Projects

Short Description:

Overall goal

Basic needs regarding food/nutrition and access to water and sanitation facilities of vulnerable people affected by conflict and/or other situations of violence in Ethiopia, mainly IDPs of the Somali and Oromia regions, are covered.

Expected results

The ICRC aims to achieve the following main targets per Assistance sub-programme for 2018:

- Food and livelihood related needs gap for 145’900 vulnerable people including IDPs, returnees and residents reduced

- Access to safe water supply for 17’000 people established

Target group / Beneficiaries

With a contribution of EUR 1'000'000 focused on supporting the ICRC's Economic Security assistance program, the ICRC will be able to reach the following results:

- Food and basic essential needs situation of 25'700 vulnerable people, mainly IDPs of the Somali and Oromia regions improved

- Access to safe water for 3'300 people restored

The ICRC works closely with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and implements this program in Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali Region and Tigray.

Activities

Activities include:

- provide household items or cash transfers for up to 10,000 households

- give up to 700 repatriates food, water, hygiene items and transportation assistance

- provide seed and tools for up to 6,000 farming households

- organize cash grants and training for up to 200 vulnerable households

- offer the water authorities support for developing their ability to maintain water facilities in the Tigray region

- upgrade a water point serving 7,000 people

- repair or install essential water and sanitation infrastructure for up to 10,000 people

Context

Continuously present in Ethiopia since 1977, the ICRC prioritizes protecting and assisting people detained, displaced or otherwise affected by the 1998–2000 international armed conflict with Eritrea or by other armed conflicts. It helps preserve the livelihoods of conflict-affected communities, which also often grapple with natural disaster, and supports physical rehabilitation services. It visits detainees and restores family links, including for relatives separated by conflict.

Consecutive below-average rainy seasons have caused severe drought across northern, eastern, and central Ethiopia. This is leading to high levels of food insecurity, particularly in the Somali region. Malnutrition is also a key concern in this area. There are 2.6 million IDPs in the country. Over the past year, intercommunal violence has displaced hundreds of thousands Ethiopians, as long-standing grievances between ethnic groups over land, borders, and rights re-emerged in an explosion of violence in southern and eastern Ethiopia.

Hosting over 900,000 refugees from neighbouring countries, including approximately 420,000 from South Sudan, the majority of Ethiopia’s refugee camps have reached full capacity. Most refugees have been in protracted displacement, but remain in need of assistance.