#10, Jun-Jul 2012 Saving lives, changing minds

Наҷоти ҳаётҳо, тағйири нигоҳҳо

TAJIKISTAN RED CRESCENT’S NEWSLETTER

Supported by IFRC Country Representation in Tajikistan

Dozens are reported to have died in fighting that broke out after the government moved forces to Khorugh city following the

July 21 assassination of General Abdullo Nazarov, a regional head of the State Committee for National Security. On July 24,

2012 Tajik government forces have launched a military operation targeting a group suspected of involvement in the killing of

General Nazarov. There are contradictory reports about the number of killed civilians and fighters - the media give the number

of 18 soldiers and 30 militants killed in fighting and some sources reports that at least 20 civilians were killed either.

On July 25, 2012 a ceasefire was announced and the sides reached an agreement that only those who are accused for the assassi-

nation of General Nazarov will be persecuted and other members of armed groups will be amnestied. The armed groups start-

ed to lay down the weapons, in return the governmental forces will be withdrawn from the city. Now, the roads are open and

the phone lines have been partially unblocked. The stores, the central bazaar, as well as the banks are open. Trucks with food

were allowed to enter the city. Monday, July 30, 2012 was announced as a working day. The life is getting normalized in the

city.

The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan supported by IFRC Country Representation is active in the place of events from the be-

ginning supporting people in need. The National Society was only organization which got the official permission from the Gov-

ernment to start activities in affected area. The next day after the operation RCST Secretary General visited the central hospital

in Khorugh city and met with the head doctor of the hospital, as well as with the deputy head of the province to discuss the

needs of vulnerable population. Mr. Zafar Muhabbatov, RCST Secretary General says “our branches in Khorugh, Roshtqal’a and

Shugnon have mobilized their staff and volunteers to respond to the needs of affected population. First aid and hygiene kits were distributed

among population. Our trained staff and volunteers provided first aid and psychosocial support to more than 170 people. As well as 8 house-

holds were provided with shelter and non-food items”.

The IFRC Country Representation initiated special RC/RC coordination meetings to discuss the situation, the needs of popula-

tion and the actions to be planned. The provision of humanitarian assistance was the topic of intensive discussions with other

international organizations and the governmental agencies too. Mr. Eric Michel-Sellier, IFRC Country Representative in Tajiki-

stan says “efforts were put to coordinate the actions of all international and governmental actors for the assistance to the affected population

from the very beginning. The coordinated actions will increase the effectiveness of the assistance”.

Joint detailed assessment by the RCST, governmental Emergency Commission, Focus Humanitarian Aid, WFP and GIZ is un-

derway. IFRC supports RCST from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in delivering basic supplementary food parcels,

hygiene kits and provision of psychosocial support to people affected from the latest events in Khorugh. Within this DREF, the

Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan intends to provide food support and disseminate hygiene kits to 1,620 families (9,720 benefi-

ciaries) to cope with consequences of the events, as well as to render psychosocial support for some 7,000 people in Khorugh

city, Roshtqal’a and Porshnev districts and Tem village shocked and stressed in the result of events. RCST will focus on the

affected population, women and children, invalids and resident of elderly houses, displaced people, as well as hospitals. 1 kit

for war wounded (for 50 people) and 522 bed –linen sets were delivered from Dushanbe to Khorugh with ICRC support. The

local officials expressed their readiness to mobilize human resources to assist the Red Crescent, to escort trucks and cars, as well

as to ensure the security to the RC staff and volunteers.

The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a fund set up by the International Federation of Red Cross

and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red

Cross/Red Crescent emergency response to disasters.

RED CRESCENT IN ACTION IN BADAKHSHAN

RCST SUPPORTS AFGHAN RED CRESCENT TO BE PREPARED FOR DISASTERS

The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan will support the Red Crescent Society of Af-

ghanistan to strengthen its capacity building in the fields of disaster preparedness

and disaster relief, first aid, and others, especially along the borders between two

countries.

An agreement on friendly cooperation between the Red Crescent Society of Tajiki-

stan and the Red Crescent Society of Afghanistan was signed on 07 June 2012 in

Kabul, the capital of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The agreement was signed by

Mr. Naim Dindar, Secretary General of the Afghan Red Crescent Society and Mr.

Zafar Muhabbatov, Tajikistan Red Crescent Secretary General.

The purpose of this Friendly Agreement is to further develop and enhance the cooperation between both Red Crescent socie-

ties. The parties agreed to cooperate and coordinate their activities in the following fields:

Mr. Eric Michel-Sellier, IFRC Country Representative in Tajikistan says, “The signed agreement is the start point of cooperation be-

tween both National Societies. Under this agreement the both national societies will ensure the regular exchange of information and views

to strengthen coordination and mutual support; enhance mutual understanding and study through the personnel exchanges and visit. One

of the important points under this agreement is that that Tajikistan Red Crescent will support our Afghan counterparts to strengthen the

capacity building in the fields of disaster preparedness and disaster relief, first aid, and oth-

ers, especially along the borders between two countries”.

