Recommendations & Conclusions
24 items
1
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
Conflict is a key cause of the current humanitarian crisis in Tigray. Continued fighting is hampering efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Government response AI summary
The government outlines extensive diplomatic efforts, including meetings with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, visits by special envoys, engagement with allies, and raising the issue at the UN Security Council and G7, to address the conflict, humanitarian access, and human rights.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
We welcome the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary’s wholehearted acceptance that the situation in Tigray is an early test of the UK’s commitment to the principles and approach of the UK as a ‘force for good’ as set out in the Government’s Integrated Review. The Tigray crisis will be a …
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We welcome the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary’s wholehearted acceptance that the situation in Tigray is an early test of the UK’s commitment to the principles and approach of the UK as a ‘force for good’ as set out in the Government’s Integrated Review. The Tigray crisis will be a test of the FCDO’s desire to combine ‘diplomacy and development’ and to establish an integrated approach to conflict and instability. Failing this early test could damage the credibility of the UK’s new strategy.
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Government response AI summary
The government details ongoing diplomatic efforts to raise human rights issues and calls for an end to violence and protection of civilians. They commit to supporting UN investigations into atrocities in Tigray to ensure accountability and will continue to raise concerns at the UN Security …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
8
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained. We recommend that the UK Government work with the Ethiopian Government and the relevant regional authorities to ensure humanitarian agencies have unimpeded access to communities in need in Tigray and neighbouring regions. These efforts should …
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Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained. We recommend that the UK Government work with the Ethiopian Government and the relevant regional authorities to ensure humanitarian agencies have unimpeded access to communities in need in Tigray and neighbouring regions. These efforts should be undertaken in concert with diplomatic efforts to end the fighting and find a peaceful, inclusive political solution to the crisis.
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating it will use all necessary political levers, support Security Council initiatives, and consider further bilateral and multilateral opportunities to improve humanitarian access and reduce conflict intensity in Tigray.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
15
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
A failure to adequately resource the response to this crisis increases the risk of a ripple effect of instability throughout the region. The failure to support the communities of Tigray, combined with the lack of an inclusive political settlement, compromises hard-won development gains in Ethiopia, and has the potential to …
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A failure to adequately resource the response to this crisis increases the risk of a ripple effect of instability throughout the region. The failure to support the communities of Tigray, combined with the lack of an inclusive political settlement, compromises hard-won development gains in Ethiopia, and has the potential to jeopardise the broader development and stability gains funded through UK aid programmes throughout the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO details its established methods for identifying, analysing, and responding to regional conflict and instability, stating that a newly established conflict centre will bolster existing capabilities and improve effectiveness. They describe ongoing processes using embassy insights and conflict expert analysis to inform policy and …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
17
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of humanitarian assistance to the conflict in Tigray provides sufficient financial and technical resources to support communities in urgent need. We recommend that the FCDO builds a comprehensive picture of the sources of conflict and instability …
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To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of humanitarian assistance to the conflict in Tigray provides sufficient financial and technical resources to support communities in urgent need. We recommend that the FCDO builds a comprehensive picture of the sources of conflict and instability in East Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region using the reports and analysis from Posts in the region to synthesise a broader picture, drawing on and applying the expertise of the new Conflict Prevention Hub. The Government should use this analysis to adjust the allocation of the UK’s resources in the region to help prevent conflicts from spreading and destabilising more of the region. (Paragraph 70) 6 The humanitarian situation in Tigray Conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region ETHIOPIA Access Map - Tigray Region As of 23 March 2021 Badime ERITREA Ethiopia ERITREA Adi H A a d g i e H r a a g y eray S A e d y y e a m b t o i Gerhu S E e g rn e a la y Zala Ambesa Dawuhan S U D A N M M a a y y c K a a d d r r a a Humera Adaba B y ae W ke K r a e ft s a t H e um rn era Adigoshu Ta K h o t r a a y r i A t diyabo Nor S t h h A e s r g a W e ro d e e E s nd A t L a e d a b i e r a D l T n a g s a y i u m e A T n r b d o a I l i a a G b A oT K R a d o h S i r A t a h N a r i e Y y r o e bri K T e S a S o d Z h e e r Z a a t l l e e a r n a o k y k a n l l e a e M k k C T a a a W a h y h e il u S t c a A a k e h y r d m e o C e w e h t M m i R A L l a a a a k a y e m x c l u R h a N a C m a y e a m w e e d a n e A r t d E r w n a A d a h Y A l a s e f d E e e h w a d l a a a a s M A g i a h a y e H A k f a e r n b h r F e o i a I e t n m y a r t l e l e i c s D N h m e H o e b a a b r w y e e l z a D B e G t H a z n u e A m a l t G o f w o e a F M s z n a h e e t t u n a s k m A e i K A w d e d a e l i e l g a t E r e l a l E o F a T t d S s r a s e a a g e w e E t d a s r o e i o A a A e H y b r t E t n a s s n m i b i m b i b i
