Human Capacity through Surge

When a disaster or crisis exceeds the capacity of a National Society, rapid access to qualified personnel can make a critical difference. Through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)’s Surge mechanism, the Netherlands Red Cross contributes trained personnel to support emergency operations worldwide.

The Netherlands Red Cross maintains a roster of more than 100 experienced personnel who can be deployed within 24 to 72 hours to support National Societies and IFRC operations. The Netherlands Red Cross Surge profiles include information management, operations coordination, communications, cash and voucher assistance, relief, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), among others.

As a contributing partner to Surge, the Netherlands Red Cross manages the deployment process, including pre-deployment preparation, administration, duty of care, and staff wellbeing support. In selected areas, such as data and digital, technical expertise can also be provided remotely.

The Netherlands Red Cross actively contributes to the continuous development of surge capacity across the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement through participation in various coordination and learning platforms, helping strengthen the quality, effectiveness, and readiness of humanitarian surge support worldwide.

Support can be mobilized for sudden-onset disasters, public health emergencies, climate-related crises, population movement operations, and protracted humanitarian emergencies.

How we work together

The deployment process is activated through the IFRC surge system and designed to respond rapidly to operational needs:

• A National Society or IFRC operation requests Surge support.
• The Netherlands Red Cross identifies suitable personnel for the requested surge profile.
• The Netherlands Red Cross manages deployment preparations, administration, travel arrangements, and duty of care of the deployed member.
• The surge personnel are deployed to support the receiving National Society and/or IFRC operation and work within the agreed operational structure and reporting lines.
• Where appropriate, technical expertise can also be provided remotely to complement or replace an in-country deployment. 
• Contributing to Red Cross Red Crescent Movement-wide Surge capacity through participation in coordination and learning platforms.