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Venezuela

Activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Venezuela and Venezuelan Red Cross

The Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for Venezuela and the CARICOM States carries out its activities since the 1970s, following its principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. In 2000, the ICRC signed an agreement with the Venezuelan Government to formalize its presence and activities in the country; this agreement was approved by law on November 6, 2001.

The ICRC in Venezuela implements activities with the Venezuelan Red Cross (VRC), communities, academic sector, authorities, and other organizations, in addition to developing and maintaining a constructive humanitarian dialogue with different authorities.

Working with the National Society of the Red Cross The ICRC brings support to the Venezuelan Red Cross to increase their emergency response capacity, in situations arising from disasters, violence or other types of emergencies, thus improving their service to people and communities affected by these situations.

In addition, ICRC supports the Red Cross health brigades on the border with Colombia and works together with Venezuelan Red Cross to provide first aid training to communities affected by violence.

Throughout the demonstrations between April and July, ICRC supported the Venezuelan Red Cross to bring first aid assistance with, for example, resources for volunteer transfers, water for distribution, basic surgical supplies, among others.

Venezuelan Red Cross Activities

The Venezuelan Red Cross (VRC) provides first aid services and other health care services in its hospitals.

It also works helping in other type of emergencies, sometimes in support to Civil Protection and other institutions in charge. Venezuelan Red Cross also works in Community Development, water and sanitation, community disaster prevention and health prevention.

During the demonstrations, the Red Cross, by the end of July, was able to assist 1005 people in total.
Their respect for the principle of impartiality allowed them to bring first aid assistance to 19 members of the Armed and Security Forces. Also, VRC transferred 51 patients to different health centers and donated surgical material for emergency services to 24 hospitals in the country. In addition, drinking water was provided to demonstrators and members of the security forces.

Working with Communities

ICRC is working with communities affected by violence, facilitating access to health care through community first aid workshops and programs of safe behaviors to prevent accidents and injuries when situations such as shootings, street fighting, etc. occur.

These programs are developed in schools with the participation of teachers, students, parents and community leaders.

Working with authorities, academic and health personnel With Venezuelan authorities, the ICRC:  Implements activities to reinforce the integration and respect of International Humanitarian Law and the rules of Use of Force with Armed Forces.

  • Gives and supports trainings for health personnel in Surgery for People Injured by Firearms and Explosives.

  • Promotes the respect of Health Services Cross emblem