UNHCR Regional Update #30 Ethiopia Emergency Situation, 31 March 2022

ETHIOPIA

On 4 March, UNHCR launched the Ethiopia Regional Appeal seeking US$ 205 million to assist 1.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 158,000 Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, as well as an anticipated 110,000 Ethiopian refugees in Sudan. Some US$16 million was also included for preparedness activities in Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan. A briefing note was issued and an appeal video shared on social media. Funds raised will enable UNHCR to provide essential protection and humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the conflict.

On 24 March, the Ethiopian government announced an indefinite humanitarian truce to ensure free flow of emergency humanitarian aid to all in need of assistance in northern Ethiopia. The government called upon the donor community to redouble their contributions to alleviate the situation and reiterated its commitment to work in collaboration with relevant organizations to expedite the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need. In addition to enabling the delivery of aid, the government expressed its hope that this truce would pave way for the resolution of the conflict in northern Ethiopia. In response, the TPLF commented “if the right circumstances arise for people to receive the level of humanitarian assistance commensurate with needs on the ground, and within a reasonable timeframe, the Government of Tigray is committed to implementing a cessation of hostilities effective immediately.” In addition, TPLF stated that it would do everything it can to make sure that this cessation of hostilities is a success.

As of 31 March, some limited quantities of cash, medicines, and nutrition supplies had been brought in by air and road since the start of the year. In April, UNHCR plans to send in a fuel tanker from Semera and is working on deploying Core Relief Items (CRIs) from Addis to Semera and then onwards to Mekelle to replenish dwindling stocks in Tigray. UNHCR received clearances from the federal government to airlift additional medical supplies and other materials to Tigray for both refugees and IDPs.

Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees