National Committee sets directions for provision, accessibility of humanitarian aid

Addis Ababa, November 16, 2022 (FBC) – The Ethiopian National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Committee, headed by the FDRE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to advise on humanitarian aid delivery and access.

In the meeting, the Committee assessed that the number of citizens that need humanitarian assistance due to man-made and natural disasters in the country is high.

It has been pointed out that the number of citizens displaced from their homes due to drought, flood and conflict is also high. Hence, it needs proper attention and the cooperation of all citizens.

The committee also mentioned that the government is delivering humanitarian aid to citizens who have been displaced from their homes and are need support in Tigray, Afar, Amhara and other areas.

DPM & FM Demeke Mekonnen, chairperson of the committee, stressed the need to support those citizens to permanently establish themselves.

He said that besides the citizens who were affected by the conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia, the beneficiaries in the areas affected by drought in the past years also need attention.

He pointed out that in addition to humanitarian aid, students who have been away from school due to conflict and citizens who have suffered social and economic damage due to various reasons should be given psychological support.

Regarding the provision of humanitarian aid, Demeke stated that the pressure on the government is high considering the number of beneficiaries in the country. He said that all government and private sectors should collaborate to raise resources and reach the citizens who need assistance.

He called on humanitarian aid organizations and development partners to do their best to assist citizens who need the support.

The DPM & FM also mentioned that agricultural and urban safety net programs should be implemented in a way that can change the lives of the beneficiaries in a sustainable way.

It has been pointed out that the concerned sectors, federal and regional disaster prevention and preparedness institutions should coordinate their experience and resources and include them in their daily activities.

Furthermore, a direction was set calling on citizens to focus on ways to get out of poverty, according to the Committee.

It has been stated that the national committee will continue to assess the demand, supply and accessibility of humanitarian aid by meeting every week.