Crisis in Ethiopia
Millions affected by conflict and forced to flee
EMERGENCY UPDATE: UN DECLARES FAMINE
On June 11, 2021, the UN declared famine in Ethiopia.
Conflict in the Tigray region has been worsened and complicated by severe food shortages. But this is now an outright catastrophe for millions. As thousands have been displaced by brutal conflict, farms have been left empty and crops unplanted. There will be no harvest.
Families who have already been displaced by conflict may be forced to move again in order to survive.
ShelterBox continues to deliver shelter and emergency aid in Ethiopia. In the coming months, we will continue to do everything we can to get aid to people who need it the most.
You can help this crisis by donating today.
Conflict in Tigray
In early November 2020, escalating tension between Ethiopia’s federal government and the regional leadership in Tigray erupted into armed conflict.
Formal military operations ceased when the Tigrayan capital of Mekelle was captured by government forces at the end of November 2020. Reports have been made about extra judicial killings and other abuses including use of chemical weapons.
The conflict has cost thousands of lives. 4.5 million people are estimated to need urgent humanitarian assistance. Over 520,000 people have been displaced in the region, while more the 55,000 have fled to neighbouring country Sudan.
How Is ShelterBox Helping
Most displaced people are living in schools or staying in host communities. Living conditions are crowded, unfinished, missing doors and windows. People are sleeping on dusty floors or sleeping outside under trees. This is putting families at risk of COVID-19, pneumonia, and malaria.
ShelterBox is working with in-country partner IOM to support families who have fled their home in Tigray. Families are being provided with emergency shelter, household items, and hygiene items. In addition to tarpaulins, ropes, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, water carriers, and kitchen sets, families will also receive wash basins, soap, and water jugs to help prevent devastating outbreaks. But this crisis is ongoing. Thousands of families need support.
Support Families Today
Families in Tigray urgently need your help. Will you provide families with emergency shelter today?
Where is Tigray?
Tigray is the northernmost region of Ethiopia.
It is the homeland of the Tigrayan, Irob, and Kunama peoples.
Before this latest conflict, Tigray was already home to 100,000 internally displaced people and 96,000 refugees from neighbouring Eritrea.
The region has also suffered high levels of food insecurity.
It’s estimated that around 1.2 million people have been displaced as a result of this conflict.
