Int’l aid agencies urged to provide adequate humanitarian support to refugees in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, December 25, 2023 (FBC) – Support being provided to refugees sheltered in Ethiopia by the international aid agencies is inadequate, according to Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service.

Ethiopia currently hosts over one million refugees of various countries; Deputy Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service, Mulualem Desta said, while urging the international community to provide the necessary basic provisions to the refugees as the issues of refugees require collective responsibilities.

He said Ethiopia has been discharging its responsibilities by receiving refugees, registering and providing them with the necessary shelters, among other vital services.

Ethiopia has also been helping the refugees by engaging them in various development activities including irrigation schemes in collaboration with the hosting communities, Mulualem added.

Furthermore, the Deputy Director General pointed out that successful refugees and host communities joint development projects are being carried out in seven camps located across the country.

He said Ethiopia has also issued work and residence permits to more than 16,000 refugees over the past three months alone.
However, the support being provided to the refugees by the international aid agencies have currently been dwindling, he indicated.

Mulualem pointed out the pressure created due to lack of humanitarian aid citing the huge emergency relief gap being witnessed to the more than 42,000 Sudanese refugees arrived in Ethiopia through Metema and kumruk.

Hence, he urged the international aid agencies to provide sustainable support to the refugees with a view to ensuring their human rights by helping them receive basic provisions, ENA reported.