ANDREW THOMAS

Comms with IFRC Red Cross in Geneva. Former Hireup & journalist w/Al Jazeera, Channel 4 News and BBC. Retweets usually mean agree. Likes, likewise. Not always!

[ANDREW THOMAS @and_thomasComms]

Awful scenes

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

I am horrified by the shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Appalling scenes, and i know there have been multiple fatalities and injuries.

My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragic incident.

I know @RedCrossAU are getting support services to Bondi and encourage people to use these resources, and online ones too. Thank you to the teams there for responding so fast.

Awful situation.

https://t.co/E8vcsohGSQ

[ANDREW THOMAS @and_thomasComms]

A pleasure to co-host the IFRC-DREF pledging conference today. Huge sums promised for those who need them most.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Grateful for the support from Governments, National Societies, and partners at our @IFRC_DREF Pledging Conference 2025.

Over the past 5 years, IFRC-DREF has allocated 295 million Swiss francs, targeting 80 million people worldwide, with 75% of funds going directly to National Societies on the frontlines of humanitarian emergencies.

But as humanitarian needs grow, so must our ambition. The @IFRC plans to double the size of the IFRC-DREF to 200 million CHF by 2030, guided by a clear vision:

1⃣Get even closer to people – strengthening local branches & accountability.
2⃣Get smarter – scaling up Anticipatory Action (25% of the fund), using predictive analytics to preposition cash & supplies, and innovating in DREF financing.
3⃣Broaden our reach – providing predictable funding for National Societies in complex, protracted crises.

The IFRC-DREF is no longer just a tool — it’s a lifeline for fast, local humanitarian response.

Thank you to all partners, especially first-time donors to the IFRC-DREF and those who have increased their pledges, for their trust and support. This investment in humanity and in local action will save lives.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

We are deeply grateful to their Majesties King Charles III, Patron of the British Red Cross, and Queen Camilla for their generous donation to the IFRC emergency appeal supporting communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Their support will help the @IFRC provide life-saving relief to people impacted across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm, leaving thousands without homes, power, or access to essentials.

Across Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, Red Cross volunteers have been distributing emergency supplies, preparing and managing shelters.

We hope this donation will encourage others to donate, too. Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica hard. Our emergency appeal is essential to raise the funds needed to help people rebuild their lives over the months and years to come.
https://t.co/KkKLgy753a

[IFRC @ifrc]

Since late 2023, the @EG_Red_Crescent, supported by @IFRC, has assisted over 22,000 Palestinian evacuees and family members in Egypt.

Through health care, MHPSS, and essential aid, ERCS ensures dignity and stability for those in recovery.

[ANDREW THOMAS @and_thomasComms]

Pre-preparation helped, and the scale-up of help, in all its forms, is well underway.

[IFRC @ifrc]

"This is a major Category 5 storm, the strongest on the planet this year & the most powerful hurricane to threaten the island in known history," @IFRC Head of Delegation for English & Dutch speaking Caribbean countries @Necephor told reporters in Geneva. https://t.co/Q0PPO6gSUE

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Addressing the impacts of the climate crisis is a strategic priority for the @IFRC.

Together with our 191 member National Societies we ‘hit’ it through local action on a global scale. It’s an approach that focuses on impact of climate on Health, scale of Investment and Timeliness of climate action.

As we approach #COP30, we urge world leaders and decision makers to HIT the ground running, addressing the humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis with a focus on:
- Health and wellbeing
- Investment in people and communities
- Timing to get ahead of disasters

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Together with Deputy Prime Minister @Xavier_Bettel it was a pleasure to attend the 2nd #Humanitarian Innovation Accelerator Pitch Event hosted by @MFA_Lu and organized in partnership with @WFPInnovation. In a global context marked by rising humanitarian needs and limited resources, this program champions innovative solutions that drive greater efficiency and impact in humanitarian action.

At the @IFRC, we work with innovators and researchers to scale solutions that meet communities’ needs. With @Mastercard, we’ve built secure digital payment systems for faster, more transparent assistance. With @Microsoft, we’re strengthening the digital foundations of our National Societies. We’re also using AI-enabled early warning tools and mobile platforms to help people before hazards turn into disasters.

But in humanitarian work, innovation isn’t about novelty. It’s about scaling digital solutions that are locally grounded and globally connected.  And above all - it’s about working with people, not just for them.

When technology serves humanity, there is no limit to the change we can make.

[ANDREW THOMAS @and_thomasComms]

Finally, a hopeful day . . . The IFRC network, through our regional Emergency Appeal, is ready to support

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Today, across the Middle East, is the most positive in more than two years. The release of hostages, and freeing of detainees, are profoundly important for families who have endured the unimaginable. The significant ramp up of aid to Gaza is a long-overdue lifeline.

We must build on this momentum. Across the @IFRC network we are ready to do whatever we can to help. Through our emergency appeal for the region, you can help too. The path to healing starts with hope. Today, finally, is a truly hopeful day.

https://t.co/IDo1n4wLzA.

[ANDREW THOMAS @and_thomasComms]

Love the old footage. Principles' purposes stay the same as they modernise. Like trucks!

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Across borders. Across conflicts. Across decades.

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a reaffirmation of principles that mean the difference between life and death for millions of people.

For 60 years, the Fundamental Principles have guided us to deliver help where it’s needed most. But today, humanitarian action is under threat – from politicization, disinformation, and violence against aid workers. We must protect them.

On this anniversary, we honour both the vision that gave life to these Principles and the unwavering commitment of millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who bring them to life every day.

We call on all States to respect these principles so aid can reach people in need. The time to act is now.

Respect for the Fundamental Principles is respect for humanity.

[Nena Stoiljkovic @NenaStoiljkovic]

60 years ago, the world agreed: humanitarian action must remain neutral, impartial, & independent. Today, these principles are being eroded. We must protect them.

We urge States to ensure funding remains flexible, predictable, & unconditional, based on humanitarian needs alone.

[ANDREW THOMAS @and_thomasComms]

6o years of principles; never needed more.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Humanity. Impartiality. Neutrality. Independence. Voluntary service. Unity. Universality.

From Vienna in 1965 to today’s frontlines, the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement remain the compass that makes humanitarian action possible.

They enable our @IFRC network to deliver life-saving aid where others cannot, while upholding dignity and respect for all people affected by crises.

As we are about to mark the 60th anniversary of the Fundamental Principles, we call on States to respect and protect principled humanitarian action so we can continue supporting people in crisis.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Visiting communities in Myanmar devastated by the March 28 earthquake, I was torn between hope & fear.

The strength of survivors—and our @IFRC network, affected themselves—is inspiring. But urgent support is still needed.

My reflections in this piece: https://t.co/nJPylgXPZa👇

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Very pleased to see agreement. The @IFRC contributed to the content of this pandemic treaty. The next step is for governments to deliver on their commitments - so that responses to future pandemics are more equitable than those of the past.

Congratulations @DrTedros and @WHO. https://t.co/qeKYx6hQnQ

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

Pleased to talk to @jonathansamuels the need for an independent investigation into the awful killing of Palestine Red Crescent Staff in Gaza. Impunity in any place breeds impunity in every place.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

I am grateful for the response to my opinion article in the Guardian.

For the sake of humanity, this must never happen again. https://t.co/Z48tdRdkq6

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

To mourn the loss of eight Palestine Red Crescent members killed in Gaza, and stand in solidarity with colleagues in Palestine and other places where humanitarian workers have died, the flags at our IFRC Geneva headquarters are flying at half-mast. A ninth @PalestineRCS member remains missing.

Today, alongside IFRC President Kate Forbes @KateForbes_IFRC, we hosted an event to reflect, grieve, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting humanitarian workers everywhere.

These dedicated ambulance workers were responding to wounded people. They were humanitarians. They wore emblems that should have protected them; their ambulances were clearly marked.

We must protect humanity.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

In the camps outside Idlib are people desperate to return home. They should - and the humanitarian community must help them, with infrastructure like water and power, and jobs. The @SYRedCrescent and the @IFRC are ready to help.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

The release of some hostages and a tentative peace in Gaza for the first time in too many months is very very good news.

But there is a long way to go.

I look forward to seeing more hostages released soon. And we need the peace to hold.

As this life-saving window opens, our teams from the @PalestineRCS continue to provide emergency healthcare and are doing their best to meet people's urgent needs.

People have suffered long enough. I sincerely hope that the implementation of the ceasefire agreement will not only bring immediate relief but also mark the beginning of greater support for those in need and pave the way for lasting peace.

[Jagan Chapagain @jagan_chapagain]

After 15 awful months – for hostages and their families, and for the people of Gaza – I’m delighted that a hostage-release and ceasefire deal has finally been reached. I congratulate all those involved in what have been long and difficult negotiations.

There is much still to work out. Reconstruction of lives and infrastructure will take years. An essential start is that aid enters Gaza at scale - and our Palestine Red Crescent teams can move freely and reach all areas of Gaza to deliver it, including the north.

But today marks a hopeful starting point for a better future. Finally, desperation is tempered by hope.

[ANDREW THOMAS @and_thomasComms]

RT @jagan_chapagain: In the wake of the dramatic escalation of hostilities in Lebanon in September, the @IFRC has today launched an Emergen…