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Government response AI summary
The government states the FCDO already has established methods for identifying and analysing conflict sources, with a new conflict centre bolstering existing capabilities and contributing to this effort, informing resource allocation through policy strategy groups.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
18
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
On 2 April, the G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union issued a joint statement on the situation in Tigray, condemning human rights abuses and calling on all parties to the conflict to, … exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights …
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On 2 April, the G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union issued a joint statement on the situation in Tigray, condemning human rights abuses and calling on all parties to the conflict to, … exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law.46 Noting their deep concern about allegations of human rights violations and abuses, including reports of sexual violence against women and girls in the Tigray region, on 22 April members of the UN Security Council called for investigations to find those responsible and bring them to justice.47
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Government response AI summary
The government emphasizes its leading role in the international response, detailing high-level diplomatic engagements with Ethiopian leaders and allies, and participation in G7 and UN Security Council discussions and statements.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
20
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
We are appalled by the distressing reports of human rights abuses, gender-based violence and sexual violence in Tigray. The horrors that have been inflicted on people and their suffering during this conflict are unimaginable, and we are particularly saddened that, once again, women and girls are being targeted. It is …
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We are appalled by the distressing reports of human rights abuses, gender-based violence and sexual violence in Tigray. The horrors that have been inflicted on people and their suffering during this conflict are unimaginable, and we are particularly saddened that, once again, women and girls are being targeted. It is essential that the fighting ends as soon as possible. The services needed to support those who have suffered so terribly must be restored and expanded to meet present and future needs without further delay. It is crucial that these crimes are investigated and that those responsible face justice. We are particularly saddened by the targeting and killing of aid workers.
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Government response AI summary
The government states its ongoing diplomatic efforts focus on ending violence, protecting civilians, and specifically commits to supporting independent UN/Ethiopian investigations into atrocities to ensure accountability.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
22
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
In line with the recent G7 statement on the importance of an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into crimes reported in Tigray, the UK Government should work with the appropriate authorities to enable access for independent monitors to Tigray to ensure that evidence of the crimes that have been committed …
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In line with the recent G7 statement on the importance of an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into crimes reported in Tigray, the UK Government should work with the appropriate authorities to enable access for independent monitors to Tigray to ensure that evidence of the crimes that have been committed is secured and 46 GOV.UK, Ethiopia: G7 Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement on Tigray, 2 April 2021 47 United Nations Security Council, Security Council Press Statement on Ethiopia, SC/14501, 22 April 2021 48 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 8 March 2021, p.2 49 Q21 The humanitarian situation in Tigray 13 to bring those who are responsible to justice. The Government should continue to press for clarity on how the joint investigations by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will work.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it continues to press for unfettered access for independent human rights organisations and will support the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure independent, transparent, and impartial joint investigations into atrocities in Tigray.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
24
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
Ethiopia had significant humanitarian needs before the conflict started in Tigray. The desert locust invasion,50 recurrent floods and droughts, and the socioeconomic impact of covid-19 were driving humanitarian needs in Ethiopia.51 The pandemic and the measures to contain it have worsened a dire humanitarian situation, and an estimated 2.4 million …
