Description of project

In evaluating the International Community’s funding of the tsunami relief and recovery operation, assessing the funds channelled by the Red Cross Red Crescent movement was key. Coming from both private and governmental sources, these represent close to a third of overall funds channelled.

The Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement raised close to 2 billion dollars in tsunami disaster relief and reconstruction funds. Over 90 National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies contributed to the International Federation’s (IFRC) appeal. The IFRC acted as the umbrella organisation coordinating activities and support channelled through the national societies. More than 30 National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies were directly involved in relief and recovery operations. The ICRC, for its part, coordinated activities in those areas where it has a stronger presence prior to the disaster: the province of Aceh, disaster affected north and north-eastern Sri Lanka, and Somalia.

The focus of the study was placed on tracing and documenting the amounts received from the general public and donor state agencies by Partner National Societies, the Federation, the ICRC and Local National Societies (i.e. the Sri Lankan Red Cross, etc.) and how these were channelled and implemented. Key questions included the timeliness and flexibility of funding, whether operations were supply driven and how the Red Cross at all levels managed the flow of funds.

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