UNHCR calls on international community to support humanitarian operations in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, November 22, 2022 (FBC) – UNHCR Country representative to Ethiopia, Mamadou Dian Balde has affirmed commitment of the UN Agency to intensify humanitarian aid delivery to conflict affected areas of the country.

“We are working very closely with the Government of Ethiopia. We have teams in Shire, Mekelle, Semera, Gondar, Dessie and Debark who are delivering aid to people in need,” he said.

The representative also stated that the Agency in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia has relocated refugees who were caught in the crossfire of the conflict. Close to 3,000 Eritrean refugees are voluntarily relocated to Alem Wach camp, Mamadou Dian Balde indicated.

People are relieved following the measures taken to bring an end to the conflict. We are glad for the peace agreement. People are returning to normal life in war affected places, he noted.

Mamadou Dian Balde indicated called on the UN agencies and partners to support the Government of Ethiopia in accelerating humanitarian operations and the reconstruction efforts.

Health, education, Shelter, water and sanitation needs are huge in border areas of Tigray, Amhara and Afar Regions. These need our attention.

We are supporting thousands of Ethiopians who were displaced due to the conflict in South Wollo, North Wollo, North Gondar, Sekota  and Tigray.

UNHCR is ready to ramp up the aid delivery. We have strong partnership with the Government of Ethiopia in doing so. My office is ready to support the government’s efforts. But, we need the support of the international community to this end.

“The reconstruction needs are very huge. People have lost their houses. There has been gender based violence in the context of the conflict. Therefore, health facilities must be supported to deliver the required mental health services,” he told ENA.

“We are supporting the AU led process. We have to support the implementation. Solidarity with Ethiopia is necessary. Ethiopia is a country that has been hosting refugees for centuries. Ethiopia’s role in the international for is critical. So, we are supportive of the efforts of the Government in stepping up the humanitarian assistance to people in need,”

The support to the Government will make a real difference in peoples’ lives, he added.