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.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Today is Heat Action Day, a global day initiated by the @IFRC, for raising awareness of heat risks.

Action on extreme heat is a priority for the @IFRC network. By 2030, we seek to protect 100 million people from heat.

Together, let us join our forces to beat the heat.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Building trust is essential to stopping the outbreak.

Every visit matters. Every conversation matters. Every volunteer matters.

The @IFRC has launched an emergency appeal to support the DRC Red Cross @Croix_Rouge_RDC in delivering life-saving assistance.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

As Uganda responds to a confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, the @IFRC has released funds from its @IFRC_DREF to support the Red Cross response on the ground and help contain the spread.

Alongside health authorities, @UgandaRedCross teams are driving localized efforts, including risk communication and community engagement, surveillance support, and safe and dignified burials (SDB).

Thank you to our IFRC-DREF donors who enable us to get people and cash to disasters – fast.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Thanks to Reuters for this piece highlighting how the IFRC network is supporting communities at the centre of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where building trust is essential.

Supported by the @IFRC, Red Cross volunteers are going door to door to share trusted health information, counter misinformation, and encourage early care-seeking, critical work that helps reduce the spread of Ebola. https://t.co/CdyI4wOgIW

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

The @IFRC is scaling up its Ebola response across DR Congo, Uganda and neighbouring countries, launching a CHF 29M regional emergency appeal. With IFRC support, Red Cross teams are on the ground working with communities and the coming days are critical. 👉https://t.co/fkaTuwl5pC

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

The latest outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a serious concern.

With the existing emergency appeal the @IFRC is actively supporting the local response of the DRC Red Cross to strengthen safe and dignified burials, and risk communication and community engagement, while mobilising volunteers to counter misinformation and strengthen community trust.

At the same time, Safe and Dignified Burial (SDB) kits are on the way to Ituri via the Entebbe corridor from IFRC logistics hub in Dubai. Additional kits are being mobilized from Kinshasa to the affected area, together with vehicles and additional quantities of personal protective equipment.

We have also deployed experienced experts to complement the national efforts.

We are using the approach that has worked so successfully in previous outbreaks: “as local as possible, as international as necessary.”

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

A new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Ituri Province, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with hundreds  of suspected cases reported and over suspected 80 deaths. A case has also been confirmed in Uganda.

The evolving epidemiological situation, and the risk of cross‑border spread, underscore the need for timely, coordinated and sustained action. Engaging with communities and building trust is essential to ensure people seek care early and help stop the epidemic in its tracks.

Across our network, Red Cross teams are already on the ground supporting communities by providing life‑saving information, strengthening health responses, and helping ensure no one is left behind.

The @IFRC is mobilising surge capacity and scaling up support to meet growing needs.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

@OIC_OCI Thank you for the excellent engagement in Jeddah. The @ifrc looks forward to enhancing our cooperation and partnership with @OIC_OCI.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Important discussions in Riyadh this week on priority humanitarian needs - regionally and globally - and how we can respond together. Warm thanks to @alowaisjalal and @mediasrca for welcoming us and to @KSAMOFA for an excellent dialogue. Grateful for their leadership and support.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

The IFRC has activated emergency protocols following concerning reports of suspected Ebola cases in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), by @AfricaCDC.

The IFRC is working alongside the Red Cross Society of the DRC and health authorities to support preparedness, surveillance, community engagement and safe and dignified burials.

The DRC has extensive experience in responding to Ebola outbreaks. Red Cross volunteers are already playing a critical role in strengthening community awareness, supporting surveillance efforts, performing safe and dignified burials, and building trust in affected communities.

The IFRC continues to closely monitor the situation.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Today our IFRC family celebrates a moment of immense pride. TIME magazine has recognized our President Kate Forbes, as one of the leaders shaping a more humane and hopeful world- a testament to her unwavering commitment to humanitarian action.

Her recognition is not just an honor for her- it is a tribute to the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers.

On behalf of the IFRC secretariat, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Forbes. A well deserved recognition.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

The numbers tell a clear story: humanitarian work is becoming increasingly deadly, and local staff and volunteers are paying the heaviest price.

The Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems are symbols of protection.

As we said in our statement last week, humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets must be respected and protected. Attacks on humanitarians are unacceptable. They must never be normalized.

The @IFRC calls for concrete steps to support initiatives such as the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel @GOF_PHP. 👉https://t.co/kpSwBIYKJ0

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Today, on 8 May, we celebrate our staff & volunteers who bring our mission to life, every day, in every corner of the world. Their impact goes far beyond response; they build trust, strengthen resilience and connect humanity across divides. Together, we stand united in humanity.

[Saudi Arabia Mission to the UN in Geneva @KSAPermanentGVA]

استقبل نائب المندوب الدائم للمملكة 🇸🇦 لدى @UNGeneva، سعادة الدكتور/ عبدالله الشمري، السيد/ Chris Rassi،نائب الأمين العام لشئون الموارد البشريه والإستراتيجية للاتحاد الدولي لجمعيات الصليب الأحمر والهلال الأحمر (IFRC)، وجرى خلال اللقاء استعراض الموضوعات ذات الاهتمام المشترك، وبحث سبل تعزيز التعاون في المجالات ذات الصلة.

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

On 5 May, we mark the founding of the @IFRC—a moment to reflect on our global network’s impact and renew our commitment to reach those who need us most. The vision that united us remains as vital as ever.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Today, I pause with deep pride as we mark 107 years since the founding of the @IFRC, ahead of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8 May.

On 5 May 1919, in the aftermath of the First World War, a small group of National Red Cross Societies came together in France with a bold belief: that the compassion, solidarity and voluntary service shown during war should not disappear in times of peace, but be organised and extended wherever suffering occurs.

That belief gave rise to the IFRC.

More than a century later, this anniversary is not just a moment of reflection, it is a reminder of why our network exists. As the world grows more complex, we are embracing Renewal: a commitment to be more local, more focused, and more accountable while carrying forward the vision of 1919.

Thank you for your dedication. Here's to another 107 years of principled humanitarian action. 👇https://t.co/Z2b3Iu9AvE

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

In Lebanon, many families still cannot return home. 1 in 5 people are displaced. Homes, health services and livelihoods have been shattered. @ifrc continues to scale up support to @RedCrossLebanon, to save lives under extreme risk. Solidarity is needed. https://t.co/2XmKMBPckM

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

On the second day of my visit to Ecuador, I had an opportunity to visit the Imbabura province where I witnessed amazing work of the Ecuadorian Red Cross in the field of blood and medical services, humanitarian assistance, and community empowerment. A small investment in the work of the Red Cross has been transforming lives in the country. I also saw the positive impact made by investments through @IFRC_DREF and IFRC Capacity Building Fund.

[Friends for Protection of Humanitarian Personnel @GOF_PHP]

🇦🇺🇧🇷🇨🇴🇮🇩🇯🇴🇸🇱🇬🇧🇨🇭🇯🇵 launched the Declaration to renew commitment to protecting aid workers in conflict zones. We are deeply concerned by the worsening crisis in Lebanon. IHL must be upheld. Attacks that threaten the safety of humanitarians must stop.
See: https://t.co/cPstzr7CIA

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Grateful to join @Kizilay in Istanbul today for the @IFRC_DREF Humanitarian Roundtable. Huge thank you to Türkiye’s private sector for stepping up.

Contributing to the DREF is not a donation — it’s a strategic investment.
An investment in resilience, stability, and human dignity.
In markets that don’t collapse. Supply chains that don’t break. Societies that bounce back stronger.

We don’t want private sector as mere payers. We want you as players — co-creating solutions like the DREF insurance mechanism that delivers win-win outcomes.

Solidarity is the need of the hour. 
A fractured world is bad for business.
A united humanity is where prosperity thrives.

Learn more 👉 https://t.co/JWeKJZfPdu

[Christopher Rassi @CMRassiIFRC]

Three years into the conflict, the humanitarian crisis is deepening in Sudan. Yet, as needs continue to grow, funding is declining, threatening humanitarian actors' ability to respond effectively. More support is urgently needed. See @ifrc release: https://t.co/VZZnf9MItR