.worldbank.org/

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MISSION STATEMENT AND STRATEGY In keeping with the mission of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the objective of the international aid of the Austrian Red Cross (AutRC), is to "improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity". The AutRC's international aid benefits the poorest, neediest and most vulnerable people and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, skin colour, nationality, political or religious views or social standing. The fields of activity of the international aid sector of the AutRC can essentially be divided into humanitarian aid (disaster management and rehabilitation) and development cooperation. Focusing on specific issues and regions helps us to use ARC expertise in a targeted manner and to make programmes and projects more professional. The long-term programmes of the AutRC are carried out as part of an integrated approach, i.e. the programme planning is coordinated with the country strategies of the Red Cross or Red Crescent affiliate societies and the projects are planned so that as many of the needs of the target groups as possible are included. Programme focal points and cross-cutting issues The international aid of the AutRC focuses on water and health, although these key programme areas are usually not isolated when it comes to project implementation, they are in fact very closely connected to one another. Providing people with clean water is a priority for the AutRC in all phases of aid: by supplying drinking water in the aftermath of disasters, by repairing and rebuilding wells and latrines in the rehabilitation phase and through long-term commitment to water and settlement hygiene in development cooperation. The protection, conservation and promotion of health as mankind's most precious commodity are a further important field of activity in AutRC international aid: aid shipments in the aftermath of disasters, reconstruction of local health facilities in the rehabilitation phase and (as part of the national strategies of the target countries) support in providing basic healthcare and combating epidemics. Alongside the main focal points of water and health, the three cross-cutting issues of disaster risk reduction (DRR) & climate change, capacity building and gender are considered and integrated into the programmes and projects during disaster aid, rehabilitation and development cooperation.

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Regional focal points The international aid of the AutRC provides disaster relief and reconstruction aid all over the world. In this process the regional proximity to the disaster area plays an important role as a result of the need for efficient aid. The regional focal points for development cooperation are, because of their extreme poverty, strategically selected regions of Africa and Asia and the (South) Eastern European transition countries, which are not members of the EU..

Focal regions and key countries for AutRC international aid AutRC programmes and projects are either implemented multilaterally within the framework of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies or bilaterally in partnership with Red Cross/Red Crescent affiliate societies in the respective country. The AutRC also contributes to the international activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) through aid contributions (deployment of staff, relief items, financial contributions). The international aid activities of the AutRC are financed by our own resources, private donations, contributions from corporate cooperation projects and foundations as well as sponsorships from institutional state sponsors at national and international (EU) level.

Max Santner Head of International Aid

FOCAL REGIONS

Eastern Africa Ethiopia, Kenia,

Sudan, South Sudan

South Asia Nepal, Pakistan

Southeast Asia Laos, Myanmar,

East Timor

Carribean

Haiti

Eastern Europe, Balkans,

South Caucasus

Belarus, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia,

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

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ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia Austria Area in sq km 1,104,300 83,871 Population (millions) 84,9 8,4 Rural population in % 83 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 174 19 Society

Languages Amharic, English, regional languages: Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali, more than 70 tribal languages

German Regional languages: Slovenian, Croatian

Religions 43,5% Ethiopian Orthodox Christian, 33,9% Muslim, 18,6% Protestant, 0,7% Cath. Christian, 3,3% natural religions and other

73,6% Catholic, 4,7% Protestant, 4,2% Muslim, 2,2% Orthodox, 0,1% Jew, 12% without religious denomination

Health

Life expectancy 56,19 80,4 Physician per 10,000 inhabitants <1 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 67 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 34.6 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 2,1 0.3 Access to safe drinking water in % 38 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 12 100 Education

Literacy rates in % 42,7 ~ 100 Economy

Main export products Coffee, gold, leather products, animals

Machines, automotive industry, paper, metal, iron, chemicals, textiles

GNP/capita/year in USD 971 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 39 6,9 (Statistics Austria 2010) Unemployment in % no data 3,2 Inflation in % 8,1 (est. 2010) 83,871

AutRC project area: West Arsi; North Gondar, Benishangul Gumuz

Further information: [email protected] ++43 1 58900-536 [email protected] ++43 1 58900-710

mailto:[email protected]

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ETHIOPIA Ethiopia is not only one of the least developed but also one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Recurring droughts and floods entail insufficient crop production and thus chronic food shortage. Poverty of people is exacerbated by the global rise in prices of food and fertilizers as well as by the disruptive impact of the on-going armed conflict in the Ogaden region. Political instability in the Horn of Africa and Sudan makes for an insecure environment for any aid operation. Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) has been active in Ethiopia since the food crisis in 2008. In the current drought AutRC supports International Federation of Red Cross/Crescent (IFRC) in water supply to 27,000 households. Project duration: 2011 – 2012 Cost: € 245,000

Water and Health 2009 marked the beginning of a long-term cooperation with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) in the water & sanitation and health sectors. The project in West Arsi zone provides safe and clean water for a community of 8,210 persons through 15 improved water sources (springs & hand-dug wells) and assists the target population in the building of latrines. Further activities involve CBHFA (Community Based Health and First Aid) and PHAST (Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation) as well as capacity building of this recently founded Branch.

