The ICRC recently released the latest edition of the International Review of the Red Cross focusing on Mental health and armed conflict. The MHPSS Hub is launching a podcast-series in cooperation with ICRC and the authors of some of the key-articles to discuss the findings and insights they offer.

This first introductory episode features a conversation with MHPSS Hub Director, Sarah Harrison and Omar Salih Rasheed, MHPSS Programme Coordinator for ICRC. Sarah and Omar were two members of the jury who selected articles for the review and two of the voices behind the editorial of the review. The introduction is moderated by Shona Whitton, MHPSS Hub Technical Team Lead.

Links
Review of the current evidence base for MHPSS in emergencies

Responders, representing relevant authorities and humanitarian actors, rely on online communication during and after disasters and emergencies - both as a tool to reach exposed populations, to organize and coordinate responses and to mobilize resources. However, disasters and emergencies also spark more problematic online attention and reactions including the targeting of marginalized populations.

IFRCs World Disaster Report 2026 featured a contribution from Yasin Duman, Research Specialist and Shona Whitton, Heading the Technical Team both representing the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub. The topic of the contribution was Online racism and mental health after disasters.

This podcast, moderated by Dr. Carmen Valle-Trabadelo, Head of the Communications, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Research Team in the MHPSS Hub, pics up some of the key-examples discussed in the contribution and links them to the broader discussion of the mental health implications, the causalities that generate them and the potential mitigation measures needed to address them.

For further information:

IFRC World Disaster Report, Contribution, Online racism and mental health after disasters. (page 49)

New Mexico Department of Justice, Press Release, New Mexico Department of Justice Wins Landmark Verdict Against Meta

In this episode of Heartbeat of Humanity, host Ahlem Cheffi is joined from Damascus by Dr. Faiza Alabdullah, Head of Psychosocial Support, Protection, and Community Services at the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). Together, they explore how community-based psychosocial support and protection are implemented during emergencies in Syria, why this approach is critical in a protracted crisis and how MHPSS contributes to individual healing, social cohesion, and community protection. The conversation also looks at the recovery phase, including support to returnees and reflects on the role of MHPSS in rebuilding social bonds, strengthening peace and empowering communities.

من الاستجابة الإنسانية إلى التعافي المجتمعي: تجربة الهلال الأحمر العربي السوري في الدعم النفسي الاجتماعي والحماية

في هذه الحلقة، نتعرّف مع الدكتورة فايزة العبدالله من الهلال الأحمر العربي السوري على دور الدعم النفسي الاجتماعي والحماية في السياق السوري، وأهميتهما في حالات الطوارئ والأزمات الممتدة، ودورهما في تعافي الأفراد، وتعزيز التماسك الاجتماعي، والحماية وتمكين المجتمعات، بما يسهم في إعادة بناء الروابط الاجتماعية ودعم مسارات التعافي والسلام على المستوى المجتمعي.