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Speech
08 March 2024
UN Secretary-General Message for the International Women’s Day
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Press Release
06 March 2024
UN Ethiopia, AFLEX express commitment to collaborate towards achieving the SDGs in Ethiopia
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Press Release
23 February 2024
Bringing back more schools, health facilities to life in Tigray
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
These are the goals the UN is working on in Ethiopia:
Story
09 February 2024
Bekeshe: Creating a space to empower young girls
They share a special bond as members of Her Space, Beskeshe in the local language of Oromiffa.
''We learned that it's up to us to influence society and our families to treat us as valuable members and believe in us,'' Hana said.
Funded by UNFPA and KOICA in collaboration with the government, Her Space empowers adolescents and young girls to exercise their rights, learn about sexual and reproductive health, and protect themselves from discrimination, violence, and exploitation.
Twice a week, the girls attend sessions on various topics, including sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and women empowerment. As a result, both girls advocated for better treatment at home. ''I am the only girl in the home, and all the household chores were on me. After the training, I convinced my brothers that it was unfair for me to do everything and that they should help. They agreed. I used the tools and approaches I have learned at the session to discuss the issues with them'' Mertnesh said. Hana also shares a similar story, where she convinced her parents to allow dedicated time for her study and homework.
Misrak Takele, a teacher at the school and the lead for the Her Space program, is proud of the progress made by the girls. "Being a teacher for 30 years, I can say that this program has been the most impactful in empowering girls to have a voice and plan their future," she said. ''Both the younger and older girls have shown significant progress through the program'' Misrak added.
Hana and Mertnesh are about to graduate from the program as they have attended most sessions. "I am excited to share what I have learned with younger girls," Hana said.
Her Space program
Each school year, the Her Space program at Bule Hora Elementary School begins with a Training of Trainers (TOT) for the facilitators, who are health extension workers and teachers. The TOT equips them with the necessary skills to effectively facilitate discussions and lead sessions.
The program enrols 48 girls’ aged 11-14, attending twice-weekly sessions. The students are selected based on specific criteria that ensure those who can benefit the most get the opportunity. After the selection process, the facilitators use a comprehensive manual with instructions and activities to guide them through the sessions. The manuals are descriptive and pictorial to help the girls grasp the information.
The topics covered are broad, ranging from sexual and reproductive health to women's empowerment and gender equality. Training also includes assertiveness, negotiation skills, and how to protect themselves from potential dangers.
During the session, students sit in a circle to establish a secure and welcoming environment for candid conversations. The facilitator adheres to the guidelines in the manual and ensures that each activity is completed within the designated time frame. To make the sessions more interesting and engaging for the young girls, the facilitators utilize a variety of techniques, such as games and enjoyable activities.
The impact of the Her Space program extends beyond the individual participants. Through the active members of Bakashe/Her Space, the program is reaching the wider community. The students serve as ambassadors, spreading the knowledge and skills they have gained to their families, friends, and neighbors. By doing so, they contribute to creating a more inclusive and empowered community.
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07 February 2024
UN Women, partner’s work in rehabilitating CRSV survivor-displaced women showing promising results
“I had to leave with my son, leaving my belongings, my home, because the conflict was intensifying. Raped by soldiers, I was fearing for my life. I came to the camp 3 years ago. There was little support for us there. My son couldn’t go to school, because the camp only accommodates primary school.”
These are words of Almaz Alemu1,45, who was living in a small town close to Mekelle, Tigray when the northern Ethiopia conflict erupted. She used to make a living by selling food and drinks on a small place she owned. She left the place she called home for seven years and joined other displaced people to live in “Qebero Meda Camp”, a camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP), in Gonder, Amhara region.
Almaz was one of the 245 women reached by Good Samaritan Association’s project that provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to women and girl survivors who have experienced Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and supported by UN Women Ethiopia. The survivors got counselling services and basic business skills training in a shelter run by GSA. Almaz was also provided with small grant to start business.
“I got seed capital to start small business selling food, coffee, and tea. I started working here 8 months ago and slowly start to earn for sustenance I am thankful for that. I now live outside the camp with my son, sending him to middle school. I hope to expand my business and get back to the life I used to have before the war” She spoke.