Project duration: Jul 2009 – Jun 2012 Cost: € 208,000 Co-funding by ADA: July 2010 - June 2012

This project is also co-financed by the AutRC regional branch of Styria. A similar approach has been developed for an intervention in Benishangul Gumuz which addresses the needs of 11,400 vulnerable households in terms of sustainable water supply and sanitation through the construction of 140 protected water points. The introduction of basic water resource management will enable communities to use water for small scale productive purposes (family gardens) and thus contribute to an increase in diversity of food. Project duration: 2011 – 2016 Cost: € 3.217,000 Co-funding by: EDF (European Development Fund), ADA, SIDA, Swedish Red Cross

Disaster Risk Reduction Rural communities have an important role to play as custodians of the environment. The project in North Gondar raises the level of awareness of the local population on disaster risk reduction related to health and hygiene practices. Best practice examples are compiled and used for institutional learning of the Red Cross, but also for evidence-based advocacy statements to influence climate and WatSan sector-related policy formulation in favour of the most vulnerable. Project duration: Dec 2010 - Dec 2013 Cost: € 824,000

The projects in Ethiopia are co- financed by: AutRC regional branch of Upper Austria

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KENYA

Kenia Austria Area in km² 580,367 83.871 Population (millions) 41,6 8,4 Rural population in % 81,5 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 143 19 Society

Languages English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

Religions Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, Muslim 10%, indigenous beliefs 10%, other 2% note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous beliefs vary widely


Health

Life expectancy 57,1 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 1,4 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 84 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % no data 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 7 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 69,2 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 57,4 100 Education

Literacy rates in % 87 ~ 100 Economy

Main export products tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish, cement

Maschinen, Autoindustrie, Papier, Metall, Eisen, Chemikalien, Textilien

GNP/capita/year in USD 1,573 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 19,7 0 Unemployment in % 40 6,9 (Stat. Zentralamt 2010) Inflation in % 4 3,2

AutRC project area: Kibwezi, Mandera, Magarini

Further information: [email protected] +43 1 58900 702

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KENYA Climate Change and political instability on the Horn of Africa are two essential factors for the weak resilience of Kenya´s rural population. Traditional survival strategies against regularly occuring drought periods visibly lose their efficiency. In 2011 vast parts of the country were severely affected by the worst drought in decades. The Austrian Red Cross (Aut RC) has participated in acute disaster relief measures via the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Kenyan Red Cross Society (KRCS). Subsequently food security projects were implemented in three different areas in order to provide sustainable support. The projects are the continuation of a very successful pilote project in Eastern Kenya (Garissa, Tana River), which has shown that the 2011 drought has hardly led to a deterioration of the nutrition situation in the project communities, compared to neighbouring villages. Secured food production At the end of 2011/at the beginning of 2012 the AutRC together with the KRCS started projects in three different regions - Mandera, Magarina and Kibwezi: food production is sustainably enhanced through the construction of drip water irrigation systems. The benenficiaries are provided with seeds and agricultural tools. Community facilities such as schools are supported through greenhouses for practical agricultural trainings. Building structures against floodings protect the areas under crops through the rainy season. Technical support to farmers through trainings in agricultural methods suitable for the local climate contributes to the project´s success even after the implementation period.

In cooperation with the Kenyan Ministry of Health basic health care is carried out (e.g. vaccination campaigns, implementation of a medical reference system).

Disaster Preparedness for future droughts Target group of the project are communities living on subsistence farming. The sustainability of the nutrition of approx. 1.300 families (approx. 9.000 persons, 3.000 each in Mandera, Magarini and Kibwezi) is secured. Thus the projects contribute considerately to poverty reduction and a strengthened resilience of the communities against future droughts. Project duration and cost Magarini Nov 2011 - Oct 2012 € 405,000 Co- financed by: Neighbour in Need Project duration and cost Mandera Nov 2011 - Apr 2013 € 829,000 Co- financed by: Austrian Development Cooperation Project duration and cost Kibwezi Jan 2012 - Oct 2013 € 545,000 Co- financed by: Neighbour in Need

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SUDAN

Sudan Austria Area in sq km 1,861,484 83,871 Population (millions) 30,9 (est. after secession according

to 2008 census) 8,4

Rural population in % 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 169 19

Society

Languages Arabic English, tribal languages


Religions 97% Muslim, small Christian minority


Health

Life expectancy 55,42 80.4

Physician per 10,000 inhabitants 2,8 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 69 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 41* (no data yet for Sudan after

secession) 0

Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 1,1 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 57 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 34 100 Education


Main export products Oil and petroleum products, cotton, sesame, cattle, peanuts, gum arabic, sugar


GNP/capita/year in USD 2,300 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day no data 0 Unemployment in % 18,7 6,9 (Statistics Austria 2010) Inflation in % 13 (est. 2010) 3,2

AutRC project area: Kordofan, White Nile



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SUDAN Sudan, formerly the largest and one of the most geographically diverse states in Africa, split into two countries on 9 July 2011 after the people of the south voted to secede from the north. While the January 2011 referendum on southern self-determination passed relatively peacefully, tensions mounted in months leading up to the South’s independence. In early June 2011, fighting between the forces of Northern and Southern Sudan erupted in the border state of South Kordofan - a conflict which, three months later, spilled over into nearby Blue Nile state. By December 2011, on-going fighting in the transitional areas had resulted in to the displacement of more than 400,000 people. Faltering negotiations over post-secession issues such as oil, debt and the disputed areas risk creating further instability.

The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) has been involved in various projects in Sudan since 2004 and is thus contributing to reach the Millennium Development Goals 1, 4, 5 and 7 (improvement of extreme poverty, health and clean water). Disaster preparedness and response Against a background of recurrent disasters the AutRC defined disaster preparedness as focus of its involvement in Sudan. Through an

ECHO-funded WatSan DP project in 2009 (Phase I), AutRC had prepositioned "Water and Sanitation Disaster Response Kits" in four branches of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS). Those kits are designed to provide a minimum of 15 litres of potable water per person per day for 2000, 5000, or 10,000 persons, respectively comprise material for water quality tests.

Whereas last year's project (Phase II) focused on trainings for SRCS staff and volunteers, the definition of procedures for deployment, regular contingency planning, needs assessment and strengthening of coordination with the WASH cluster, the on-going project (Phase III) additionally covers disaster response. Thousands of returnees to South Sudan as well as displaced persons from South Kordofan remain stranded in Kosti. Most of them are camped in low-lying areas, prone to flooding. SRCS and AutRC are putting the prepositioned watsan equipment into use in order to contain the prevalence of water-borne illnesses triggered by the refugees' collecting water directly from the Nile. Project duration: Aug. 2011 - July 2012 Cost € 600,000 Co-funding by: European Union ECHO Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection The projects in Sudan are also co-financed by The AutRC local branch Carinthia

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SOUTH SUDAN

South Sudan Austria Area in sq km 619,745 83,871 Population (millions) 8,26 (according to 2008 census) 8,4 Rural population in % 78 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index no data available after secession 19 Society

Languages English (official), Arabic (incl. Juba and Sudanese variants), regional languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari


Religions Animist, Christian 73,6% Catholic, 4,7% Protestant, 4,2% Muslim, 2,2% Orthodox, 0,1% Jew, 12% without religious denomination

Health

Life expectancy 42 (estimate) 80.4 Physician per 10,000 inhabitants 0,1 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 102 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % no data 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 3,1 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 34 (UNICEF) 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 14 (2008) 100 Education


Main export products Oil, timber, cotton, peanuts, sorghum; wheat, gum arabic


GNP/capita/year in USD no data 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day no data 0 Unemployment in % no data 6,9 (Statistics Austria 2010) Inflation in % no data 3,2

AutRC project area: Unity State (Bentiu); Eastern Equatoria (Torit)



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SOUTH SUDAN South Sudan gained independence from the north on 9 July 2011 after decades of civil war that cost approx. 2.5 million lives. While secession had been peaceful, violence in the border areas has flared for months. Tens of thousands of refugees from Southern Kordofan, Abyei, Blue Nile plus other internal conflicts are putting a strain on the now landlocked nation which is still dependent on the north for most goods. Protracted civil war has left the country with poor health facilities and limited access to clean water.

Against this background, the Austrian Red Cross (AutRC), in 2009, became involved in providing sustainable access to adequate water supplies in Unity State, reducing vulnerability of poor households targeted by a Swiss Red Cross (SRC) community managed primary health care project in Mayendit County. Furthermore, two phases of an ECHO-funded water and sanitation disaster preparedness project introduced a new water treatment unit ("WatSan Kit") on branch level in Bentiu which, in case of an emergency, provides treated water for 5,000 persons. Special events such as the World Water Day served to increase people's awareness on the maintenance of hand pumps and water related diseases. Water and sanitation capacity building for communities Unity State covers an area of 42,000 sq km. Access to safe drinking water is estimated to

be 14%; about one third of the existing hand pumps are broken down. Through activities involving the rehabilitation of 60 hand pumps and 12 water yards as well as the construction of 8 new water points which will cover the needs of a total of 58,000 community members, AutRC, together with the South Sudan Red Crescent Society, is contributing to improved health (MDG 4 & 5) and improved access to water and sanitation (MDG 7).

Particular focus is put on building the communities' capacity to manage and maintain their water points. Since women are the principal water collectors, the project establishes a balanced representation of men and women in the water committees. This makes sure that water points are operated in a sustainable way. PHAST (Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation) methodology is used to enable communities to identify and analyse their hygiene and sanitation problems and to choose tools and activities which contribute to reduce water related diseases. Project duration: Dec 2011 - Nov 2014 Cost € 1,678,000 Co-funding by: European Union, ADA

Further projects aiming at strengthening the resilience of the poorest communities in Eastern Equatoria, in cooperation with Danish Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross, are being developed.

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LAOS

Laos Austria Area in km² 236,800 83,871 Population (millions) 6,3 8,4 Rural population in % 69 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 138 19

Society

Languages Lao German Regional languages: Slovenian, Croatian

Religions 60% (Theravada) Buddhist, Animist tribal religions, Baha'i, Christian and Muslim

73.6% Catholic, 4.7% Protestant, 4.2% Muslim, 2.2% Orthodox, 0.1% Jew, 12% without religious denomination

Health

Life expectancy 67,5 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 2,72 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 42 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 36,4 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 0,2 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 57 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 53 100 Education


Main export products Wood products, coffee, electricity, tin, copper, gold


GNP/capita/year in USD 2,255 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 33,9 0 Unemployment in % 2,5 6,9 Inflation in % 5,7 3,2

AutRC project area: Bokeo, Luang Namtha

Further information: [email protected] ++43 1 58900-703


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LAOS Approximately 70% of the population of this Southeast Asian country live in rural areas. Infant mortality is extremely high. The reasons are poor health care, the underdeveloped health system of the country and the lack of access to safe drinking water. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) has been active in Laos since 1997 and is cooperating with Lao Red Cross (LRC) in the provinces Bokeo and since 2011 also in Luang Namtha. The main aim is to continue to strenghten the capacity of the LRC to carry out water and health projects. Two Austrian Red Cross delegates are working on site in Laos to support our partner LRC with the project implementation. Health promotion, water and sanitation Bokeo: around 7.000 family latrines and more than 150 drinking water systems have been built or rehabilitated in the villages since 1997. The population is also being trained in hygiene matters. Since 2010 health– and first aid trainings are organized in the communities. First aid courses took place also for juveniles, police and tuk-tuk drivers.

The current health and water project in the province of Bokeo comprises the construction of 30 water systems, 3.000 latrines, hygiene trainings, community based health trainings and health activities in the villages. Project duration 2009-2013

Cost 2010-2013 € 1,300,000 Another project, funded by the City of Vienna, focuses on Mother-and-child health. Luang Namtha: water systems and latrines are built in this province. The population is encouraged to actively call for their right to safe water. First aid courses are held in the province capital. Project duration Jul 2011 - Jun 2013

Cost € 393,000 This project is co-financed by the City of Vienna

Capacity building In order to ensure that the activities are sustainable, a major component is the development of the institutional capacities of the LRC (training, developing financial independence). The AutRC's health programme supports the national development plan of the Lao government and therefore contributes to achieving the Millennium Development Goals for extreme poverty (MDG 1), improved health (MDG 4 and 5), and improved access to clean drinking water (MDG 7, target 3).

