UN OCHA – Ethiopia – Daily Noon Briefing Highlights – January 2021

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04 January 2021

Although humanitarian access into some areas of Tigray, Ethiopia, has slightly improved recently, it remains critically challenged by insecurity and bureaucratic constraints throughout the region. Access to some cities and refugee camps has been possible, but it is hindered to the countryside and Hitsats and Shimelba refugee camps.

The two joint Government-humanitarian partners’ assessment missions have been completed in south-eastern Tigray (Alamata, Mehoni, Mekelle, Enderta) and in western Tigray (Dansha and Humera).

Initial assessment findings indicate a dire humanitarian situation throughout the region, with poor access to services and limited livelihoods as well as urgent needs for shelter, food, non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene, and provision of health and protection services.

Health facilities in major cities are partially working with limited to no stock of supplies and absence of health workers, while facilities outside major cities are not operational.

It is estimated that more than 222,000 people have been internally displaced due to the recent conflict in Tigray region. This is in addition to 100,000 people displaced prior to the conflict.

Many of the newly displaced are hosted by local communities, which have also been affected by loss of livelihoods, damaged or looted houses, lack of water and “collapsed” markets.

In the meantime, the UN continues to engage with the Government of Ethiopia and all relevant interlocutors for the safe passage of humanitarian personnel and supplies to all parts of Tigray region.

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