Situation Update on Northern Ethiopia Emergency (14 February 2023)
Background
This report covers the period from 6 to 12 February 2023 and provides updates on the Northern Ethiopia Emergency, focusing on impact of the conflict on IDPs and affected populations, and protection needs and responses.
AMHARA Region
Waghimra zone
During the reporting period, the Zonal Administration in Waghimra returned 800 IDPs to Abergelle, Kebele 03 and 04. The local authorities have called on humanitarian actors to support the return movement. There are about 65000 IDPs from 18 Kebeles in Abergele and Sagbejii Weradas living in 4 camps/sites and Sekota town. They couldn’t return in 2022 because of security issues in their kebele of origin. IDPs reported that due to the presence of Tf 18 Kebeles in Arbeguelle and Sagbedji Weradas were not accessible. This week, the zonal administration has assured that security is being ensured gradually as ENDF and Public Services are being redeployed to those areas. If the situation becomes conducive for return, it is about 65000 IDPs that would be supported by the humanitarian actors in the coming weeks.
North Shewa zone
The population movement has stabilized after the new wave of IDP following the security incidents in North Shewa and the Oromo Special Zone. Humanitarian actors are awaiting necessary security recommendations from UNDSS to operate in the affected areas. In the last ICCG meeting it was requested that UNDSS conducts a security risks assessment in the Oromo Special zone and affected parts of North Shewa. That would be followed by a multisectoral MIRA Assessment.
The final camp layout is ready and Clusters as well as humanitarian actors are expected to start the construction of the new IDP camp in the outskirts of Debre Behan town (North Shewa).
North Gondar
In weekly North Gondor Zonal protection cluster meeting it was highlighted that following the return of the IDPs some of the protection partners are phasing out. However, there are around 41,000 IDPs within the zone, and the need to advocate for additional protection partners and more protection interventions expected from protection partners.
Following the continued advocacy, EECMY (UNHCR protection monitoring partner) has deployed three staff with a law background including one project coordinator for the North Gondor area of responsibility.
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees