Christopher Rassi

@ifrc Chief of Staff and Under Secretary General, People and Strategy. Previously in South East Asia. Formerly @UN. Tweets are my own. Retweets not endorsement.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Resilience begins long before disaster strikes.

Across the world, communities are already feeling the impacts of a changing climate. From prolonged drought in north-eastern Uganda to floods, cyclones and extreme heat elsewhere, the effects of El Niño can quickly turn existing vulnerabilities into humanitarian crises.

That is why investing in preparedness and anticipatory action is so important. By acting on early warnings, our @IFRC network teams can help communities protect lives, livelihoods and essential resources before disasters escalate.

This story highlights how local action, supported by global solidarity, is strengthening resilience where it matters most. https://t.co/pwDu51UdXR

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Strong solidarity in Brussels today: localization of aid must not become localization of risk.

Thank you Ireland @Ireland2026eu and the European Commission @eu_echo for hosting this International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Too many Red Cross and Red Crescent jackets have become shrouds.

In Brussels today, I joined leaders from across the humanitarian sector, including colleagues from many National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the @ICRC, for a high-level panel discussion at the International Conference on the Protection of Humanitarian Aid Workers, hosted by the European Commission @EU_ECHO and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU @Ireland2026eu.

I shared a simple message: humanitarian workers need more than our gratitude. They need protection.

Respect the law. Invest in trust. Ensure accountability.

So far this year, 22 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff have been killed while helping others. Most were local responders serving their own communities and carrying the greatest risks.

Let’s turn commitments into action. We owe that to all those who have lost their lives while helping others.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Important to be in Nairobi with #RedCross #RedCrescent colleagues throughout @IFRCAfrica. Social safeguards are about trust. Trust must be earned, protected and demonstrated through leadership, culture and accountability. Thank you for your commitment to making this a reality.

[IFRC Africa @IFRCAfrica]

A milestone for humanitarian action across Africa!

Today, we officially launched the IFRC Africa Regional Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI) and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) Strategy 2026–2030.

The launch brought together Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, IFRC leadership and humanitarian partners, with a shared message: safeguarding must go beyond policies.

It must be part of how we lead, work and serve communities every day. Discussions emphasized the importance of strong leadership, shared responsibility and building a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and included.

Together, we are working towards humanitarian action that is safe, dignified, inclusive and accountable to the communities we serve.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

I'm in Nepal and have just visited Nuwakot where I saw the devastating impact of the recent disaster. Homes, schools and livelihoods have been severely affected.

I also met someone I call a hero: headmaster Mr Dawadi. Drawing on Red Cross preparedness training, he evacuated 900 children, teachers and staff in less than nine minutes. His school was destroyed, but every life was saved.

This is why we must continue investing in preparedness. It saves lives and livelihoods and helps communities recover.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

A productive week at #UNGA81.

Different rooms, different partners, but the same conclusion: investing in preparedness, trust and local leadership before crises strike saves lives, protects livelihoods and strengthens resilience.

From climate adaptation and pandemic preparedness to migration, humanitarian financing and the protection of humanitarian personnel, the message was clear: local action works.

Now we must turn commitments into action. I leave New York convinced that advancing the proposed Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters is one of the most important gaps we can still close together.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

I was proud to give the closing remarks marking one year since the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel. Local humanitarian workers continue to bear the greatest risks with the least protection.

With high expectations on IFRC as host of the secretariat for this initiative, what matters now is turning words into action: upholding International Humanitarian Law, securing safe and unhindered access, investing in duty of care, and ensuring accountability as a systematic practice.

Protection must exist on the ground, not just on paper. #UNGA81

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Early action makes early warning work.

Today, I delivered opening remarks alongside the COP31 President @murat_kurum and joined the Hope, Humanity and Progress leadership dialogue at the Climate Action Summit hosted by the IFRC and the @RCClimate.

I shared how preparedness helped a headteacher in Nepal lead 900 children to safety before floods destroyed their school.

Warnings alone do not save lives. Communities must be prepared, empowered and resourced to act.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Extreme heat. Flash floods. Growing risks.

Climate action starts in communities.

Join us online on 16 September for the Climate Action Summit, bringing together global leaders and local voices to move beyond discussion and focus on action. @ifrc
https://t.co/pN4xu7Jegf

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Productive discussions in Doha with @qatar_fund Director General HE Fahad Al-Sulaiti on strategic collaboration with @ifrc and @QRCS in critical humanitarian contexts to respond to urgent needs and invest in preparedness. We look forward to further developing our partnership.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

I am grateful for the warm welcome and engaging discussion with acting SG @abdullalqatan and his leadership team on shared humanitarian priorities and how @ifrc and @QRCS can strengthen our collaboration in critical areas globally in the coming months to better serve communities.

