Learning from Missed Opportunities to Activate Early Action Protocols

Between 2020 and 2025 the Red Cross Red Crescent Network activated 39 early action protocols (EAPs). A new IFRC study, supported by the German Red Cross and the Netherlands Red Cross, looks at the other side of that record: cases where an EAP was in place and credible warnings were there, but the protocol was not activated. Based on interviews with the people involved, the study traces the reasons behind these missed activations and proposes practical solutions National Societies can put in place so they are ready to activate their EAPs and protect people most at risk ahead of a disaster.