Ethiopia: The head of the UN’s refugee agency urges for increased aid and a new long-term approach

On Wednesday, the head of the UNHCR appealed for long-term solutions to assist individuals displaced by the recent war in Ethiopia.After a three-day visit to the nation, Filippo Grandi said, “While the last few years have been tough for many of those affected by the conflict, I was very encouraged to see the progress made towards peace in northern Ethiopia and to witness all the efforts made in getting more aid to the people who lost everything.”

Much better services are required

He spoke with top government officials and displaced communities in the Tigray region during this time. He also went to a colony of more than 22,000 Eritrean refugees who had been moved to the Amhara region.

According to the UN refugee agency, by the Global Compact on Refugees, they require better health, education, and sanitation services so refugees and host communities can prosper.

Progress “is evident.”

The High Commissioner stated that “progress is evident on the ground.” “People are now receiving aid. While some people have started returning to their homes, much more has to be done to aid in the recovery and reconstruction operations in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions. To improve their living conditions and work towards long-term solutions, like as voluntary returns to their communities, this will be essential.

Since the federal government and opposition forces in northern Ethiopia signed the peace agreement in November, UNHCR and other partners have been able to speed up the distribution of critical relief commodities like medicines, shelter supplies, clothing, household goods, and blankets.

The Tigray region received food deliveries to more than 3.8 million people between mid-November and 26 January, according to the most recent situation report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Ongoing need for food

Ethiopia is home to more than 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers, most of whom are from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, according to the UNHCR. In addition, the fighting and ongoing tensions have led to the internal displacement of 4.2 million Ethiopians. In the Tigray region, many people require food aid.

To help those who the drought has displaced and the effects of climate change, Mr. Grandi also stated that long-term solutions to the current situation on the ground are required.

According to the UN agency for refugees, Ethiopian programmes were only partially funded in 2022, making it one of the 12 underfunded operations worldwide. In 2023, the UNHCR will need $370 million to support, safeguard, and find solutions for refugees and families who have been forcefully displaced due to ongoing displacements and the severe effects of the drought.