CSOs’ active participation vital to shore up humanitarian aid in Tigray region: ECSOC

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2023 (FBC) – The contribution and cooperation of civil society organizations is vital to ensure effective provision of humanitarian aid and development in the Tigray region, Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) said.

The assertion comes as the leadership of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) made a two-day-long working visit to Tigray region.

The two bodies held a consultation with representatives of various civil society organizations in the region.

The event was a platform for deliberations on how civil society organizations can fulfill their responsibilities to the society within the necessary legal framework, and the challenges being faced with regards to efforts being made to restore the CSOs to their previous working statuses.

Deliberations were also made in terms of possible solutions for the challenges being faced.

During their visit to Tigray, Director General of the Authority, Jima Dilbo Denbel, and Executive Director of the Council, Henok Melesse, also met with members of the Interim Administration of Tigray Regional State.

During their talks, they emphasized the irreplaceable role of civil society organizations in the provision of humanitarian aid, democratization, and peace building.

On behalf of the interim administration of the region, General Tsadqan Gebregziabher said that civil society organizations need favorable conditions and an undeterred civic environment for their important work to be effective.

He has also called on CSOs to continue their efforts in providing humanitarian support, peace building and development.

Similarly, the leadership of ECSOC and ACSO also visited the Sabakari center for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as IDPs taking shelter in a school compound.

The two have acknowledged that there is still more work to be done in provision of urgent humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation work.