Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-04-04 13:09:38
Senior officials from various countries and international organizations will be gathering in Geneva on April 16, 2024, for a high-level pledging event dedicated to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia. The main goal of this event is to raise $1 billion to support the United Nations’ prioritized humanitarian plan for the East African nation.
Leading up to the pledging conference, the United Kingdom hosted a meeting on March 25, bringing together representatives from the United States, European Union, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Luxembourg, the Ethiopian government, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the Ethiopia Humanitarian INGO Forum. This meeting aimed to create a shared understanding of the situation in Ethiopia and foster discussions on collaborative initiatives to mitigate the worsening food insecurity in the country’s most vulnerable regions.
During the meeting, the Ethiopian government outlined its efforts to improve humanitarian data collection, conduct food security analyses, and prioritize response actions. They also emphasized their commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis and seeking sustainable, long-term development solutions in partnership with development agencies.
All United Nations missions based in Geneva and New York, as well as non-governmental organizations, have been invited to participate in the conference on April 16 with the objective of contributing to the $1 billion funding target. This event presents a critical opportunity to mobilize resources and ensure essential humanitarian aid reaches Ethiopia’s most vulnerable populations in the coming months.
In a situational report released on March 25, 2024, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that $998 million is needed to address priority humanitarian needs in Ethiopia over the next three months and maintain the functionality of aid distribution channels. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) disclosed that the ongoing drought has affected over 6.6 million citizens, with Amhara and Tigray being the most vulnerable regions accounting for over 50% of those in need of emergency food assistance from January to March 2024.
The drought has had devastating effects across various parts of Ethiopia, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. By coming together at the pledging event in Geneva, representatives from countries, international organizations, and NGOs have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to supporting Ethiopia during this challenging time.
Overall, the conference on April 16 is a chance to unite efforts, mobilize resources, and provide vital assistance to alleviate the suffering of those most affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia. It underscores the importance of solidarity and collaborative action in responding to large-scale emergencies and supporting vulnerable populations in times of need.
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