UNHCR appeals for life-saving assistance in Ethiopia

The United Nations Refugee Agency has appealed for $205 million to deliver life-saving assistance and protection to over 1.6 million internally displaced people in conflict-hit northern Ethiopia.

The 16-month conflict in northern Ethiopia has created a critical humanitarian crisis amid widespread reports of gender-based violence, human rights abuses, loss of shelter and access to basic services and critical levels of food insecurity, the organization said on Friday in a statement.

Out of the $205 million, $117 million will support the needs of internally displaced people and Eritrean refugees in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions of Ethiopia, while 72 million will help the UNHCR support Ethiopian refugees in Sudan.

Some $16 million will be used as part of contingency measures for any potential influx into the neighboring countries of Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan.

More than 2 million Ethiopians have fled in search of safety within the country, and almost 60,000 across the border into Sudan, according to the agency.

Several camps and settlements hosting Eritrean refugees have been attacked or destroyed, further displacing tens of thousands within Ethiopia.

"Funds raised will help us to provide essential protection and humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the violence. At least 60,000 displaced households will be assisted with shelter and emergency relief items," the agency said.

UNHCR has called for a quick response by the Ethiopian government to identify new sites to settle displaced refugees.

UNHCR said it will work with the government's Refugees and Returnees Service and partners to complete the Alemwach site in the Amhara region, so Eritrean refugees can be relocated as soon as possible.

A new temporary site which sheltered Eritrean refugees in the Afar region was caught up in fighting and required urgent investment, it said.

UNHCR said it will provide critical protection and assistance to Ethiopian refugees currently sheltered in eastern Sudan by building shelters and strengthening health care and education services.

It said activities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and provide psychosocial and mental health support will be scaled up.