The ICRC continues to press for the release of staff member Gauthier Lefèvre, abducted in West Darfur in October. Owing to his kidnapping, ICRC activities have been curtailed in Darfur, but elsewhere in Sudan they continue normally.

Guinea-Bissau’s health system is crippled by a lack of drugs and medical materials and equipment, compounded by the departure of medical professionals seeking greener pastures. As a result, few people, including those injured by weapons and mines, have access to adequate medical care.

Geneva/Abuja (ICRC) – In the wake of last Sunday's violent attacks south of Jos, in northern Nigeria, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society are distributing food and water to about 5,000 displaced people (IDPs) who have taken refuge in various police stations in the area and to some 300 detainees.

This technical review presents and synthesizes an impressive amount of practical experience in the field of borehole drilling and rehabilitation. This is the first Water and Habitat publication in the ICRC's new series, 'REFERENCE'. It is an important contribution to the Water and Habitat unit's efforts to promote good field practices within its staff and amongst other humanitarian players.

Santiago de Chile (ICRC / Chilean Red Cross) – A week has passed since the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Chile, yet families both in and out of the country are still without news of their loved ones.

An exhibition organized by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The voices in Fragments of Memory are those of men and women from the former Yugoslavia who were working for the ICRC during the dark decade of the conflict, from 1991 to 2001. In the organization's jargon, they are known simply as "national employees" or "delegation employees". Recruited locally, they carry out a multitude of tasks and play a key role in humanitarian work, a role that is often eclipsed by that of their superiors, the expatriate staff. Yet humanitarian work would be impossible without them

Kampala/Kinshasa (ICRC) – The ICRC is currently reuniting with their families 15 Congolese children separated from them by the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

All around the world, thousands of women suffer sexual violence every year. On the occasion of International Women's Day (8 March), two Congolese women talk about their suffering and about the hope and strength that enable them to move on.

For over two decades, Casamance has suffered violence and insecurity. Thousands of people have been displaced. ICRC microprojects are supporting some of the most vulnerable displaced people, many of them women.

Geneva (ICRC) – Women displaced by war should be given a greater voice in decisions directly affecting their future, especially those taken by humanitarian organizations and others helping internally displaced people (IDPs), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said today.

The brochure summarizes the problem of weapon contamination, presents the ICRC's Weapon Contamination Unit, and describes how the ICRC acts to protect civilians from the effects of weapon contamination. Topics include clearance, risk education and risk reduction.

Since the ceasefire concluded on 11 February took effect, the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent have been able to help people who had previously been unreachable because of the fighting.

Lomé (ICRC) – The Togolese Red Cross has mobilized 600 volunteers to provide any first-aid services that may be needed in connection with the presidential election to be held on 4 March.

Sexual violence related to Colombia's armed conflict is on the increase. Affecting women, men and children. Many victims fail to report attacks, either because they are afraid of being stigmatized or because they have received threats. The story is repeated again and again. In silence.

An overview of the ICRC's main activities during 2009 in the countries covered by the Tunis regional delegation: visiting detainees, restoring family links, supporting efforts to establish the fate of people who went missing during the conflict in Western Sahara and assisting mine victims from the same conflict.

After decades of war in Iraq, many families are destitute or living in poverty. Many male breadwinners have been detained or killed or have disappeared. ICRC delegate Caroline Douilliez met with two Iraqi women, who told her how they ensure their family's survival.

The displacement of populations is one of the gravest consequences of today's armed conflicts. It affects women in a host of ways. But far from being helpless victims, women are resourceful, resilient and courageous in the face of hardship. Nadine Puechguirbal, the ICRC adviser on women and war explains.

Geneva (ICRC) – Following the devastating earthquake that shook Chile last Saturday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) activated a website today to help thousands of people within the country and abroad to restore contact with their loved ones.

Life is complicated for Syrian Arabs in the occupied Golan. Even something as basic as getting apples to Syrian markets requires the intervention of the ICRC in its capacity as a neutral intermediary. In addition to maintaining this vital logistical link, the ICRC helps families either side of the separation line to keep in touch by facilitating weddings and humanitarian visits, and by acting as a courier for essential legal documents.

Geneva/Tel Aviv/Damascus (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today started transferring apples through the Kuneitra crossing point between the occupied Golan and Syria proper.

Carnival is the most popular festival in Guinea-Bissau. Each year, thousands of people celebrate for four days straight in the streets of the capital Bissau. In addition to its traditional first-aid posts, the ICRC this year helped the Red Cross Society of Guinea-Bissau set up a service for children who became separated from their parents during the festivities.

Seven weeks after the earthquake struck, the ICRC continues to respond to people's vital needs in many stricken parts of Haiti. Over the past fortnight it has reunited four children with their families in Port-au-Prince.

The ICRC is using this year’s International Women's Day to call attention to displaced women. The purpose is to give a voice to women who have responded actively to their plight, thereby revealing their strength and resilience to overcome appalling suffering and ultimately emerge stronger.

This issue includes an interview with Laurent Maurice, conducted shortly after his release from captivity in Chad. Then we bring you the latest news from Haiti. Next, we say good-bye to our friend and colleague Jens-Martin Mehler, the delegation's Protection Coordinator for the past two years. Finally, a big thank-you to everyone who took part in our newsletter survey!