This project is co-financed by the European Union and ADA The projects in Laos are also confinanced by the AutRC regional branch of Styria

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MYANMAR

Myanmar Austria Area in km² 676,577 83,871 Population (millions) 48,3 8,4 Rural population in % 67 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 149 19

Society

Languages Burmese (70%), minority languages: Shan, Kachin, Arakanese, Chin, Mon, Karen


Religions 89% Theravada Buddhist, 5% Christian, 4% Muslim, Hindu and Animist


Health



Main export products Natural gas, wood products, legumes, beans, fish, rice, clothing, jade, gemstones


GNP/capita/year in USD 1,535 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day no data 0 Unemployment in % 5,7 6,9 Inflation in % 7,7 3,2

AutRC project area: Magway, Mandalay



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MYANMAR Myanmar (previously Burma) is a multi-ethnic state, the population of which comprises 135 different ethnic groups. The country has been independent from Great Britain, the former colonial power, since 1948. After a short period of democracy, various military regimes have been in power since 1962. Since 2011 Myanmar now has a civilian government. Frequent natural disasters make poverty even worse. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) has been working in Myanmar since 2008. Aid after the cyclone On the 2nd of May 2008, tropical storm Nargis devastated large parts of the south of Myanmar. 2.4 million people were affected by the disaster. Immediate aid measures began directly after the disaster. As a part of the International Red Cross relief operation, the AutRC deployed staff for an "Emergency Response Unit" (ERU) of drinking water specialists to the affected region to give support to provide the population with clean drinking water and thereby help to prevent epidemics. The AutRC also supported the local Red Cross partners through deliveries of aid supplies.

Reconstruction, long term cooperation The urgent disaster relief was followed by the transition to the reconstruction phase. An international Red Cross team, which included an AutRC delegate, ensured that operations took place without any major delays.

Another AutRC delegate remained on location after the ERU disaster operation, in order to start the longer-term reconstruction of rainwater systems. The AutRC is also supporting the International Red Cross disaster operation in rebuilding people's livelihoods.

Due to the high levels of need in the country, the AutRC is still committed to work in Myanmar for the longer-term on the key areas of water and health. In close cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) the AutRC supports the Myanmar Red Cross (MRC) in setting up a Water and Sanitation Unit to strengthen institutional capacities. The population in two townships in the divisions Mandalay and Magway is supported with this gained knowledge. Water systems and latrines are built, trainings on hygiene issues are carried out. Project duration since 2008 Cost up to 2013 € 450,000

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TIMOR-LESTE / EAST TIMOR

East Timor Austria Area in km² 18,889 83,871 Population (millions) 1,2 8,4 Rural population in % 73 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 147 19

Society

Languages Tetum and Portuguese, also Indonesian and English


Religions 95% Catholic, furthermore Muslim, Protestant, Buddhist, Hindu


Health

Life expectancy 62,5 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 1 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 46 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 40,6 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % no data 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 69 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 50 100 Education


Main export products Coffee, sandalwood, marble. Potentially oil and vanilla


GNP/capita/year in USD 805 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 49,6 0 Unemployment in % 20 6,9 Inflation in % 6 3,2

AutRC project area: Bobonaro, Ermera, Liquicá



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TIMOR-LESTE / EAST TIMOR In 2002, after many years of serious armed conflict, East Timor became an independent state facing major challenges with regard to reorganisation of infrastructure, admini-stration, healthcare etc. East Timor is the poorest country in Asia. The majority of the population live in rural areas and rely on subsistence farming. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) has been cooperating closely with the Red Cross Society of East Timor (CVTL) since 2005. The programme includes the following key points: Water systems Above all, the AutRC aims to continue to strengthen the core competences of the CVTL. There is a significant overlap in the area of water and hygiene. This is both a focal point of the AutRC programme and a main field of activity of the CVTL. With reference to the Millenium Development Goal of improved access to clean drinking water (MDG 7), the AutRC is supporting the construction of water systems in 13 communities in the north-western districts of Bobonaro, Ermera and Liquica. This should significantly reduce the risk of disease caused by unclean water. In addition, all households in the project region will be given a latrine, in order to reduce diarrhoea illnesses through improved hygiene. Health and hygiene education Health and hygiene education is provided to additionally improve the general health conditions in rural communities.

Certain people in the villages are trained and they pass on the basic knowledge they acquire about hygiene, health and maintenance of water supply facilities to all families in their villages.

Capacity building Through this cooperation project, the AutRC is also supporting the capacity building of East Timor's civil society. In order, above all, to have better access to the neglected rural regions, the AutRC is helping to organise local CVTL structures, rebuild destroyed infrastructure and coordinate volunteer work in the districts and villages. Project duration 2007-2012 Cost € 2,715,000

This project is co-financed by the European Union and Austrian Development Agency ARC regional branch of Vienna Austrian Youth Red Cross Pipelife Vöslauer

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NEPAL

Nepal Austria Area in km² 147,181 83,871 Population (millions) 30,5 8,4 Rural population in % 83 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 157 19

Society

Languages Nepalese, as well as around 50 minority languages


Religions 80% Hindu, 15% Buddhist, 3% Muslim, 2% Christian, prohibition of proselytisation


Health



Main export products Carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute products, cereals


GNP/capita/year in USD 1,155 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 55,1 0 Unemployment in % 46 6,9 (Stat. Zentralamt 2010) Inflation in % 10,4 3,2


AutRC project area: Rukum, Rolpa, Sindhuli


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NEPAL The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) has been closely cooperating with the Nepalese Red Cross (NRCS) since December 2007, in the field of rural development and disaster preparedness. Many parts of the country are very difficult to access due to its topographic situation. State health services are not able to meet the basic health needs of the majority of Nepalese people. In rural areas in particular there is a lack of essentials and poverty has numerous causes. The development of the country suffers frequent setbacks through natural disasters – such as earthquakes and landslides, a trend partly caused by climate change. The AutRC is working with the NRCS to set up development projects. The aim is to contribute to achieving the Millenium Development Goals for fighting poverty (MDG 1), promoting equality (MDG 3), improving health (MDG 4 and 5) and improving access to drinking water (MDG 7, target 3). Developing rural communities In the district of Rukum which is situated in the almost inaccessible mountainous area, the general living situation of the rural population is being improved by a community development programme with active involvement and participation of the population using an integrative programme approach. Specifically, in the area of Chaukhabhang, the earning potential and quality of life of the 4,000 inhabitants is being increased through activities relating to education, water supply, health and hygiene, help for self-help and institutional development of the local Red Cross.

Project duration 2009-2013 Cost € 486,000 This project is co-financed by Opec Fund for International Development

Water and hygiene In the district of Sindhuli a hygiene and drinking water project aims at the improvement of the health situation, the provision of safe water and latrines for the local population – about 5.400 people. Further targets are the strengthening of women´s role and capacity building of the local Red Cross branch. The project started its activities in January 2012 - after a preparation phase in 2011 – with hygiene trainings in the first year, buidling activities in the second, and a focus on sustainability in the third year. A similar project in the district of Rolpa has been sucessfully finished after 3 years of implementation. Project duration 2012-2014 Cost € 255,000

Co-financed by: AutRC regional branch in Tyrol

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PAKISTAN

Pakistan Austria Area in km² 800,000 83,871 Population (millions) 176,7 8,4 Rural population in % 64 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 145 19

Society

Languages Urdu, English. Regional languages: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, Seraiki, Baluchi


Religions 96% Muslim (mainly Sunni, 10-20% Shia), 2% Christian, 2% Hindu


Health

Life expectancy 65,4 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 8,13 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 70 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 31.3 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 0,1 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 90 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 45 100 Education


Main export products Textiles, rice, leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, carpets




AutRC project area: KPK, Kaschmir, Punjab


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PAKISTAN Pakistan is a multi-ethnic state, which has experienced many ethnic and religious conflicts and political instability. The population has gone through a lot of suffering. In addition to the constant unrest and major social problems such as inadequate healthcare, the country is frequently devastated by natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. The floods in summer 2010 struck 20 million people, those in summer 2011 in the province of Sindh almost 9 million people. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) has been working in Pakistan since 2005. The cooperation began with aid after the devastating earthquake 8 October 2005, where the AutRC assisted in the acute disaster relief phase by sending personnel and aid supplies. Subsequently a longer term cooperation with our sister society Pakistan Red Crescent (PRCS) developed. In cooperation with the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) the AutRC carried out the reconstruction of water systems in the remote and severely affected district of Batagram, combined with hygiene promotion. This project ended in 2009. Subsequently the AutRC implemented a disaster risk reduction project in Kashmir in a in cooperation with the Danish Red Cross (DanRC), which comprises disaster risk reduction measures as well as water and sanitation and hygiene activities. This project will be largely completed by the end of 2012.

Flood Recovery Kashmir The AutRC participated in the emergency relief phase and supplied personnel and relief goods in 2010 – after the most devastating floods since 1929. The succeeding 1 year flood recovery project in Kashmir aimed to ensure, resp. improve housing, health and livelihood of approximately 15.000 people affected. This project was finished in February 2012. Project duration 2010-2012 Cost € 532,000

Rehabilitation of Water Supply In cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) approximately 60.000 people in the provinces Punjab, KPK and Sindh are supplied with safe drinking water through the construction and rehabilitation of wells and handpumps. Project duration 2011-2012 Cost € 341,000 Co-financed by Neighbour in Need

An AutRC water and sanitation delegate has constantly been working on location in Pakistan since August 2009.

The projects in Pakistan are co-financed by: AutRC regional branch in Tyrol

24

HAITI

Haiti Austria Area in km² 27,750 83,871 Population (millions) 10,1 8,4 Rural population in % 53 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 158 19 Society

Languages French, Creole German Regional languages: Slovenian, Croatian

Religions 80& Catholics, 16% Protestants, 4% others, about 50% of the population practice Voodoo


Health

Life expectancy 62,1 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 2,5 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 70 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 28 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 1,25 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 63 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 17 100 Education


Main export products Coffee, Oil, Mango, Clothing Strong trade deficit, few foreign investments due to lack of legal security


GNP/capita/year in USD 1,151 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 54,9 0 Unemployment in % 60% work in the informal sector 6,9 Inflation in % 5,7 3,2

AutRC project area: Leogane



25

HAITI Haiti was the first sovereign Caribbean state, declaring independence from France as early as 1804, however, struggling since then with political unrest, violence, insecurity and poverty. It is according to the UN´s HDI the poorest country in the western Hemisphere, with high imbalance between Poor and Rich. On January 12, 2010 an earthquake of 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the country, the epicentrum lying close to the densely populated the capital of Port-au-Prince. The earthquake and the following aftershocks left more than 220.000 persons dead. More than 3 million people were affected by the damages caused. The extent of destruction and the challenges for Humanitarian Aid and reconstruction are enormous. Disaster Relief The disaster relief operations after the earthquake in Haiti were the biggest relief efforts ever in a single country in the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RC/RC)-movement. 21 Emergency response units (ERU) were sent to Haiti, and more than 50 national RC/RC companies have supported the Haitian Red Cross with over 900 international staff and financial resources. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) sent Emergency Response Units (ERU) to assist in the building of sanitary facilities and implementation of sanitation training directly after the disaster in January 2010. A total 50,000 people in camps were supplied thus. Recovery As a consequence of the earthquake many Haitians were deprived of their livelihood, all the more it is essential that they have an opportunity to participate in the recovery of their country. Thus the AutRC in cooperation with the German Red Cross (GRC) supports 3.000 families in the rural area of Leogane, a

region hit worst by the earthquake, to be able to return to an autonomous life. The rehabilitation project follows a comprehensive owner-driven approach which aims at the construction of housing and municipal infrastructure, as well as the construction of sanitary and water facilities under operational involvement of the communities. In order to recover economic autonomy and strengthen capacities the programme communities receive comprehensive training in disaster preparedness, hygiene, first aid and trade training. Thus they are better prepared for future disasters.

