EU Launches €43.5mln Program to Support IDPs, Host Communities
ADDIS ABABA – The European Union (EU) and its partners launched a three-year program to provide support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their host communities in Ethiopia.
The 43.5 million Euro program aims to improve the living conditions of IDPs and host communities affected by conflict and natural disasters in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Tigray regions.
Prolonged internal conflicts and natural disasters have taken a toll on Ethiopia’s economy and exacerbated food insecurity in parts of the country.
“This action is another timely contribution to complement humanitarian support and ensure the humanitarian, development and peace work reinforce each other,” EU’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Roland Kobia said.
The program will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the Red Cross, and the German and Italian development agencies in partnership with Ethiopian institutions at district, zonal and regional levels.
Its activities are expected to improve livelihoods through skills and vocational training in agriculture and other sectors, and access to financial and Sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.
“Providing these basic services such as livelihoods and WASH for IDPs and host communities are essential for the recovery of crisis-affected populations,” Abibatou Wane, IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission, said.