The project provides psychosocial support, medical checkups, life, and basic business skills training at the shelter. Counselling, integral part of rehabilitation effort for CRSV survivors is being provided in partnership with Gondar university.
Birtukan Taye, a lecturer at Gondar University’s psychology department, who gives counselling for survivors as a volunteer, noted that given the rampant CRSV happened during the conflict, the University has taken the initiative to support survivors through volunteerism.
“We mostly do group counselling; we try to show them that they are not alone, and this is not end of their lives. These women wanted to be heard, to tell their stories, to be free of judgement they mostly face from the public, to know that it wasn’t their fault that they were sexually violated. I am happy that I can give that to them” said Birtukan of the counselling work they do.
Commander Almaz Lakew, Head of Women and Children’s section at Gonder City Police Department says GSA’s shelter is instrumental in our work especially when it comes to GBV survivors, including women and girls who were trafficked and sexually abused. “We do not have a place to keep them while they stay to get the much-needed support until they are re-united with their families. We do not provide food and other much needed supports. Hence, we refer them to GSA’s shelter where they get support in shelter, food, counselling, and accessing health services,” said the commander.
Ato Abraham Kenaw, Women, Children, Social Affairs expert for Azezo district of Gondar noted that the support UN Women and GSA are providing is already showing promising results for the women to start earning a living, doing small businesses. Despite how small the starting capital was, they are making good progress.
“We try to prioritize among IDP women looking at those in dire conditions since the number of women in need is high and we cannot accommodate all. We do not think the support these women are getting is enough. We need more resources in terms of increasing starting capital, which currently isn’t sufficient. Getting a place to work at is also difficult, rent being expensive for those who are just starting business.”
UN Women partnered with Good Samaritan Association for the implementation of a project entitled “Provision of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for Survivors of GBV Among Internally Displaced People in Amhara Region” in March 2022. The project focuses on rehabilitation of internally displaced women and girl survivors of violence who are affected by the conflict, migrant returnees and victims of trafficking through enhancing access to holistic rehabilitation and reintegration services.
A total of 245 women and girls benefited from the services including psycho-social support, temporary shelter, training opportunities and creating linkage with credit associations and reintegration. The project also supported institutional strengthening and capacity development of national and local institutions to respond to violence against women and girls through provision of capacity building trainings to service providers.
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07 February 2024
Ethiopia’s 100th anniversary of ILO membership celebrated
The anniversary was marked with a National Labour Conference in Addis Ababa.
The conference was organised by the ILO in collaboration with its partners: the Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) of Ethiopia, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU), Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association (CEEA) and Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Federation (CEEF).
The High-Level Conference commemorates Ethiopia's ILO Centenary by reflecting on the ILO and tripartite partners' accomplishments in advancing social dialogue, decent work, enhanced productivity and inclusive growth. Additionally, the forum prioritised the agenda of employers’ and workers’ affairs, fostering a collaborative platform for stakeholders in the world of work.
High-Level Government delegates from MoLS, ILO as well as representatives of workers’ and employers' organizations, the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the South Africa Development Community (SADC) and diplomatic missions were in attendance. Additionally, academicians, prominent leaders of organizations as well as other individuals with rich experience in labour issues and policy development participated in the conference and shared their insights.
Speaking at the opening event, H.E. Ms Muferihat Kamil, Minister of MoLS of Ethiopia noted that this important milestone confirms Ethiopia’s commitment to bring industrial peace and increase productivity through social dialogue. “The National Labour Conference helped bring together government, employers’ and workers' organizations, and policymakers to discuss and exchange innovative ideas to improve the labour administration in Ethiopia.” ILO Regional Director for Africa and Assistant Director-General, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, on her part said, "As we celebrate Ethiopia's 100th Anniversary of ILO membership and National Labour Conference 2023, we reflect not just on history, but also on partnerships that have shaped the landscape of decent work and social justice”.