A Cholera epidemic has challenged Haiti´s resilience with an additional burden. As the best preventive measurement against the Cholera is safe water and good knowledge of personal hygiene, the AutRC reinforces Cholera awareness raising campaigns via community volunteers, therefore adapting its programme related water-sanitation activities according to actual needs.

Co-financed by:

Programme duration: Jan-Jul 2010 Cost € 2,437,000 Delegates: 49

Programme duration: May 2010-2013 Total Cost € 18,400,000 AutRC share € 6,200,000

Croatian Red Cross + Hungarian Red Cross

26

ARMENIA

Armenia Austria Area in km² 29,743 83,871 Population (millions) 3 8,4 Rural population in % 36 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 86 19 Society

Languages Armenian Regional language: Russian, Yazidi


Religions 94,7% Armenian Apostolic Believers (Christians), 4% Christians, 1,3% Yazidi

73,6% Catholic, 4,7% Protestant, 4,2% Muslim, 2,2% Orthodox, 0.1% Jew, 12% without religious denomination

Health

Life expectancy 73,5 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 37 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 18 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 4,2 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 0,1 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 93 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 80 100 Education


Main export products Crude iron, diamonds, energy, metals, coarse copper



AutRC project area: Jerewan Further information: [email protected] ++43 1 58900-537


27

ARMENIA Armenia gained independence with the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. As a result it came to an armed conflict with Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. This area belongs to Azerbaijan, but is mostly populated by Armenians. About 20,000 people fell victim of this conflict in the years 1992 to 1994. About one million refugees and displaced persons were forced to leave their homes. Since then, Nagorno-Karabakh is under Armenian control. Due to the severe earthquake of 1988, the war with Azerbaijan and disruption of energy supply in the 1990s, Armenia experienced a collapse of its industrial production. Due to the closed borders of Azerbaijan and Turkey, the country's economy is still in a very difficult situation. The Austrian and the Armenian Red Cross connects a partnership since the earthquake of 1988, which has in recent years been limited to cause-related projects. Now, capacity building is the starting point for a long-term bilateral cooperation in health and social services, as well as in disaster preparedness. Refugee relief Yerevan With the support of the Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) currently the social and medical care of elderly refugees in two homes in the capital, Yerevan, is ensured. Young volunteers of the Armenian Red Cross are involved in this project and make visits and help with social services.

Another project component are so-called "Smiley Clubs“, where refugee children can spend their free time, receive language training and are tutored by young Red Cross volunteers in school issues and homework. Experiences of learning houses in Austria are incorporated in this prevention work.

Project duration Feb. 2012- Dec. 2012, Cost € 172,000

28

ASERBAIDSCHAN

Azerbaijan Austria Area in km² 86,600 83,871 Population (millions) 9,5 8,4 Rural population in % 48 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 91 19 Society

Languages Azerbaijan Regional language: Russian, Armenian, Lezgian


Religions 93,4% Muslims, 2,5% Russian-Orthodox, 2,3%, Armenian- Orthodox


Health

Life expectancy 71,3 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 37 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 29 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 8,4 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 0,1 0,3 Access to safe drinking water in % 71 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 39 100 Education


Main export products Oil and gas, machines, cotton Machines, automotive industry, paper, metal, iron, chemicals, textiles

GNP/capita/year in USD 10,200 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 1 0 Unemployment in % 1 6,9 Inflation in % 7,8 3,2

AutRC project area: Sumgayit



29

ASERBAIDSCHAN The country on the Caspian Sea is slightly larger than Austria. Two thirds of the state budget depend on revenue from the rich oil and gas resources. Other industries are still not really relevant, and begin to develop only now. But only a small part of the population benefits from the steady growth. The average wage is still about EUR 350. The capital is a flourishing 3-million metropolis. There is however strong international criticism of the urban expansion, which many old parts fall victim to without regard to the there resident population. Azerbaijan's geopolitical position at the interface between Europe and Central Asia and the Middle East, combined with its oil and natural gas resources, evokes not only the interest of the immediate regional neighbours (Russia, Turkey, Iran), but also the Western industrialized countries and transnational oil companies.

Integration of children with disabilities The main target group of the bilateral cooperation between the Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) and the Azerbaijan Red Crescent (AzRC) are young volunteers. Currently the AutRC supports a volunteer program for the integration and support of children with disabilities. This project is carried out in the city of Sumgayit, one of the

most contaminated industrial regions on a worldwide comparison. Project duration Feb. 2012- Aug. 2012, Cost € 46,000

In the course of a further program from 2013 onwards the disaster preparedness activities of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent shall be further strengthened. Co-financed by: Austrian Development Agency

30

BELARUS

Belarus Austria Area in km² 207,600 83,871 Population (millions) 9.6 8,4 Rural population in % 27 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 65 19

Society

Languages Belarusian and Russian German Regional languages: Slovenian, Croatian

Religions Predominantly Russian Orthodox, 20% Roman Catholic


Health

Life expectancy 71,2 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 48,69 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 4 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 1,3 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 0,2 0,3 Access to safe drinking water* in % 100 100 Access to sanitary facilities* in % 93 100

*in rural areas Education


Main export products Machines, mineral products, chemicals, metals, textiles, foodstuffs


GNP/capita/year in USD 13.040 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day no data 0 Unemployment in % 1 6,9 Inflation in % 7,8 3,2

AutRC project area: Vitebsk, Grodno, Minsk



31

BELARUS The Chernobyl disaster from 1986 still shows severe long term effects. One fifth of the national territory of the Republic of Belarus was radioactively contaminated. In children, thyroid cancer is now up to 100 times more common than in areas of Europe which are not radioactively contaminated. Severe environmental contamination, poor living conditions, widespread poverty and alcohol abuse have negative impact on the health of the population. The country´s development is additionally hampered through its current political situation and its geopolitical position between east and west. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) is working in Belarus since 2005. Chernobyl Aid The AutRC supports a cross-national preventive programme carried out in the most radioactively contaminated areas in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. Red Cross mobile medical teams examine up to 90.000 persons a year and contribute thus to early diagnosis of carcinosis of people living in remote areas.