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Ethiopia had significant humanitarian needs before the conflict started in Tigray. The desert locust invasion,50 recurrent floods and droughts, and the socioeconomic impact of covid-19 were driving humanitarian needs in Ethiopia.51 The pandemic and the measures to contain it have worsened a dire humanitarian situation, and an estimated 2.4 million jobs have been lost in the country.52 Over half of Ethiopia’s population of nearly 104 million people are children.53 Ethiopia is home to 177,996 Eritrean refugees, around 22% of its total refugee population of 801,349.54 The humanitarian situation in Tigray
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray, outlines its significant existing financial contributions, and details ongoing support for human rights, particularly deploying an expert on sexual violence and backing aid partners.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
25
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
The situation in Tigray is dire and far from improving, despite the significant efforts of humanitarian agencies to provide assistance.55 Many thousands of people have been displaced by fighting and there are reports of some villages being completely emptied.56 Thousands more are trapped by fighting or lack transport to escape …
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The situation in Tigray is dire and far from improving, despite the significant efforts of humanitarian agencies to provide assistance.55 Many thousands of people have been displaced by fighting and there are reports of some villages being completely emptied.56 Thousands more are trapped by fighting or lack transport to escape it.57 Basic services, such as communications and electricity, have been disrupted and social services have collapsed.58 Universities and health centres have been vandalised, looted or destroyed and armed actors have threatened health workers.59 The police and judicial systems have ceased to function.60 The Minister for Africa, told us: The conflict has caused a collapse in all essential services: health; water; sanitation; basic, life-saving, maternal healthcare and vaccination. The core of development work is not deliverable.61
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is working with partners to assess needs and identify gaps, and has redirected some aid to the Tigray response due to urgent needs. They commit to continuously reviewing their aid programme and collaborating with other donors to raise awareness and mobilise …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
28
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
The population of Tigray is about 6 million.65 The Humanitarian Needs Overview, published in February 2021, estimated that about 4.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Tigray, of whom 3.5 million people are in accessible and partially accessible areas.66 Estimates of the number of people in need, …
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The population of Tigray is about 6 million.65 The Humanitarian Needs Overview, published in February 2021, estimated that about 4.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Tigray, of whom 3.5 million people are in accessible and partially accessible areas.66 Estimates of the number of people in need, made by the WFP, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and the Emergency Coordination Centre which meets weekly in Mekelle, range from 2.5 million to 4.5 million.67 In an answer to a Parliamentary Question, James Duddridge MP said the UN estimated that 1.3 million people affected by the conflict need humanitarian assistance. This is in addition to an existing caseload of 1 million people in the region, but a lack of access to the area makes it extremely challenging to determine the actual numbers.68 Refugees and displaced people
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines its current actions, including working with partners to assess humanitarian needs and funding gaps, redirecting some aid to the Tigray response, and continuing to review its aid programme. It also works with other donors to avoid overlap and promote further resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
30
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
The International Medical Corps has reported large displacements in Western Tigray heading towards the town of Shire, where approximately 1,500 people were arriving each day. Edward Brown, World Vision Ethiopia, gave us a broadly similar figure but he drew our attention to the fact that this included hundreds of unaccompanied …
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The International Medical Corps has reported large displacements in Western Tigray heading towards the town of Shire, where approximately 1,500 people were arriving each day. Edward Brown, World Vision Ethiopia, gave us a broadly similar figure but he drew our attention to the fact that this included hundreds of unaccompanied children.73 The OCHA situation update for 22 March gives a lower figure of 1,000 people arriving per day.74 There are 82,000 IDPs in Mekelle, most of whom are hosted by the community but with 30,000 people living in collective centres. There are 352,000 IDPs in Shire.75
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Government response AI summary
The government is working with partners to understand needs, has redirected aid to Tigray, and continues to review its programme and collaborate with other donors to raise awareness and mobilise resources for the situation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
39
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
James Duddridge MP, Minister for Africa, told us: One of the problems is that there is just no access, so we do not even understand the nature of the problem. Another is trying to gain consistent access and not being blocked by Eritrean soldiers, and the complexity around the provisional …