Mr. Kassahun Follo, President of Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, expresses his appreciation to ILO for working with tripartite partners around setting international labour standards, encouraging decent work, ensuring social protection, and enhancing labour relations in Ethiopia. Mr. Dawit Moges, First Vice President, Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association for his part said: "When social dialogue becomes a culture at workplace and increase productivity, it enables us to advance social justice."
Eng. Getahun Hussein, President of Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Federations states: "This High-Level conference will create a platform to discuss and explore activities, successes, accomplishments, challenges, and notable practices that Ethiopia has experienced since becoming a member of the ILO.”
High-Level Government delegates from MoLS, ILO as well as representatives of workers’ and employers' organizations, the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the South Africa Development Community (SADC) and diplomatic missions were in attendance. Additionally, academicians, prominent leaders of organizations as well as other individuals with rich experience in labour issues and policy development participated in the conference and shared their insights.
Speaking at the opening event, H.E. Ms Muferihat Kamil, Minister of MoLS of Ethiopia noted that this important milestone confirms Ethiopia’s commitment to bring industrial peace and increase productivity through social dialogue. “The National Labour Conference helped bring together government, employers’ and workers' organizations, and policymakers to discuss and exchange innovative ideas to improve the labour administration in Ethiopia.” ILO Regional Director for Africa and Assistant Director-General, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, on her part said, "As we celebrate Ethiopia's 100th Anniversary of ILO membership and National Labour Conference 2023, we reflect not just on history, but also on partnerships that have shaped the landscape of decent work and social justice”.
Mr. Kassahun Follo, President of Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions, expresses his appreciation to ILO for working with tripartite partners around setting international labour standards, encouraging decent work, ensuring social protection, and enhancing labour relations in Ethiopia. Mr. Dawit Moges, First Vice President, Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Association for his part said: "When social dialogue becomes a culture at workplace and increase productivity, it enables us to advance social justice."
Eng. Getahun Hussein, President of Confederation of Ethiopian Employers Federations states: "This High-Level conference will create a platform to discuss and explore activities, successes, accomplishments, challenges, and notable practices that Ethiopia has experienced since becoming a member of the ILO.”
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05 February 2024
Restoring women's livelihoods after conflict
The conflict that broke out in the northern part of Ethiopia and came to an end with a peace agreement took the lives of many, displaced thousands of people, and left millions dependent on food and humanitarian aid. Above all, Children, mothers, and people with disabilities are the most confronted ones and still struggling with the trauma of the disaster that completely changed their lives and ruined their dreams.
UNDP's Peace Support Programme is helping these women to rebuild their lives. The programme is financially supported by the Government of Germany, UNDP core partners, and Funding Windows.
Unfortunately, Senidu lost her assets and her small business in the conflict, and she recalls, “I have passed through a very difficult time. I lost the resources that I acquired for decades. My children were forced to drop out of school. We stayed at my relative's house for more than five months and have been sharing resources to keep our families alive." She recalls that her biggest headache was getting an income to feed her family.
Senidu reflects that life is has different chapters, and each has its own story, lessons, and opportunities. She has now managed to rebuild her house using resources mobilised from the local community by the woreda Women Children and Social Affairs Bureau.
Senidu also took part in an income generating activity training and received a cash grant through the economic revival intervention of the peace support program in the woreda with the support of UNDP. The 12,000.00ETB (USD 218) cash support has enabled her to restart her small business. Now Senidu uses her income to feed her family and send her children to school.
“I appreciate the opportunities and the support that I received so far. Now, I have a job and can feed my family, and my children are also back at school," Senidu says with optimism for her future.
“I used to cover the family’s day-to-day expenses with goat rearing, topping up my husband's income. I lost my husband and our livelihood with the conflict, and I had nothing left,” says Abeba.
Abeba continues, “Though the pain is unbearable and unforgettable, I don’t want to fail. I looked at my ability and potential to be self-sufficient rather than dependant on others. I am skilled in making traditional handicrafts and survived the difficult times by selling handicrafts at the local markets in Sulula kebele, one of the conflict-impacted areas in the region” .
Abeba earned about 5000 ETB (USD90) each month from the handicrafts.
Abeba has been selected through the UNDP’s peace support program and has received four goats.
