Europe
IRD's programs began in the Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Europe and Eurasia, and today there are community building, infrastructure, and health programs both there and in the former Yugoslavia.
Countries
Armenia
Active Presence Since: 2000
Programs: 2
IRD implemented a variety of relief and development programs in Armenia from 2000 through 2012 which included medical commodities distribution, primary healthcare, small rehabilitation projects, handicraft development projects and improved PHC services for the Gyurmri population. Our healthcare, humanitarian, and infrastructure programs addressed the needs of displaced persons, disabled people, orphans, and other vulnerable populations. Our relief and development activities also supported democratic changes in communities in one of Eastern Europe’s poorest countries.
Programs
Distribution of Medical and Non-Medical Commodities in the Caucasus and Ukraine
School Repair and Restoration in Armenia
Azerbaijan
Active Presence Since: 1999
Programs: 1
From 1999 to 2008, IRD implemented a variety of relief and development programs in Azerbaijan. In healthcare, humanitarian assistance, food security, infrastructure, and other areas, our programs addressed the needs of internally displaced persons (IDP) and other vulnerable populations. As in all our work, IRD collaborated with many stakeholders, including national and local government, local civil society organizations and IDP committees, local administration and health authorities, and other international organizations.
Programs
Distribution of Medical and Non-Medical Commodities in the Caucasus and Ukraine
Georgia
Active Presence Since: 1999
Programs: 1
After a decade of independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the southern Caucasus region — Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan — continues to face economic difficulties and the risk of renewed conflict and internal strife. Specifically, conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed area of Nagorno-Karabakh, and secessionist movements in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and south Ossetia have created more than 900,000 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Caucasus.
In response to this growing humanitarian crisis and rapid decline in living standards, IRD began operations in this country in 1999.
Programs
Distribution of Medical and Non-Medical Commodities in the Caucasus and Ukraine
Kosovo
Programs: 2
Kosovo declared itself independent from Serbia in February 2008, following 13 years of conflict and peacekeeping troops. In the preceding war, much of the infrastructure had been destroyed, and the country is struggling to rebuild. IRD is helping with projects to improve the water supplies and preserve the cultural heritage for some of Kosovo's 2.1 million people.
Programs
Bringing Clean Water to Kosovo
Kosovo Cultural Heritage Program
Montenegro
Active Presence Since: 1999
Programs: 1
With the fall of communism in the late 1980s, the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia unraveled along ethnic lines to form five independent republics. This led to a decade of war characterized by territorial conflict, power struggles and ethnic cleansing. Large populations of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) can be found in the midst of a region seeking to rebuild its economy. IRD has been working in Montenegro since 1999.
Programs
Serbia
Active Presence Since: 1999
Programs: 3
With the fall of communism in the late 1980s, the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia unraveled along ethnic lines to form five independent republics. This led to a decade of war characterized by territorial conflict, power struggles and ethnic cleansing. Large populations of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) can be found in the midst of a region seeking to rebuild its economy.
IRD in Serbia: IRD has been working in Serbia since 1999. In particular, IRD is currently focusing on local economic development in western Serbia, offering the community the opportunity to improve the economy by working with both the private and public sector. Projects focus on enhancing competitiveness, increasing growth, and empowering the citizens to become more involved with local government functions - including planning, infrastructure development, real estate and finance - to improve living standards and retain jobs.
Programs
Serbia Youth Center
Community Revitalization through Democratic Action
The Serbia Agribusiness Project
Slovenia
Active Presence Since: 2010
Programs: 1
IRD opened its European regional office, the IRD Global Institute, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in late 2010. Its aim is to implement global development and humanitarian assistance programs funded by the European Community and other regional donors, and to collaborate with European-based organizations to develop new models of global sustainable development.
Programs
Ukraine
Active Presence Since: 2002
Programs: 3
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and independence in 1991, Ukraine has struggled to establish a viable private economy and to provide health and education services to its population. HIV/AIDS rates remain high, as stigma and discrimination presents major hurdles for all HIV/AIDS programs that focus on prevention, treatment and care. Myths regarding HIV transmission, lack of testing and treatment, irresponsible media reporting on the epidemic, and social fears have contributed to its spread in the country.
IRD in Ukraine: IRD began its work in Crimea, Ukraine, in 2002; by 2004, IRD’s distribution of health and education assistance expanded to 183 Crimean institutions – including 76 non governmental institutions, 12 schools, nine boarding houses, four orphanages, 25 departments of labor and social protection, one Detention Center, two Village Councils, one higher educational institution, and 53 medical institutions, reaching more than one hundred thousand formerly displaced and other vulnerable persons.
Programs
Distribution of Medical and Non-Medical Commodities in the Caucasus and Ukraine
Avian Flu Awareness and Prevention
Reducing HIV/AIDS Stigma in Ukraine
