International aid
The Finnish Red Cross is the most prominent Finnish non-governmental organisation offering humanitarian aid and one of the key organisations carrying out development cooperation.
We help people survive disasters and build healthy and safe communities around the world.
Our aid from Finland to the world is either monetary support or material or personal aid.
The aid of the Red Cross is always neutral, impartial and independent.
Read more below about the humanitarian aid, development cooperation and disaster preparedness units of the Finnish Red Cross and how to become a relief worker.
Disaster types
Climate change is the most significant global challenge of our time, threatening our health and increasing disasters. The humanitarian impacts of climate change are expected to intensify rapidly.
Wars cause destruction and insecurity and force people to leave their homes. Today’s wars are increasingly complicated and can involve many factions.
A drought is an extended period of little to no rain. Droughts have become longer and more frequent in many areas due to climate change.
At their worst, tropical cyclones can cause deaths, injuries and considerable material damage. Climate change is making them increasingly powerful.
Food insecurity refers to people not having enough food, them being unable to access food, or the food being of low quality. Famine is a precisely defined catastrophe.
Infectious diseases kill a huge number of people every year. Epidemics are the most difficult to beat in countries with poor living conditions and healthcare systems.
The Red Cross helps people prepare for earthquakes and offers emergency aid when an earthquake hits.
A tsunami means a series of waves generated by strong movement of the sea floor that can cause immense damage. The Red Cross offers emergency aid, helps with rebuilding and develops the disaster preparedness of communities.
Floods are among the most common natural disasters. They cause significant damage. The Red Cross offers emergency aid, supports rebuilding and helps communities prepare for floods.
Volcanic eruptions drive people away from their homes and damage farmland. The Red Cross helps in search and rescue operations and offers emergency aid.