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James Duddridge MP, Minister for Africa, told us: One of the problems is that there is just no access, so we do not even understand the nature of the problem. Another is trying to gain consistent access and not being blocked by Eritrean soldiers, and the complexity around the provisional government and perhaps outlining what the regional authorities … are doing. Some of the territory that we would describe as Tigray is under the control of the Amharans or is inaccessible.94 The UK Government has also expressed concern about limited access for humanitarian agencies to refugee camps in northern Tigray and has called for “sustained, free and unfettered access to enable the delivery of much needed humanitarian assistance”.95 It has also said that, The UK continues to press, at the highest levels, for sustained, free and unfettered humanitarian access across Tigray, so that the UNHCR can uphold its mandate towards refugees.96
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms that ensuring humanitarian access and safety remains a key FCDO priority, with officials and the Foreign Secretary raising the issue with Ethiopian authorities and continuing to work with partners to improve access and find a political solution.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
41
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained. We recommend that the UK Government work with the Ethiopian Government and the relevant regional authorities to ensure humanitarian agencies have unimpeded access to communities in need in Tigray and neighbouring regions. These efforts should …
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Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained. We recommend that the UK Government work with the Ethiopian Government and the relevant regional authorities to ensure humanitarian agencies have unimpeded access to communities in need in Tigray and neighbouring regions. These efforts should be undertaken in concert with diplomatic efforts to end the fighting and find a peaceful, inclusive political solution to the crisis. 94 Q29 [James Duddridge] 95 HL12399, 4 February 2021 96 HL12328, 3 February 2021 97 Letter from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary dated 12 April 2021 98 United Nations Security Council, Security Council Press Statement on Ethiopia, SC/14501, 22 April 2021 99 Oral evidence taken on 22 April 2021, HC (2019–21) 1141, Q159 The humanitarian situation in Tigray 19 Basic needs
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that ensuring humanitarian access and safety is a key FCDO priority, and that officials and the Foreign Secretary have raised this issue with Ethiopian authorities while continuing to work with partners to improve access and find a political solution.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
42
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
The basic needs of many people in Tigray are not being met. These include: Food and food security: Ȥ Agricultural systems have been devastated by months of fighting and extensive looting and destruction. Crops and animals have been looted or burned, notably in the Eastern and Central zones. Farmers are …
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The basic needs of many people in Tigray are not being met. These include: Food and food security: Ȥ Agricultural systems have been devastated by months of fighting and extensive looting and destruction. Crops and animals have been looted or burned, notably in the Eastern and Central zones. Farmers are becoming increasingly desperate, with their food security status described as catastrophic100 Ȥ Children, particularly those whose nutrition status has been compromised, are particularly at risk101 Ȥ With the electricity supply affected by conflict, grinding mills are not functioning102 Ȥ Shortages of fuel, food, and other key goods continue. Limited supply and slow resupply has led to inflated market prices, exacerbating the situation103 • Water: Ȥ Access to water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) services is largely disrupted across Tigray, increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks, including covid-19104 Ȥ Water pumping systems in towns are out of order due to a lack of fuel and electricity, damage, looting, and vandalism. Affected communities may have to use unprotected water sources without any treatment, in some cases traveling long distances to fetch water (a burden that falls disproportionately on girls and women)105 • Shelter: Ȥ While most displaced people are seeking shelter with relatives and friends, thousands are also living in overcrowded collective centres106 Ȥ The crisis has left people in urgent need of emergency shelter and basic household items, including kitchen utensils, blankets, and mats 100 OCHA, Ethiopia - Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 8 March 2021, p.2 and p.5 101 CARE, Oxfam, ActionAid, Multiagency and Multisectoral Rapid Need Assessment in Raya Kobo, Raya Alamata, Raya Azebo, Chercher, Wajirat and Ofla Woredas of North Wollo and South Tigray Zones, 30 January 2021, page 13 102 CARE, Oxfam, ActionAid, Multiagency and Multisectoral Rapid Need Assessment in Raya Kobo, Raya Alamata, Raya Azebo, Chercher, Wajirat and Ofla
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it works with partners like OCHA to assess humanitarian needs and gaps, has redirected some aid to Tigray, and continues to review its aid programme and work with donors for resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
43
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
For some people these basic needs are being met. Edward Brown, World Vision Ethiopia, told us: We have already been able to reach over 1.2 million people with food, predominantly through the NGO pipeline, and well over a million other beneficiaries have benefited from health, water, shelter, non-food items, multipurpose …
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For some people these basic needs are being met. Edward Brown, World Vision Ethiopia, told us: We have already been able to reach over 1.2 million people with food, predominantly through the NGO pipeline, and well over a million other beneficiaries have benefited from health, water, shelter, non-food items, multipurpose cash, protection and nutrition services. The need is still far greater than the current response, but we are scaling up as fast as we can … .107
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Government response AI summary
