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The road to resilience Bridging relief and development for a more sustainable future
IFRC discussion paper on resilience – June 2012
www.ifrc.org Saving lives, changing minds.

Strategy 2020 voices the collective determination of the IFRC to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the next decade. Informed by the needs and vulnerabilities of the diversecommunities with whom we work, as well as the basic rights and freedoms to which all are entitled, this strategy seeks to benefit all who look to Red Cross Red Crescent to help to build a more humane, dignified, and peaceful world. Over the next ten years, the collective focus of the IFRC will be on achieving the following strategic aims: 1. 2. 3. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recoveryfrom disasters and crises Enable healthy and safe living Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace

© International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, 2012 Any part of this publication may be cited, copied, translated into other languages or adapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the International Federation of Red Cross and RedCrescent Societies, provided that the source is clearly stated. Requests for commercial reproduction should be directed to the IFRC at secretariat@ifrc.org All photos used in this study are copyright of the IFRC unless otherwise indicated. Cover photo: Romulo Godinez/Philippine Red Cross. It is vital to increase the participation of all in the development process through initiatives includingmeaningful voluntary service and strong social capital.

P.O. Box 372 CH-1211 Geneva 19 Switzerland Telephone: +41 22 730 4222 Telefax: +41 22 733 0395 E-mail: secretariat@ifrc.org Web site: http://www.ifrc.org 1224500 06/2012 The road to resilience E 2’000

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The road to resilience Table of contents IFRC discussion paper onresilience – June 2012

Table of contents
Foreword by Matthias Schmale, Undersecretary General of the IFRC Implications for policy and action Introduction 1. What is resilience 2. How to strengthen resilience 3. Characteristics of resilient communities Conclusion 3 4 6 7 13 17 27

The purpose of this document is to present to our key partners the IFRC’s definition of and perspectives onresilience. It also serves as a reference across the network of National Societies. We invite all key stakeholders to support the Red Cross Red Crescent’s operational work on resilience so that together we can bring about the serious changes needed for sustainable development in the years ahead.
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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The road to resilience Sectionsubtitle IFRC discussion paper on resilience – June 2012

NIgeRIa. Young kid in Calabar. This little boy will need to have his vaccinations up to date against preventable diseases, a mosquito net, health services accessible if he falls ill, a home, a school, healthy food, clean and safe water and a secure environment to grow in with dignity like you and me. If he gets all these basics, he will be ableto grow and develop beyond mere survival.
© Benoit Matsha-Carpentier/IFRC

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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The road to resilience Foreword IFRC discussion paper on resilience – June 2012

Foreword
Since its creation, the Red Cross Red Crescent has been guided by a clear set of humanitarian principles and values that aims, in one way or another, toeffectively contribute to building resilience. We strive to meet people’s basic needs for health, shelter, education, food, water and security; make every effort to ensure that the social costs and benefits are fairly shared by all and inequities are eliminated; that human rights, human dignity and local values are understood and respected; and to ensure that non-renewable resources, biodiversity...