Posted on 19 June 2024
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) have issued an urgent 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 an influx of people, including Ethiopian returnees, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict in Sudan. 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, impeding the ability to provide the necessary support to the affected communities.
Ethiopia now hosts over one million refugees, making it the second-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. Many of these refugees have fled brutal conflict, leaving everything behind and are extremely traumatised. There is an urgent 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. Paula Fitzgerald, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation for Ethiopia & Djibouti, stressed the gravity of the situation, stating that without immediate and sustained support, the situation will worsen. The IFRC renews its call for financial support, as the Sudan conflict remains one of the most underfunded operations globally.
Source: IFRC