The parties agreed that according to the needs of the Afghan Red Crescent, the Tajik

Red Crescent will seek resources from the government and donors to provide hu-

manitarian assistance equipment; material and as well as training within its capaci-

ty.

The agreement was signed during the official visit of Tajikistan delegation to the

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The delegation was composed of the RCST Secre-

tary General and IFRC Country Representative in Tajikistan.

Information Exchange and Mutual Support;

Bilateral Exchanges and Communication;

Improvement of the Capacity Building;

Humanitarian Equipment/Material Assistance;

Explore the Possibilities on Cooperative Program.

KULOB CITY OFFICIALS WILL FINANCE LOCAL RCST BRANCH

For the first time in the history of the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan a branch of

this organization will be fully financed by the local officials. Kulob city council

adopted a decree on June 19, 2012 to assist in establishment of the RCST city branch

in Kulob and to include the full financing of the local branch of the Red Crescent

into the city budget. Kulob city branch will be the newest local branch of the Red

Crescent Society of Tajikistan.

Mr. Zayniddin Olimov, RCST head of Kulob regional branch says he was able to

convince the local officials to assist the local branch of the Red Crescent using the

special law on “the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan” adopted two years ago. And

this is the first experience of receiving full financial assistance – salary for the em-

ployees, administrative and office spending, and etc. from the local officials.

According to Mr. Olimov, the city officials promised to allocate an office for the city branch. He says they now are working on

recruiting staff for the new branch, establishing a volunteer group and training them.

Mr. Olimov says, the city officials promised to allocate financial support for the city branch in 2013 year too. Taking this experi-

ence into consideration the local officials of Farkhor, Shurobod and Muminobod districts of Kulob region of Khatlon province

also expressed about their interest in supporting already existing branches of the Red Crescent.

TAJIK RED CRESCENT’S HISTORICAL INTERNATIONAL CAMP

For the first time in its recent history the

Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan initiat-

ed and organized an international youth

camp within the country. A group of

young volunteers from the Red Crescent

Society of Iran joined their Tajik age-

mates to share the knowledge and expe-

rience, as well as to have some rest in the

summer camp organized in amazing and

naturally beautiful place Varzob, 15 kilo-

meters from Dushanbe, from 14th July

2012 to 21th July 2012. 60 active young

volunteers from both societies had an

opportunity to mix the exchange the

skills with delight from the shines of al-

ways-smiling sun in RCST camp located

among the sky scarpering mountains and

in a beach of fabulous river.

Volunteers from both societies have im-

plemented in practice their best perfor-

mances, trainings and shared experienc-

es. During practical sessions the discus-

sions covered almost all topics of the ac-

tivity, including the provision of first aid

and psychological support, as well as the

disaster preparedness. During the pro-

gram, volunteers organized and played

variety types of sport competitions such

as: mini-football, volleyball and running,

also they have conducted cultural, danc-

ing and singing performances.

This specific program have been pro-

posed by Tajikistan Red Crescent and

supported by Iranian Red Crescent Socie-

ty. During this well-organized skill-share

program volunteers from both sides ex-

cited and had exchange experience op-

portunity to share with each other their

best knowledge and skills. Looking to

their active participation during all the

practical sessions, involvement and wish

to learn best practices from each other

you could see their expectations com-

pletely fulfilled. Also representatives

from both national societies were active-

ly involved into the program; they were

giving interviews about the program ac-

tivities, implemented projects and future

cooperation within their respective na-

tional societies. Ali Nezhad, a volunteer

of the Iranian Red Crescent: “We all are

very happy with the opportunity to gather in

this great venue, where we show our skills

and experiences in different programs, such

as disaster response management, first aid

and psychosocial support provision, as well

as the importance of volunteering, its value

for the movement and the youth impact

through emergency situations at all times”.

The Iranian Ambassador to Tajikistan

Mr. Aliasghar She’rdost noted that

“several months ago representatives from

both societies had come to me and we dis-

cussed the theme of organization of this

camp. That time I could hardly believe that

this program would be conducted in nearest

months, but, now I see the result of the sin-

cere efforts and hard work of both societies”.

The volunteers had an opportunity to

ask questions related to youth program,

and future development within the

youth section, youth policy and their

involvement into the movement to the

representatives of both national societies.

Mr. Zafar Muhabbatov, the Secretary

General of the Tajik Red Crescent, thank-

ing the volunteers for all they done and

do for the people in need from their

heart, said, promised to put more efforts

in the way of building more bridges for

the volunteers. He said: “I am very glad to

see Iranian volunteers in the t-shirts and

caps of Tajik Red Crescent and Tajik volun-

teers in the t-shirts and caps of Iranian Red

Crescent. This means the solidarity and the

commitment to the Movement principles”.

The Red Crescent Society of Iran has ex-

tensive and close collaborations with

RCST. The Iranian Red Crescent runs a

charity hospital for elderly and invalids

in Dushanbe city, as well as frequently

organize charity actions to assist people

in need in Dushanbe city with food and

medicines. From the latest charity actions

of the Iranian Red Crescent is the dissem-

ination of flour, oil, rice and sugar to 30

vulnerable families in Varzob district.

