IOM appeals for $197.5mln to assist 5.1mln people in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2023 (FBC) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has appealed for 197.5 million USD to support 5.1 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia.

In its response plan for 2023, IOM stated that with over 20 million people — internally displaced persons (IDPs), returning IDPs, crisis-affected communities, returning migrants, and their home communities among them — need more assistance and protection in 2023.

According to IOM, nearly 3 million IDPs have been identified in Ethiopia in 2022, with displacement risks remaining high in 2023 and beyond.

Man-made as well as natural hazards such as drought, frequent floods, and landslides are the main drivers of displacement and needs, it is indicated.

High displacement and damage to infrastructure and basic services have exposed the population to major protection risks. Alongside immediate humanitarian assistance, transition and recovery efforts are needed for affected communities to be able to recover, the response play mentioned.

IOM added that Ethiopia is also an important departure, transit and destination country for mixed migration flows in the Horn of Africa. An alarming number of migrants are returning to Ethiopia destitute and require assistance.

It is indicated that with large influx of refugees into Ethiopia from neighbouring countries, the need for humanitarian aid remains high throughout 2023.

From the intended $197.5 assistance, $59 million will be used to support 2.5 million people in drought-stricken areas, and the remaining 138.5 million USD will be used to provide assistance to 2.6 million people affected by various hazards, IOM’s response plan confirms.

Subsequently, IOM has urged international organizations, partners, and stakeholders to provide the required humanitarian assistance to 5.1 million people in Ethiopia.