On an official visit to Ethiopia, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides has announced €89 million in humanitarian support for 2018-2019 whilst visiting EU aid projects in the Somali region in Eastern Ethiopia where many people have fled their homes due to internal conflict.
Speaking from the Qologi camp for internally displaced people near Jijiga, capital of the Somali region, Commissioner Stylianides said: “Ethiopia is an important partner for the European Union. As the country undergoes profound positive political change, the EU will step up support for the most vulnerable Ethiopians. I have seen myself how crucial our EU humanitarian support is in the daily lives of displaced people. It helps them feed their children, provide them with medicines and send them to school. This is EU aid that saves lives.”
The EU funding will be used to address the needs of people displaced within Ethiopia, refugees from neighboring countries as well as tackling natural disasters such as drought. Currently, there are close to 3 million people displaced within the country and around 1 million refugees from neighbouring countries.
EU humanitarian aid
EU assistance focuses on the supply of clean water, shelter and sanitation and hygiene, as well as the distribution of food, the treatment of malnourished children and the prevention and treatment of epidemics. In addition, displaced families receive essential items such as cooking utensils and other household goods.
The EU promotes access and rapid delivery of emergency aid in both areas of displacement and areas of return. Returns of displaced populations must be voluntary and safe. Aid should not contribute to policies or actions that may induce premature or involuntary returns.
Original source: European Commission
Published on 17 December 2018
