Recommendations & Conclusions
29 items
9
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
We commend the work of aid agencies in their provision of lifesaving assistance to communities in Tigray, despite the extraordinarily difficult circumstances in which they are delivering this help. It is likely that the number of people whose basic needs are not met will grow as the conflict continues. In …
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We commend the work of aid agencies in their provision of lifesaving assistance to communities in Tigray, despite the extraordinarily difficult circumstances in which they are delivering this help. It is likely that the number of people whose basic needs are not met will grow as the conflict continues. In addition, as humanitarian agencies reach parts of Tigray that have so far been inaccessible, they will discover many more cases of unmet need, creating a widening gap between the level of need and the provision that has been made.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the growing needs and states it will work through the multilateral system to address the restoration of basic services and continue to support the humanitarian response where access is possible, but highlights that insecurity prevents full resumption of services.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
16
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
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 acknowledges the committee's surprise by stating total UK support to the crisis is £47.7m since November 2020, and that they keep their level of support under review while also engaging through diplomatic and political channels.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
19
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
OCHA’s 8 March situation update reported the looting of humanitarian supplies and the destruction and vandalisation of humanitarian infrastructure.48 James Duddridge MP, Minister for Africa, told us that five Ethiopians working for international organisations that received UK funding were killed “while putting their lives at risk trying to help others”.49
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OCHA’s 8 March situation update reported the looting of humanitarian supplies and the destruction and vandalisation of humanitarian infrastructure.48 James Duddridge MP, Minister for Africa, told us that five Ethiopians working for international organisations that received UK funding were killed “while putting their lives at risk trying to help others”.49
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the humanitarian context by outlining its ongoing diplomatic efforts, including high-level meetings and engagement with international bodies, to urge an end to violence, secure humanitarian access, and address human rights abuses.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
26
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Paul Turnbull, Deputy Country Director and Representative of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Ethiopia, said: The situation in November and December was really terrible. It was not until about the middle of December that ICRC, and then WFP, could deliver anything from outside of Tigray. There was no …
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Paul Turnbull, Deputy Country Director and Representative of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Ethiopia, said: The situation in November and December was really terrible. It was not until about the middle of December that ICRC, and then WFP, could deliver anything from outside of Tigray. There was no movement from the stocks that were already in Mekelle, because there was no fuel. There was just no way to move things from Mekelle to the other areas.62 50 The current desert locust outbreak is the worst in 25 years. 51 OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Ethiopia, February 2021, p.6 52 OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Ethiopia, February 2021, p.6 53 OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Ethiopia, February 2021, p.10 54 UNHCR, Situation Update: Ethiopia, Tigray, 3 March 2021, p.2 55 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 30 March 2021, p.1 56 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.1 57 International Medical Corps, Ethiopia–Tigray Region Humanitarian Update Situation Report #6, 18 March 2021, p.1 58 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.8; See also Q10 and Q17 59 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.2 60 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.8 61 Q21 62 Q8 [Paul Turnbull] The humanitarian situation in Tigray 15 UNICEF have said that humanitarian aid alone is not enough, and that, Monitoring, reporting and protection services for those affected must be urgently expanded to meet the growing needs of survivors.63
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Government response AI summary
The government states that ensuring access and safety for humanitarian actors is a key priority, an issue raised bilaterally, and they continue to work with partners to improve access and reduce conflict.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
27
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
James Duddridge MP said: Sadly, some of the needs will be very basic—and even more basic than the right to education and a health service. Just getting clean water and food to people, and stopping the rape and the forced removal of people from areas, will be critical.64
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James Duddridge MP said: Sadly, some of the needs will be very basic—and even more basic than the right to education and a health service. Just getting clean water and food to people, and stopping the rape and the forced removal of people from areas, will be critical.64
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Government response AI summary
The government states that ensuring access and safety for humanitarian actors is a key priority, an issue raised bilaterally, and they continue to work with partners to improve access and reduce conflict.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
29
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are amongst the hardest hit by the crisis.69 In March the UN’s initial estimate was that there were 521,200 newly internally displaced people, of whom 493,300 were in Tigray, 23,680 in Afar, and 3,850 in Amhara region. In addition, over 61,000 people from Ethiopia had sought …
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Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are amongst the hardest hit by the crisis.69 In March the UN’s initial estimate was that there were 521,200 newly internally displaced people, of whom 493,300 were in Tigray, 23,680 in Afar, and 3,850 in Amhara region. In addition, over 61,000 people from Ethiopia had sought safety in Eastern Sudan.70 Table 1 shows a breakdown of where the 417,152 people (from 108,116 households), newly displaced as a result of the conflict, were living when the IOM carried out its assessments in February 2021 across 96 sites; these figures do not reflect the total displacement, just the number of IDPs identified at the 96 sites that were accessible.71 In November 2020, UNHCR had registered 96,223 Eritrean refugees in Tigray.72 63 UNICEF, Continuing crisis for children in Tigray Ethiopia amid reports of atrocities Ethiopia, Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, 19 March 2021 64 Q31 [James Duddridge] 65 European Commission, Tigray conflict: EU increases humanitarian support by €23.7 million in Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya, 19 December 2020 66 OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Ethiopia, February 2021 67 Ethiopia: situation in Tigray, Briefing Paper Number 09147, House of Commons Library, 25 February 2021, p.5 68 PQ154570, 24 February 2021 69 OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Ethiopia, February 2021, p.8 70 UNHCR, Situation Update: Ethiopia, Tigray, 3 March 2021, p.2 71 UNHCR, Regional Update 14: Ethiopia Situation (Tigray Region), 16 March – 7 April, 12 April 2021 72 UNHCR, Situation Update: Ethiopia, Tigray, 3 March 2021, p.2; These refugees are sheltered mainly in four refugee camps in the western part of the region: 21,682 in Mai-Aini, 32,167 in Adi-Harush, 8,702 in Shimelba and 25,248 in Hitsats. On 23 January, Ethiopia’s Government closed Shimelba and Hitsats refugee camps and started relocating refugees to Mai Aini and Adi Harush camps. 16 The humanitarian situation in Tigray Table 1: IDPs according to IOM’s displacement tracking
