In 2025, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in close partnership with the Mozambican Red Cross Society (CVM), worked tirelessly to address the growing humanitarian needs in Mozambique. 

Together, we prioritized raising awareness of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and advocating for the protection of civilians affected by the ongoing armed conflict in the northern regions of the country. Our joint efforts aimed to ensure that the principles of humanity and dignity remained at the forefront of all humanitarian action, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The armed conflict in Cabo Delgado continued to displace thousands of people, with the majority of those affected being women and children. Many families fled their homes in search of safety, while others returned to areas still grappling with instability. In response, the ICRC and CVM provided critical assistance in districts across Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces.

Emergency aid included essential household items (EHIs), hygiene kits, and medical supplies, as well as seeds and agricultural tools to help families rebuild their livelihoods. However, the volatile security situation often made it too dangerous to reach some of the most vulnerable communities, leaving certain areas without the support they urgently needed. Despite these constraints, we remained committed to doing everything possible to assist those we could safely reach.

The strength of our impact in Mozambique in 2025 was a direct result of the collaboration between the ICRC and the Mozambican Red Cross Society. Together, we combined our expertise, resources, and local knowledge to deliver critical humanitarian assistance and protection to those who needed it most. Beyond providing aid, we invested in strengthening CVM’s capacity to respond to humanitarian needs. This included training, technical support, and joint operations, enabling CVM to play a central role in delivering assistance and protection to affected communities.

In parallel, the ICRC continued its confidential dialogue with detaining authorities to ensure that detainees were treated humanely and in accordance with international standards. We provided support to improve prison conditions, helping to ensure that detainees’ basic needs were met and that they were treated with dignity and respect. In addition, vulnerable detainees in the places of detention (PoDs) we visited were able to maintain or restore contact with their families through phone calls and the exchange of Red Cross messages, offering them a vital connection to their loved ones during difficult times.

The humanitarian challenges in Mozambique in 2025 were immense, but the partnership between the ICRC and the Mozambican Red Cross Society was instrumental in delivering meaningful assistance and protection. By working together, we not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for a stronger and more resilient local humanitarian response. As we continue our work, we remain committed to adapting to the realities on the ground and to alleviating suffering, promoting resilience, and upholding the dignity of those affected by conflict in Mozambique.