[Qatar Red Crescent | الهلال الأحمر القطري @QRCS]

Acting Secretary-General @abdullalqatan received Mr. Christopher Rassi, Under Secretary-General of @ifrc , to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise, contributing to the advancement of humanitarian work and the strengthening of institutional capacities.

[IFRC @ifrc]

Disasters leave no time to negotiate how help arrives.

As devastating floods in Nepal show, damaged infrastructure and difficult access can make reaching people in need an immense challenge.

If these things can be defined before a disaster happens, governments and humanitarian organizations can focus on the response. -@jagan_chapagain, @IFRC Secretary General

That is why the IFRC is calling for Earth’s Missing Treaty: a global disaster treaty to strengthen preparedness, protect people most at risk and establish clear rules for humanitarian assistance to cross borders.

We must act before the next disaster strikes.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Today, we unite our global voice and call for the protection our communities deserve: @IFRC is launching a global campaign for the Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters.

The more we know what's missing, the harder it is to ignore.

https://t.co/ZC7jMwNEgX

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

This is a marathon of response, not a sprint. Every hour counts.

Several days into the devastating floods in Nepal, this disaster continues to unfold with heartbreaking intensity.

Search and rescue operations remain critical as teams expand efforts across multiple districts while the death toll rises and thousands remain missing. Supporting families who have lost loved ones and ensuring dignified burials are among the most urgent needs at this time.

With @IFRC support, @NepalRedCross staff and volunteers continue to provide vital assistance despite extremely challenging conditions. Communities urgently need shelter, food, clean water, medical care and psychosocial support.

Water levels in the Bhotekoshi River have surged again, prompting fresh alerts for communities downstream. Entire settlements along the Trishuli corridor remain buried or swept away, while responders continue to navigate destroyed roads, unstable terrain and the ongoing impacts of the glacial collapse.

We call on the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal and support the IFRC Emergency Appeal.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

The @IFRC network response is rapidly scaling up following the devastating flash floods that struck northern Nepal.

Our immediate priority is to assess affected communities and the extent of damage to homes and infrastructure so we can better understand needs and deliver assistance where it is needed most. Many families are believed to have lost their homes, making emergency shelter an urgent priority. People also need safe drinking water, basic relief items, first aid and health support.

Nepal Red Cross teams are on the ground providing first aid, emergency shelter, safe water and essential relief supplies.

To support both the immediate response and longer-term recovery, the IFRC has launched a CHF 25 million emergency appeal. https://t.co/erJ9X6RtM8

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

The @NepalRedCross is on the ground delivering clean water, shelter, first aid and emergency supplies following the devastating floods.

To support the response, the @IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal for CHF 25 million. Urgent support is needed. https://t.co/X93ffUL6rC

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Nepal has been struck by a terrible flooding disaster, with massive flash floods causing devastation across Rasuwa and other districts downstream.

In response, IFRC announces release of emergency funds totalling CHF 997,000 from @IFRC_DREF to reinforce Nepal Red Cross Society’s operations giving teams rapid access to life‑saving resources.

This rapid mobilisation is possible thanks to our @IFRC‑DREF donors, whose support enables us to act quickly and decisively when disasters strike.

The scale of destruction is severe: homes swept away, roads and bridges damaged, and critical infrastructure disrupted. The humanitarian impacts are significant and still unfolding. @NepalRedCross volunteers are already responding, delivering initial assistance, deploying additional teams, and working tirelessly to assess needs and support affected communities.

My thoughts, solidarity, and full support are with all those affected, and with the volunteers responding under extremely challenging conditions.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

On #WorldHumanitarianDay, we honour the people behind humanitarian action, everywhere.

This year alone, 21 members of the @ifrc network have lost their lives while carrying out their humanitarian work. Every one of those deaths is unacceptable.

Humanitarians must be protected.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

A powerful earthquake struck Flores, Indonesia this morning, causing casualties, damage and fear across several communities. My thoughts are with all families affected and with those who lost loved ones.

Indonesia Red Cross (PMI) volunteers are already supporting evacuations, first aid and coordination with local authorities as aftershocks continue. Their courage in these first critical hours reminds us once again that humanitarian action begins locally — with volunteers who step forward even as the ground is still shaking.

IFRC is closely monitoring the situation and will work with PMI as needs become clearer. In moments like this, solidarity matters. We will work together to ensure people receive the help, protection and comfort they need.

Gratitude to all responders on the ground. Humanity is strongest when we act together.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

The @IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal to scale up support for the Colombian Red Cross following the devastating earthquake. We are mobilizing support across our network to deliver life-saving assistance. https://t.co/zzWcWWjhWX