ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Published purpose

March 2015 – Latin America and Caribbean countries continue to experience strong economic growth and to implement social programs that help reduce poverty and inequality. Nonetheless, the region remains highly disaster prone and exposed to epidemics. Certain parts of the region are also affected by increasing violence as a result of organized armed groups and gangs. This leads to forced displacement, confinement, limited access to basic services and shrinking humanitarian access in some areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC) primary mission is to help protect the lives and dignity of people affected by conflict and other situations of violence. The ICRC provides assistance and prevents further suffering by promoting and strengthening international humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. With the support of DFATD and other donors, ICRC provides protection and assistance to people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Project activities include: (1) providing safe water, sanitation facilities and shelter; (2) providing health care; (3) providing livelihoods support and vocational training; and (4) increasing protection and promoting respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law.