Euro News
The European Commission on Friday mobilised an initial €4 million for emergency assistance to Ethiopians fleeing the country due to the conflict in Tigray region, and which are reaching Sudan in a bid to find shelter in the neighbouring country.
The financial assistance is earmarked for NGOs and UN agencies in Kassala and Gedarif states in eastern Sudan, which have been worst-hit by the sudden influx of refugee arrivals.
“There is a real humanitarian crisis being created by the unfolding conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. With this initial funding, we will help Ethiopian refugees who have had to leave their homes, said Janez Lenarcic, Commissioner for Crisis Management.
He stressed, however, that they solution lies in halting hostilities and urged all parties to the conflict to permit and secure unrestricted access for humanitarian workers to all areas affected by fighting.
“Civilians are paying the price for this conflict – they must be protected and International Humanitarian Law observed,” the Crisis Commissioner added, whilst praising Sudan for its “readiness to offer refuge” to Ethiopians fleeing the conflict.
Since the conflict in the Tigray region erupted earlier in November, the two states in Sudan have received more than 29,000 Ethiopian refugees. According to reports, tens of thousands of refuges are crossing the border from Ethiopia to Sudan and are currently located at theHamdayet Reception Center.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is on the ground providing emergency food and logistics support, as the country had already been struggling to deal with a humanitarian crisis caused by conflict, a deepening economic crisis, unprecedented floods, a locusts outbreak, and the coronavirus pandemic.