Tánaiste and Minister Richmond announce funding of €17.9 million to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, today announced €17.9 million in Irish Aid funding to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to support urgent humanitarian assistance around the world.

This funding will support the Movement’s humanitarian work including providing life-saving assistance to people affected by conflict and disaster, reuniting families separated by conflict and promoting international humanitarian law. It will also support locally led resilience to disasters and to the impacts of climate change.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

This new funding will bring Ireland’s humanitarian funding towards the Movement to almost €21 million in 2025, following a contribution of €3 million in April to the IFRC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal.

Announcing the funding, the Tánaiste said:

“The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement provides a lifeline to people affected by humanitarian crisis around the world. From providing life-saving assistance in conflict and disaster zones to fostering a culture of compliance with international humanitarian law, we know that we can rely on the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to deliver. This funding from Ireland will support the Movement in its work to bring assistance, protection and hope to people facing crisis around the world.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond said:

“Armed conflict and other violence is exacting a horrific toll on people’s lives, while the number of disasters and climate-related shocks continues to increase. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement plays a vital role in delivering assistance and support to people who need it most. They act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs of the furthest behind and to build community and climate resilience In a world of increasingly complex humanitarian challenges, I am proud that Ireland continues to provide the Movement with robust, consistent and principled support.”

The package of €17.9 million consists of €12 million in core funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and €5.9 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which breaks down as €2 million in core funding to the IFRC, €2.5 million in support of the IFRC Global Climate Resilience Platform (GCRP) and €1.4 million to support the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).

ENDS

Press Office

6 June 2025