The volunteers of both sides were active-

ly involved in distribution process, as

well as they have performed scenes on

their skills in the first aid provision to

the local population.

RCST youth program supported by IFRC

Country Representation keeps progress

in its activities, improving volunteer’s

capacity, developing volunteer’s

knowledge management and program

cooperation with youth committees, sis-

ter national societies, at all levels.

The extended meeting of the Central Board of RCST was held on July 18, 2012 in

Qurghonteppa city. The Board members, RCST staff and volunteers, as well as

partners’ representatives participated in the meeting. The successes and chal-

lenges in the first part of 2011, as well as the planned activities for the second six

-months of the current year, as well as the activities of Khatlon province branch-

es were discussed in the meeting. The Board also were interested in the imple-

mentation of its earlier decision on “the monitoring of implementation process

of the Program on Primary Organizational Development”, which is supported

by Finnish Red Cross. The regulations on “Security rules for staff, members and volunteers of RCST”; the Code of Conduct; the

case study of Kulob branch receiving financial support from the local government were also the topics covered in the meeting.

RCST CENTRAL BOARD’S FIELD MEETING

Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Monthly Newsletter #10, June-July 2012

Circulation: 90 120, Umar Khayyom str., Dushanbe, 734017. Republic of Tajikistan

Tel.: (+992 37) 2240374; 2240033; 2244296 Tel/Fax: (+992 37) 224 4433; 224 8520

E-mail: abdulfattoh@inbox.ru

Web-home: www.tajikistanrc.wordpress.com

On 13 May 2012, a 5.7 Richter scale earthquake struck Rasht

valley in the eastern part of Tajikistan. The earthquake affected

at least 33 villages in the three districts of Nurobod, Rasht and

Tavildara, claiming lives, and affecting more than 2,531 people.

According to preliminary information, some 86 houses were

destroyed and 276 damaged.

A rock fall occurred immediately after the earthquake. It

blocked and destroyed the highway connecting the eastern part

of the country cutting off some 114 families for a number of

days. \

The European Commission is providing 80 000 EUR to bring

relief to the over 3,300 victims. This aid will be used for non-

food items such as blankets, mattresses and kitchen sets, as well

as psychosocial support and will be channelled through the

Tajikistan Red Crescent which operates using the funding of

The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) from the Interna-

tional Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

(IFRC).

The European Commission has signed a €3 million humanitari-

an contribution agreement with the International Federation of

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the

Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF). Funds

from the DREF are mainly allocated to “small-scale” disasters –

those that do not give rise to a formal international appeal.

The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund was established in 1985

and is supported by contributions from donors. Each time a

National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society needs immediate

financial support to respond to a disaster, it can request funds

from the DREF. For small-scale disasters, the IFRC allocates

grants from the Fund, which can then be replenished by the

donors. The contribution agreement between the IFRC and the

European Commission enables the latter to replenish the DREF

for agreed operations (that fit in with its humanitarian man-

date) up to a total of €2 million. (source: the official press release of

the delegation of EU in Tajikistan)

80,000 EUROS FOR VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE TAJIK SURGEONS DISCUSSED WEAPON WOUNDS

On June 28, the International Committee of the Red Cross

(ICRC) launched a three-day seminar bringing together 37

surgeons-practitioners from hospitals located in the areas

potentially prone to emergency situations or contaminated

by mines and unexploded ordnances (UXO), the ICRC Office

in Tajikistan reported.

Surgeons from Khatlon, Badakhshon and Sughd provinces,

as well as from the Direct Rule Districts, representatives of

the Ministries of Health, Defense, Justice, Internal Affairs,

Committees for Emergency Situations and for National Secu-

rity participated in the event.

The seminar was facilitated by two ICRC senior surgeons

with impressive experience and served as a platform for ex-

changing experiences and best practices. It was also an op-

portunity for Tajikistan’s Red Crescent Society (RCS) to share

its experience of providing first aid in emergencies.

“This seminar focused on surgery for people injured by weapons,

together with the management of mass casualties,” explained Val-

ery Sasin, ICRC senior surgeon. “Surgeons need to be well-

prepared to respond to all kinds of emergencies, through familiarity

with tried and tested techniques that can save lives and limit the

long-term consequences of injuries. The ICRC has gained interna-

tional recognition in the surgical management of emergency-

related trauma and seeks to share this knowledge with medical cir-

cles all over the world.”

This event, organized by the ICRC with the support of the

Ministry of Health, followed a previous seminar, held in

2011, which brought together 50 surgeons from different Ta-

jik ministries and agencies. This year, three surgeons from

Kazakhstan have joined their Tajik colleagues.

The ICRC has been working in Tajikistan since 1992 and car-

ried out a major humanitarian operation during the 1992-

1997 civil war. More recently, the organization has support-

ed the mine risk education program and other activities of

the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan. In 2012, the ICRC has

launched a project to provide micro-economic grants to most

vulnerable mine victims and their families. The ICRC,

through its Special Fund for Disabled also supports the Du-

shanbe orthopedic centre, which provides physical rehabili-

tation services for mine victims and other disabled peo-

ple. In addition, the organization promotes international

humanitarian law in the country.