Canadian Red Cross

Published purpose

In 2005, the humanitarian community undertook an independent review to assess the humanitarian response capacities of humanitarian actors such United Nations agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, and non-governmental organizations. One of the challenges identified by the review was the low level of preparedness for rapid response, especially in terms of qualified and easily deployable humanitarian experts. The Global Rapid Response Project works to help enhance the timeliness, reliability, and effectiveness of international responses to humanitarian crises. CIDA's contribution to the project helps to support the rapid deployment of Canadian experts to disaster-affected areas, in order to help United Nations organizations, such as UNICEF and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, respond to the needs of affected populations. In addition, CIDA's contribution is helping to maintain stockpiles of emergency relief supplies that can be rapidly delivered and distributed to disaster-affected populations by trusted humanitarian partners.