New Zealand: Red Cross is making a call on early warning, early action for disasters

Thirty four per cent of the world’s natural disasters occurred in the Asia Pacific region in 2011 including the Christchurch earthquakes, the worst floods in living memory in Australia and a triple disaster impacting Japan.

The Secretary General of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is in Wellington to talk about the importance and need for early warning and disaster preparedness in the Pacific, New Zealand and Africa.

Bekele Geleta is here as a guest of Government to meet with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Civil Defence on humanitarian activities and issues facing the Pacific Islands, including analysis of development and humanitarian issues in the region.

He will also discuss the joint commitments made between the New Zealand Government and Red Cross at the 2011 International Conference in Geneva, which focused on strengthening disaster preparedness in the Pacific, international humanitarian law and the protection of healthcare workers during conflict.

New Zealand Red Cross Chief Executive John Ware says it is the first time Mr Geleta is visiting the Pacific since becoming secretary general in 2008.

“It is an honour to host such a dignitary here in New Zealand,” Mr Ware says. “Mr Geleta is garnering insight and a deeper understanding of the Pacific and the unique challenges that Pacific national societies face.”

Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies responded to 134 of the 136 natural disasters in 2011 supporting some 5.5 million people, an increase of nine per cent over eight years.

“Due to their location in the Pacific Ocean, along the Pacific Ring of Fire, most countries in the region are vulnerable to a range of natural hazards,” Mr Geleta says.

“Climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding, drought and cyclones. Climate change is a clear threat to development gains in the Pacific.”

Having worked with vulnerable populations for more than 20 years, Mr Geleta has extensive experience in policy advice, management and administration in humanitarian organisations. However, it is his first-hand knowledge – having been a political prisoner and refugee himself – that helps him truly understand the people served by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Mr Bekele is in New Zealand for one day.

For more information contact New Zealand Red Cross Communications Manager Justine Turner on 04 495 0137 or 027 296 96 87