The government describes its existing efforts, including working with partners to assess needs, having already redirected some aid to Tigray, and continuing to review its aid programme and work with other donors to raise awareness and mobilise resources.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
48
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
We recommend that the FCDO monitors OCHA’s situation reports carefully to rapidly identify any areas where needs are unmet or are growing faster than expected so that it can respond rapidly and flexibly to provide the support needed. We also recommend that, as the situation on the ground becomes clearer, …
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We recommend that the FCDO monitors OCHA’s situation reports carefully to rapidly identify any areas where needs are unmet or are growing faster than expected so that it can respond rapidly and flexibly to provide the support needed. We also recommend that, as the situation on the ground becomes clearer, the FCDO assesses whether its current humanitarian contribution is adequate to ensure that the basic needs of communities are met.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it works with OCHA and partners to understand needs, has assessed humanitarian gaps, and has redirected some aid to Tigray, committing to continue reviewing its aid programme.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
51
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
The multiagency rapid needs assessment published in January 2021 noted there were no health services in the areas of Southern Tigray affected by the conflict, meaning that regular health service activities such as Maternal and Child Health, treatment of endemic diseases, and the supply of essential drugs for chronic illnesses …
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The multiagency rapid needs assessment published in January 2021 noted there were no health services in the areas of Southern Tigray affected by the conflict, meaning that regular health service activities such as Maternal and Child Health, treatment of endemic diseases, and the supply of essential drugs for chronic illnesses had stopped.117 Many health facilities have few or no remaining staff. Some have fled in fear having been threatened by soldiers and militias; while others no longer come to work because they have not been paid in months.118 Furthermore, ongoing looting of health facilities 115 Médecins Sans Frontières, People left with few healthcare options in Tigray as facilities looted destroyed, 15 March 2021 116 Médecins Sans Frontières, People left with few healthcare options in Tigray as facilities looted destroyed, 15 March 2021 117 CARE, Oxfam, ActionAid, Multiagency and Multisectoral Rapid Need Assessment in Raya Kobo, Raya Alamata, Raya Azebo, Chercher, Wajirat and Ofla Woredas of North Wollo and South Tigray Zones, 30 January 2021, page 26 118 Médecins Sans Frontières, People left with few healthcare options in Tigray as facilities looted destroyed, 15 March 2021 22 The humanitarian situation in Tigray discourages aid organisations from providing medical supplies.119 Women with no access to reproductive health services are concerned that they are at risk of getting pregnant and having additional children to care for because of lack of family planning services. CARE International found there was no pre- and post-natal treatment for the pregnant women or access to reproductive health services. Some women were reported to have given birth in the bush, others at home without professional support. Women who were raped or attacked have no access to trauma and rape services.120
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Government response AI summary
The government states it will work through the multilateral system to address the restoration of basic services, but notes that insecurity prevents immediate resumption in certain locations. It continues to support the humanitarian response for essential services and assistance where access is possible, and is …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
64
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, told us that: The funding has not really been that great, considering the needs on the ground. We know that many donor countries we have relied on in the past are having a very difficult time in terms of their own economies, so the timing …
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Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, told us that: The funding has not really been that great, considering the needs on the ground. We know that many donor countries we have relied on in the past are having a very difficult time in terms of their own economies, so the timing in terms of the response for Tigray is rather difficult. A lot of Governments do not have the same sorts of funding levels for overseas assistance as they used to have. That is causing us all a problem.142
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines its current actions, including working with partners to assess humanitarian needs and funding gaps, redirecting some aid to the Tigray response, and continuing to review its aid programme. It also works with other donors to avoid overlap and promote further resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
66
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
Ethiopia was the top bilateral recipient of UK aid for the 2020/21 financial year (£324.9m)144 and was the second-largest recipient of UK bilateral aid in 2019 after Pakistan.145 The UK Government has resisted calls to suspend aid, arguing “withholding finance is not an effective lever”, but has said it continually …
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Ethiopia was the top bilateral recipient of UK aid for the 2020/21 financial year (£324.9m)144 and was the second-largest recipient of UK bilateral aid in 2019 after Pakistan.145 The UK Government has resisted calls to suspend aid, arguing “withholding finance is not an effective lever”, but has said it continually reviews its support.146 In mid- January the EU suspended budget support for Ethiopia until humanitarian agencies are granted access to Tigray.147