Children with disabilities Families with disabled and chronically ill children are amongst those most severely affected by poverty. The parent responsible for the care, usually the mother, receives little support. A lack of childcare facilities means that they are unable to retain a job. AutRC has since 2009 been supporting a project for Community Care for Disabled Children in Grodno, a city next to the border to Poland. The project involves setting up a mobile multidisciplinary care team, the provision of a day-care facility, the involvement of family members and volunteers in the care process as well as the strengthening of self-help groups. After the set up in the frame of the Austrian Development Cooperation the second project phase begins now in 2011. Project duration 2011-2013, Cost € 296,000 The projects in Belarus are also supported by the AutRC Regional branch of Lower Austria

Co-financed by: Medicor Foundation

Project duration 2010-2012, Cost € 60,000

Foto: Gregor Titze

32

GEORGIA

Georgia Austria Area in km² 69,700 83,871 Population (millions) 4,6 8,4 Rural population in % 47 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 75 19

Society

Languages Georgian Regional languages: Armenian, Russian, Azeri


Religions 83,9% Christians, 9,9% Muslims, 3,9% Gregorians, 0,8% Catholics


Health

Life expectancy 77,4 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 45 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 15 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 2,3 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % 0,1 0,3 Access to safe drinking water* in % 96 100 Access to sanitary facilities* in % 93 100


Literacy rates in % ~ 100 ~ 100 Economy

Main export products Nuts, gold, vehicles, fertilizer Machines, automotive industry, paper, metal, iron, chemicals, textiles

GNP/capita/year in USD 5,400 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 14,7 0 Unemployment in % 16,3 6,9 Inflation in % 2 3.2

AutRC project area: Tiflis, Bolnisi, Marneuli



33

GEORGIA Since Georgia´s independency in 1991 the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia also aspired statehood, which lead to armed conflicts over the status of the territories in 1992, in the course of which 200.000 ethnic Georgians fled from Abkhazia.The clashes escalated once again in 2008 after a military invasion by Georgia into the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali. As a result Russian troops occupied a region beyond the conflict area as far as to the seaport Poti off the eastern Black Sea. The Russian troops withdrew in October 2008, but the protracted negotiations still continue. The economy of Georgia was broke for a long time after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But since 2004 many reforms were initiated, which led to a substantial improvement in the economic situation. The war led to a slump which unsettled many investors temporarily. In recent years, extensive international aid led to internal stability. The Government is trying to prevent a recession, inter alia through investments in the tourism sector. However agriculture keeps ist central role in Georgia, since 55% of Georgians live on agriculture, the majority of them on subsistence farming. Agricultural production suffered heavily due to the loss of former main market of the Soviet Union and the economic sanctions imposed by Russia in 2006. Acting Together The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) supports the Georgian Red Cross since 2012 in a new bilateral cooperation in the development of regional and community-based organisations. The AutRC provides professional and technical support within the framework of a project for the development of the local Red Cross units. The objective is the strengthening of health and social measures

in the communities and the expansion of volunteer work. Young volunteers who should contribute to conflict resolution through peace education are the most important target group. The projects also aim to attract young people from different ethnic backgrounds as Red Cross volunteers and thereby contribute to the integration of national minorities.

To support the AutRC activities in the South Caucasus a project office in Tbilisi was set up mid April 2012 with for the time being one Austrian delegate. The delegate supported the ongoing projects and works mainly in the planning of a regional programme for disaster preparedness. Project duration Jun 2012-Jan 2015, Cost € 270,000 Co-financed by: Austrian Development Cooperation

http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende&p=DOKJAA&search=Abkhazia&trestr=0x401

http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende&p=DOKJAA&search=South&trestr=0x401

http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende&p=DOKJAA&search=Ossetia&trestr=0x401

http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende&p=DOKJAA&search=Abkhazia&trestr=0x401

http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende&p=DOKJAA&search=Tskhinvali&trestr=0x401

34

MACEDONIA

Macedonia Austria Area in km² 25,713 83,871 Population (millions) 2,1 8,4 Rural population in % 41 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 78 19

Society

Languages Macedonian Regional languages: Albanian, Turkish, Serbian


Religions 64,7% Orthodox, 33,3% Muslim 73,6% Catholic, 4,7% Protestant, 4,2% Muslim, 2,2% Orthodox, 0,1% Jew, 12% without religious denomination

Health

Life expectancy 75,4 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 25,46 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 8,3 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % ~5 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % n/s 0,3 Access to safe drinking water* in % 100 100 Access to sanitary facilities* in % 89 100



Main export products Iron, steel, tobacco, textiles Machines, automotive industry, paper, metal, iron, chemicals, textiles


AutRC project area: nationwide



35

MACEDONIA Macedonia is a mountainous landlocked country in the South of the Balkan peninsula and has about 2 million inhabitants. After the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the country is independent since 1991. Despite great progress Macedonia has a relatively low economic growth and high unemployment rates of around 30% when compared to other transition countries in the region of South-Eastern Europe. The ongoing tensions between the Albanian and the Macedonian population are another challenge. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) is working together since 2011 with the Red Cross Society of Macedonia in the field of home care and disaster preparedness. Home care Macedonia is increasingly confronted with an ageing society by increasing life expectancy, falling birth rates and the disintegration of traditional family structures. Mobile care offers and institutional support are hardly available and not affordable for many elder people. Against this background, the Austrian Red Cross and the Macedonian Red Cross have developed a project for the implementation of mobile services. In this project, mobile care teams who look after stand-alone and dependent elderly - both in medical and social terms - are set up in the municipalities of Kriva Palanka, Skopje and Veles. The teams consist of volunteer employees and professional caregivers who take care of 60 beneficients per community. Furthermore this project focuses on training courses and study tours for volunteers and

caregivers, as well as on coordination work with public authorities relating to the drawing up of national care standards. In addition, more awareness for the needs of older people will be created by means of fundraising campaigns and public relations. Project duration 2011-2014 Cost: € 220.000,-