“I am excited with the support that I received. I will earn income from breeding the goats and plan to use this resource to one day start a small business,” says Abeba. She expresses her wish to be a role model for other women in her community trying to rebuild their lives after the conflict.
Sadly, all equipment in the tea shop had been looted or damaged during the conflict, and Maritu lost the business she had worked years to build. Therefore, she couldn’t run the business for the past two years.
“It was the most difficult time of my life. I lost everything I had and stayed at home with an empty hand,” Maritu shared what she experienced during the conflict. Fortunately, the Aberegle woreda Labour and Training office selected Maritu along with other women who were affected by the conflict to get support and rebuild their lives. This was an opportunity that came while they were in a desperate situation. She had taken entrepreneurship training that empowered her to be a capable young woman to run her business. In addition, she has received 20,000.00 ETB (around USD 363.00) cash support. “I have bought the basic equipment and inputs for the tea shop with the cash I have received and restarted my business again. I also started saving monthly to expand my business. I am so grateful and happy for what I have recieved so far and the change in my life,” said Maritu.
“It was the most difficult time of my life. I lost everything I had and stayed at home with an empty hand,” Maritu shared what she experienced during the conflict. Fortunately, the Aberegle woreda Labour and Training office selected Maritu along with other women who were affected by the conflict to get support and rebuild their lives. This was an opportunity that came while they were in a desperate situation. She had taken entrepreneurship training that empowered her to be a capable young woman to run her business. In addition, she has received 20,000.00 ETB (around USD 363.00) cash support. “I have bought the basic equipment and inputs for the tea shop with the cash I have received and restarted my business again. I also started saving monthly to expand my business. I am so grateful and happy for what I have recieved so far and the change in my life,” said Maritu.
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Story
06 February 2024
UNOPS and the Government of Japan handed over constructed water supply and sanitation facilities in Qoloji camp
The handover ceremony was held at the Qoloji IDP camp on 12 December 2023. In attendance were H.E. Mustafa Mohamed, the Somali Regional President of Ethiopia; Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, the Director of the UNOPS Multi Country Office and Representative to the AU; and Ms. Satsuki Fukai, a representative of the Japanese government.
To enable IDPs at the Qoloji IDP Camp in the Somali National Regional State have better access to water supplies and sanitary facilities, the Japanese government has donated more than USD $1 million. The initiative additionally backs the Ethiopian government's initiatives to resettle internally displaced individuals in an environmentally conscious manner.
Public health concerns are persistent in the Qoloji IDPs Camp in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia because of the development of cholera and other epidemics. UNOPS has improved the sanitary facilities and water supply infrastructure with financing from the Government of Japan in the Qoloji IDPs Camp. Through the project, UNOPS, has constructed two boreholes, put in place two water reservoirs, each with a 400 m3 capacity, put in place 16 water points and constructed 10 new improved pit latrines benefiting 80,000 Internally Displaced Persons, mainly women and children.
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Press Release
06 March 2024
UN Ethiopia, AFLEX express commitment to collaborate towards achieving the SDGs in Ethiopia
Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and Mr. Zadig Abreha, Chief of the African Leadership Excellence Academy, were signatories to the Letter of Intent.The collaboration will focus on six transformative entry points with the potential for catalytic and multiplier effects on the SDGs, significantly contributing to their achievement. These entry points encompass: (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The collaboration will also involve close cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and Development and sectoral ministries.A key aspect of the collaboration involves jointly enhancing the capacity and skills of civil servants and other stakeholders in social policies. This effort will concentrate on areas such as planning, communication, idea generation, and fostering a culture of dialogue. The ultimate aim is to nurture a new generation of transformative leaders who will champion the achievement of the SDGs in Ethiopia and Africa.Addressing the significance of the collaboration, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov stated, "This partnership will serve as a framework for identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders who must lead Ethiopia's development narrative, particularly with a focus on young people and marginalized groups. Leadership grounded in the African context and aspirations is indispensable for realizing the SDGs in Africa."AFLEX Chief Mr. Zadig Abreha said, “AFLEX aspires to become a place where academic rigor meets worldliness. Also, here in AFLeX we aspire to become bridge builders amongst the academia, civil society, the public and private sector, the leaders of African countries, generation of African leaders and Africa and the globe. With this view in mind, together with institutions like the UN systems we will work towards generating world class leaders for both Ethiopia and the continent at large. And with this effort, we can safely say that we can achieve agenda 2064 and SDGs. In doing so, Africa shall make 22nd century a truly African century!”“We are grateful for the kind assistance and unparalleled commitment exhibited by Dr. Ramiz for the inking of this pioneering letter of intent which I would rather name it as a memorandum of action.”"I would like to express my deep gratitude for the invaluable support and unwavering dedication displayed by Dr. Ramiz in the process of formalizing this groundbreaking letter of intent, which I believe is more fittingly referred to as a memorandum of action," said Mr. Zadig Abraha.