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Government response AI summary
The government states its total support to the crisis is £47.7 million since November 2020 and that it keeps its level of support under review. It also remains actively engaged through diplomatic and political channels.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
67
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
Dr Rogg, FCDO, told us £15.4 million had been announced and disbursed specifically for the crisis to date.148 Paul Turnbull called for additional funding for the crisis, telling us that: We have been a beneficiary of DfID and FCDO. If we look at the last decade, DfID contributed over $400 …
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Dr Rogg, FCDO, told us £15.4 million had been announced and disbursed specifically for the crisis to date.148 Paul Turnbull called for additional funding for the crisis, telling us that: We have been a beneficiary of DfID and FCDO. If we look at the last decade, DfID contributed over $400 million to WFP Ethiopia. In fact, even last year, the funding increased slightly from what it was in the previous year. We would urge that funding be provided to curtail this humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding in Tigray and that an eye be kept on Ethiopia as a whole, given the huge humanitarian needs here. That may not be as specific an ask as you would like, but, if I am talking to a donor at the moment, funding really is a serious issue for us. We expect fair burden- sharing among donors, but we can testify to a very serious situation that has unfolded in Tigray.149
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that total UK support to the crisis is £47.7m since November 2020 and that it keeps this level of support under review, alongside diplomatic engagement.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
69
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
With Ethiopia currently the UK’s largest bilateral recipient of ODA, we are surprised that the UK Government has not allocated more financial assistance to the humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray.
Government response AI summary
The government stated it has provided £47.7m in support since November 2020 and keeps its level of support under review, while also engaging diplomatically.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
70
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of humanitarian assistance to the conflict in Tigray provides sufficient financial and technical resources to support communities in urgent need. We recommend that the FCDO builds a comprehensive picture of the sources of conflict and instability …
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To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of humanitarian assistance to the conflict in Tigray provides sufficient financial and technical resources to support communities in urgent need. We recommend that the FCDO builds a comprehensive picture of the sources of conflict and instability in East Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region using the reports and analysis from Posts in the region to synthesise a broader picture, drawing on and applying the expertise of the new Conflict Prevention Hub. The Government should use this analysis to adjust the allocation of the UK’s resources in the region to help prevent conflicts from spreading and destabilising more of the region. 144 GOV.UK, Development Tracker [accessed 11 March 2021] 145 GOV.UK, Statistics on International Development: Final UK Aid Spend 2019 [accessed 11 March 2021] 146 HL11061, 21 December 2021 147 Reuters, EU suspends Ethiopian budget support over Tigray crisis, 15 January 2021 148 Q23 [Dr Rogg] 149 Q20 [Paul Turnbull] The humanitarian situation in Tigray 27 Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government states that FCDO already has established methods for analysing regional conflict and that the new Conflict Prevention Hub is bolstering these existing capabilities by combining embassy reports with research and analysis to inform policy and resource allocation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
73
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Accepted
We believe that the UK Government should be working to: • help bring about an end to the conflict and prevent it from spreading; • ensure that the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict are met, that people can safely return to their homes and that essential services …
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We believe that the UK Government should be working to: • help bring about an end to the conflict and prevent it from spreading; • ensure that the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict are met, that people can safely return to their homes and that essential services are restored as quickly as possible; • help find an inclusive political settlement that delivers a sustainable peace; • establish a process for reconciliation—drawing on the UK’s previous experience in supporting reconciliation processes (e.g. in Colombia)—that starts with investigating the alleged crimes that have been committed and bringing those responsible to justice; To achieve this, the FCDO will need to work with the Government of Ethiopia, regional authorities, its bilateral partners and multilateral organisations, including the UN Security Council, in a coordinated effort that will be a true test of the approach it has set out in the Integrated Review. 28 The humanitarian situation in Tigray
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with all four core recommendations: ending conflict, meeting humanitarian needs, finding a political settlement, and establishing a reconciliation process. They note that achieving these is largely predicated on an end to fighting, which remains their primary ask.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office