The headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on June 8 said it was discussing with the Swiss Government and other major organizations about funding for the operating budget.
Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said: "I hope countries, especially the major donors, respond to our call and support us."
Earlier this year, the ICRC announced it had to reduce its budget from 2,84 to 2,4 billion Swiss francs ($2,64 billion), as well as cut 1.800 out of 22.700 jobs.
Along with that, financial difficulties forced this organization to close 26 offices around the world, while some other offices were downsized. These are considered unprecedented moves for the 160-year-old organization and its headquarters in Geneva.
Despite the ICRC's efforts, the organization is facing a funding shortfall of up to 400 million Swiss francs (about $444 million).
Mirjana Spoljaric added: “I have been in discussions with major donor countries, such as the US, Germany, Switzerland, the European Union and the UK. Of course, we expect the most from Switzerland. History has repeatedly witnessed their support for us. Not to mention, it also affects other donor countries.”
Meanwhile, the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung reported that a loan worth 200 million francs (about 222 million USD) for the COVID-19 epidemic to the ICRC is under discussion.
Recently, like many other organizations in the field of humanitarian assistance, ICRC has been affected by rising costs due to inflation of food and commodity prices, as well as less funding from countries. Not to mention, conflicts in many parts of the world, along with climate change have raised many problems.
In 2013, the world had about 140 million people in need of assistance. Now, 10 years later, that number has reached 340 million. That means the ICRC's budget needs to double.
With the current situation, Ms. Spoljaric affirmed that ICRC will redefine its development strategy in the next 4 years.
“We will focus on activities where the organization can make the most impact and help the most people,” she said.
