Through this Action, the IFRC aims to contribute to the reduction of vulnerabilities and strengthening of resilience of people affected by crises, including the Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) conflict escalation and the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership and cooperation with local CSOs, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders in Azerbaijan, by focusing on capacity strengthening of the civil society organizations in Azerbaijan.

The overall objective of the intervention is to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen the resilience of people affected by crises, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict escalation and the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership and cooperation with local CSOs, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders in Azerbaijan. This will be achieved through strengthening the institutional capacities and operational capabilities of local civil society organizations in Azerbaijan, including the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, Red Crescent volunteer groups, and self-organising communities, so as to bolster their participation in the public decision making and support their efforts in terms of mitigating local vulnerabilities through service delivery, with a focus on those associated with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Azerbaijan Red Crescet Society has strong and sustainable structures, systems, and approaches to deliver activities that aim to improve people’s coping strategies to recover from crises.
2. Local CSOs have strengthened their response capacities and enhanced their operational (financial, legal and regulatory) sustainability to exercise their roles as independent actors in identifying and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities in Azerbaijan.
3. Families and individuals affected by crises are able to meet their livelihoods, recovery and information needs in a participatory, safe, and dignified manner.