Addis Ababa/Nairobi/Geneva, 12 June 2024 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) urgently call for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to thousands of vulnerable Sudanese refugees near the Metema border point in Ethiopia.
Since late April 2023, the Metema and Kumruk entry points have seen people, including Ethiopian returnees, seeking refuge from the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Since the onset of the conflict, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian assistance, delivering psychological first aid, emergency medical services, water, high-energy biscuits, and health promotion initiatives. However, operational, security, and resource challenges significantly hinder these efforts.
“Despite our concerted efforts, major challenges persist, including safety and security threats, transport access issues, and insufficient supplies of food, water, and sanitation materials,” said Mohamed Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director for Africa. “These challenges impede our ability to provide the necessary support to the affected communities. Our staff and volunteers are ready and willing to provide assistance, but we need safe and unhindered humanitarian access to carry out our lifesaving work effectively.”
Ethiopia now hosts over one million refugees, making it the second-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, many of whom have fled brutal conflict, leaving everything behind, and are extremely traumatized. There is a need for more support to meet the mounting needs of the refugees, including potable water, food, non-food items, and health and wellbeing facilities at entry points and within the camps. Additionally, support is needed to address the concerns of those protesting for better and more humane conditions in the camps.
Paula Fitzgerald, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation for Ethiopia & Djibouti, stressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Without immediate and sustained support, their situation will worsen. We urgently need resources to improve living conditions for displaced people until a durable solution is found. We call on all parties to come together for the sake of humanity and urge global support for our emergency appeals to help affected communities cope with this crisis.”
The IFRC renews its call for financial support, as the Sudan conflict remains one of the most underfunded operations globally. The Emergency Appeal to support the Sudan Red Crescent Society is underfunded, with only 18 percent of the required funds raised. Similarly, a regional population movement appeal to help National Societies in Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, and Libya support people displaced from Sudan is only 12 percent funded.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]
In Nairobi: Susan Nzisa Mbalu, +254 733 827 654
In Geneva: Mrinalini Santhanam, +41 76 381 50 06