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Press Release
23 February 2024
Bringing back more schools, health facilities to life in Tigray
Due to the conflict and lack of maintenance, the rapid response works carried out from March 2023 until January 2024 focused on refurbishment of the facilities to improve the access to health care, education and water and sanitation for 365,000 people in five woredas in Tigray. Many primary schools and health centers suffered from damaged roofs, walls, floors, windows and doors, inadequate external drainage and access paths, so the comprehensive reconstruction was covered by the project activities. Some of the facilities got for the first time new toilet blocks and running water, significantly improving sanitary conditions for their beneficiaries from the local communities. In several locations, new ramps were constructed to make it easier for people with disabilities to access the buildings."Our school was completely devastated due to the conflict, resulting in the loss of classrooms, desks, and blackboards. Before the rehabilitation, our school was non-functional, and teaching had come to a halt. We lacked proper desks and blackboards, and our students were forced to write on the walls,” Gebremikael Khishen, Director and Teacher at Koraro Primary School in Hawzen Woreda, explains. “The collaboration between the Ethiopian Government and UNOPS has yielded remarkable results. UNOPS has supported us in maintaining our infrastructure, WASH facilities, and electricity, which are now providing essential services. In addition to the rehabilitation efforts, UNOPS has generously provided us with 200 desks and 16 blackboards. As a result of this support, our students are now happy to come to school and are motivated to learn.” The rapid response activities were implemented in Hintalo, Abergele, Hawzen, Asgede and Endemahoni. The project has moved to its recovery phase, which will enable (re)construction of additional health, education and WASH facilities.“During the peak of the conflict, approximately 80% of our health centre was non-functional. Despite the extensive damage, we continued to provide services. All rooms of the health center including the delivery room were either destroyed or extensively damaged due to the conflict, so we were forced to combine the delivery room to another ward,” says Ms. Merhawit Gebrehiwot, the Director of Koraro Health Center. “However, I am pleased to see all the rooms of the health center have now been completely restored. We used to combine wards due to a shortage of rooms, but now we allocate individual rooms for each ward, ensuring a dedicated space for medical consultations and treatments.”“After a successful recovery, the community has resumed visiting our health center for their healthcare needs, as they feel content and assured of the center's excellent condition to provide services,” she adds.The Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict Affected Communities in Ethiopia (3R4CACE) Project of the Government of Ethiopia financed by the World Bank with USD 300 million aims to: (i)rebuild and improve access to basic services and climate-resilient community infrastructure and (ii) improve access to multi-sectoral response services for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors; in selected conflict-affected communities in Ethiopia.
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Press Release
16 February 2024
Launch of the “Multi-Sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Afar” Project
Launch of the “Multi-Sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Afar” Project
Today, UNOPS Ethiopia, Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and Afar regional office representatives launched the project “Multi-Sectoral interventions aimed at improving health conditions in Afar”. The project Launch workshop took place at Semera, Hotel Ardi, Afar marking the official start of field-level activities to be implemented in collaboration with the regional bureaus, which includes the rehabilitation and expansion of Wa’ama Primary School and Health Centre.
The 3-year project will improve the uptake and quality of healthcare service delivery for more than 36,000 beneficiaries in Chifra, Afar.