Co-financed by: Austrian Development Cooperation

Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Within the framework of the regional EU project "South East European Forum on climate change adaptation" the topic of climate change adaptation is more integrated in the Macedonian Red Cross in the field of disaster preparedness. The projects in Macedonia are also supported by the AutRC- Regional branch of Burgenland

36

MONTENEGRO

Montenegro Austria Area in km² 13,812 83,871 Population (millions) 0,6 8,4 Rural population in % 40 32,2 UNDP Human Development Index 54 19

Society

Languages Serbian, Montenegrin Regional languages: Albanian


Religions 75% Serbian Orthodox, 15% Muslim, 3.5% Roman Catholic


Health

Life expectancy 74,0 80,4 Doctors per 10,000 inhabitants 19,86 37 Infant mortality per 1,000 babies 7 4 Child malnutrition (< 5 years) in % 9 0 Adults with HIV/AIDS in % no data 0.3 Access to safe drinking water in % 98 100 Access to sanitary facilities in % 92 100 Education

Literacy rates in % ~100 ~ 100 Economy

Main export products Steel, aluminium, agricultural products


GNP/capita/year in USD 13,086 35,719 % of the population living on < 1,25 USD/day 0 0 Unemployment in % 14,7 6,9 Inflation in % 3,4 3,2


AutRC project area: nationwide


37

MONTENEGRO Since 2006, Montenegro, in South-Eastern Europe, has once again been an independent state. The exploitation of rich natural resources, agriculture and tourism are the most important sectors of the economy. The growth of the last years has been radically slowed down by the finance crisis. Unemployment is high in many regions, around 12% of people, most of them elderly people and persons with disabilities, live in total poverty. Around 15,000 refugees from Kosovo, about a quarter of whom are Romanies, represent a particularly socially marginalised group. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) started to work in 2009 with the young Red Cross Society of Montenegro (MRC) in the key areas of disaster management, first aid and home care. Disaster Preparedness, Climate Change In the context of the long-term cooperation in the field of disaster preparedness a three-day refresher training for RK disaster workers was organized in 2011. In addition a national disaster exercise was held for the disaster response teams, where they had the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice. Contentwise the focal point is on raising awareness for the negative impacts of climate change. The topic of climate change adaptation is increasingly integrated into disaster preparedness, supported by the regional EU project "South East European Forum on climate change adaptation".

Project duration: 2011-2012 Cost: € 12,000

First aid First aid courses for novice drivers and the general public provide an important range of performance the Montenegrin Red Cross would like to extend. In close collaboration with the AutRC Training Centre and the Local Branch of Burgenland a manual and educational assistance for First Aid teachers were elaborated. A continuation of the project is currently being planned.

Project duration 2009-2012 Cost € 65,000

Home care In the particularly poor North of the country, a sustainable project to build up mobile care and visiting services was conducted in 2010-2011. This project can continue from 2012 onwards in three communities with the financial participation of the local authorities.

Trained mobile care teams, which are composed of volunteer staff and professional caregivers take care of a total of 180 single and dependent elderly.

Project duration 2012-2014 Cost € 330,000 The projects in Montenegro are co-financed by PORR and the AutRC regional branch of Burgenland

38

CROATIA, MACEDONIA, MONTENEGRO, SERBIA South East European Forum on Climate Change Adaption Due to its proximity to the population the Red Cross - together with other civil society organisations - makes an important contribution to cope with global challenges. NGOs from the Western Balkans are often not enough involved in political decision processes – particularly in view to a future EU accession. Thus civil society organisations have to be strenghtened not only in their further development as service providers but also in the field of advocacy. The Austrian Red Cross (AutRC) supports national Red Cross societies and civil societies in Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia in cooperation with the Red Cross Climate Centre in The Hague, the WWF, and the Austrian Economic Chamber. Objectives of the project are formation of national and regional networks, realization of climate risk analysis and training in communication and advocacy for the link between politics and practics.

Formation of networks in the fields of climate and disaster preparedness In all four countries Red Cross societies and civil society organisations (of humanitarian, social, economic and environmental areas) form national networks to find synergies in the fields of climate change adaption and disaster preparedness. The Red Cross brings its expertise in humanitarian consequences of climate change on health and new disaster scenarios into the networks.

Climate risk analysis With support of the Red Cross Climate Centre and the WWF the networks carry out climate risk analysis in their countries. The aim is to identify the major challenges, elaborate proposals for political solutions and communicate these to the major decision makers in the respective countries. Trainings in Communication In order to enter into a sustainable dialogue with their governments the networks are trained in communication strategies by external experts (a.o. from the Austrian Economic Chamber). Regional Forum on Climate Change Adaption Through the project a South East European Forum, which brings together relevant stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental fields, is initiated. In the future questions of climate change adaption and disaster preparedness shall regularly be discussed in this forum. Project duration 2011-20112 Cost € 753.000,-

This project is co-financed by the European Union and:

The Red Cross Societies of Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia



39

Contacts

IPP - International programmes and projects

Funktion Name e-mail Tel **43 1 58900 -

Head of Division International Aid

Max Santner

[email protected]

531

Head of Department Int. Programmes and Projects (IPP)

Annette Schneider

[email protected]

337

Teamleader Africa (IPP)

Barbara Busch [email protected] 536

Desk Officer Africa Elisabeth Cerny [email protected]

710

Desk Officer Kenia Walter Hajek [email protected] 702

Teamleader Asia (IPP) Michael Grabner [email protected] 704 Desk Officer Asia Gerlinde

Astleithner [email protected] 703

Desk Officer Haiti

Martha Wirtenberger

[email protected]

701

Teamleader Eastern Europe/Balkans (IPP)

Eduard Trampusch

[email protected] 537

Desk Officer Eastern Europe/ Balkan

Katarina Banicevic

[email protected] 709

Assistant Astrid Zelger [email protected] 333

Team Internationale Hilfe









programmes and projects - austrian red cross · the project in west arsi zone provides safe and...

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