The project will also improve the quality and uptake of education in the Wa’ama Primary School through improved nutrition and hygiene services benefiting around 600 children of the community.
The government of Italy and UNOPS signed a €7.6 million project to support the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen the health systems and alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable population through access to quality healthcare services and nutrition for school-going children. The multi-sectoral intervention project will be implemented in the woredas of Chifra and Hamer in the Afar and South Ethiopia regions.
The project intervention will significantly contribute to enhancing access to education, health, water, and energy. Access to quality health services will also address the health challenges the communities are facing directly reaching the communities living in Wa’ama. The project will ensure that all infrastructure constructed/rehabilitated are gender sensitive and disability friendly to cater to the needs of PLWDs and the target population.
Speaking at the launch Ms. Isabella Lucaferri said “The project confirms the Italian commitment to improve the life condition of the most vulnerable communities with quality health, educational services and improved WASH facilities and a specific attention to the environment in line with attaining the SDG goals of Agenda 2030 and with the sectoral Governmental Plans”.
Ms. Worknesh Mekonnen, Multi-Country Office (Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Djibouti) Director and Representative to the AU on her part said “We are happy to work with the Italian government to improve the fundamental social services provided in the Afar regions woredas of Chifra. Inadequate access to basic services negatively affects the quality of life for millions of Ethiopians, contributing to poverty, marginalization, and inequality. Our mission is to assist individuals in living better lives and countries in establishing enduring peace and development”.
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Press Release
01 February 2024
Joint Statement by Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia on urgent funding needs for the ongoing response to food insecurity across the northern highlands of Ethiopia
The impact of an El Niño-driven drought is ravaging communities in the highlands of Ethiopia. This global climatic event impacted Ethiopia’s summer rains, leading to severe water shortages, dried pastures, and reduced harvest. Millions of lives and livestock are affected, with reports of alarming food insecurity and rising malnutrition.
The drought footprint is being felt across Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Oromia as well as Southern and South West Ethiopia Peoples' Region. Most affected, however, are vulnerable communities in northern Ethiopia that have yet to recover from the 2020-2022 conflict, particularly in localized areas of Amhara, Tigray and Afar where the recent harvest was severely disrupted leaving households with no or limited food stock.
Whilst the situation in many of these areas is already alarming, there is an opportunity to avert a serious humanitarian catastrophe. The Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners have undertaken a coordinated multi-sector assessment and analysis of the situation, which concluded that the number of critically food insecure people will continue to grow over the next few months reaching a peak of 10.8 million during the July-September lean season. Malnutrition rates in parts of Afar, Amhara and Tigray and other regions have already surpassed globally recognized crisis thresholds, although the situation is currently not reflective of famine-like conditions.
Thanks to the efforts of Government and generous donor support, some 6.6 million people are already being assisted with food and cash in a prioritized manner across affected areas, including through dynamic vulnerability-based targeting of households, with multisectoral response efforts being scaled up to many others.
In order to seize the opportunity to avert a further worsening of the drought impact, additional resources are urgently required to rapidly scale up and sustain response efforts, including in areas where national systems and public infrastructure have been disrupted by conflict.
There is a short window of opportunity to prevent further deterioration, urgent action is required now to allow a redoubling of response efforts.
For more information, please contact:
• Muluneh Woldemariam, Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC), +251-910-318-103, muluneh.woldemariam@gmail.com
• Malda Nadew, UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, +251-953-852-223, nadew@un.org
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Press Release
18 December 2023
UN Secretary-General António Guterres Message on International Migrants Day
At the same time, poorly governed migration is a cause of great suffering. It forces people into the cruel realm of traffickers, where they face exploitation, abuse, and even death. It undermines trust in governance and institutions, inflames social tensions, and corrodes our common humanity.
On International Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.
Five years ago, the international community adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. This has become an important reference point and resource for Member States to assess actions, enhance cooperation, and expand rights-based pathways for migration.
Yet such measures remain the exception, not the norm. Today and every day, we must work towards a more humane and orderly management of migration for the benefit of all, including communities of origin, transit, and destination.
Together, let us secure a safer and more prosperous future for all.
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20 January 2023
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