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Government response AI summary
The government works with partners to understand needs, has redirected some aid to Tigray, and continues to review its aid programme while working with other donors to support resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
31
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
As the crisis continues, IDPs in the region are unlikely to be able to return home and the fragile security situation makes further displacements likely. The Humanitarian Needs Overview said: The situation in Tigray will continue to impact the overall living conditions of the resident population in all the zones …
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As the crisis continues, IDPs in the region are unlikely to be able to return home and the fragile security situation makes further displacements likely. The Humanitarian Needs Overview said: The situation in Tigray will continue to impact the overall living conditions of the resident population in all the zones with high likelihood of increased levels of food insecurity, malnutrition, disease outbreak and economic hardship. Displaced people in particular will be at greater risk.76
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Government response AI summary
The government works with partners to understand needs, has redirected some aid to Tigray, and continues to review its aid programme while working with other donors to support resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
32
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
There is an urgent need to scale up the response to meet the existing critical needs of displaced people.77 Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, told us that coordination was difficult, especially in a covid19 environment where the number of people able to meet face-to-face is limited and where other forms …
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There is an urgent need to scale up the response to meet the existing critical needs of displaced people.77 Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, told us that coordination was difficult, especially in a covid19 environment where the number of people able to meet face-to-face is limited and where other forms of communication are unreliable.78 Access
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of ensuring access and safety for humanitarian actors, stating it is a key FCDO priority and has been raised bilaterally with Ethiopian authorities and with partners to improve access.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
33
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
As insecurity continues in Tigray, humanitarian access to the region remains constrained, particularly in and around the city of Shire.79 Fighting, clashes, and ambushes have affected not only the safety and wellbeing of millions of people but also constrained humanitarian agencies’ operations.80 The delivery of humanitarian assistance is further complicated …
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As insecurity continues in Tigray, humanitarian access to the region remains constrained, particularly in and around the city of Shire.79 Fighting, clashes, and ambushes have affected not only the safety and wellbeing of millions of people but also constrained humanitarian agencies’ operations.80 The delivery of humanitarian assistance is further complicated by bureaucratic obstacles and the presence of various armed actors, particularly in rural areas.81 Paul Turnbull explained that many of the ministries in Tigray had become dysfunctional.82 73 Q13 [Edward Brown] 74 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 22 March 2021 75 UNHCR, Regional Update 14: Ethiopia Situation (Tigray Region), 16 March – 7 April, 12 April 2021 76 OCHA, Humanitarian Needs Overview Ethiopia, February 2021, p.53 77 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.8 78 Q5 [Paul Turnbull] 79 International Organization for Migration, Northern Ethiopia Crisis Situation Report 4, 11–18 January 2021, 19 March 2021, p.1 80 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 30 March 2021, p.1 81 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 19 February 2021 82 Q10 [Paul Turnbull] The humanitarian situation in Tigray 17
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Government response AI summary
The government states that ensuring access and safety for humanitarian actors is a key priority, an issue raised bilaterally, and they continue to work with partners to improve access and reduce conflict.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
34
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
When the offensive began in November, the Ethiopian Government imposed a communications blackout.83 Access to the internet and communications were and continue to be cut off or limited.84 Road and air access to the Tigray, Afar and Amhara Regions were closed.85 The Ethiopian Government placed severe restrictions on humanitarian workers …
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When the offensive began in November, the Ethiopian Government imposed a communications blackout.83 Access to the internet and communications were and continue to be cut off or limited.84 Road and air access to the Tigray, Afar and Amhara Regions were closed.85 The Ethiopian Government placed severe restrictions on humanitarian workers and journalists trying to get into Tigray. This not only makes it difficult for aid agencies to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance but it restricts access to verifiable information.86
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Government response AI summary
The FCDO acknowledges that ensuring access and safety for humanitarian actors is a key priority, confirming that officials and the Foreign Secretary have repeatedly raised this issue with Ethiopian authorities. They continue to work with partners to improve access and seek a political solution.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
35
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
On 3 March, the Ethiopian Prime Minister announced that aid agencies could operate in the region by providing a notification to the Ministry of Peace.87 Access has improved slightly as the Ethiopian Government has eased some of the initial restriction. However, humanitarian aid staff face considerable deliberate obstructions to their …
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On 3 March, the Ethiopian Prime Minister announced that aid agencies could operate in the region by providing a notification to the Ministry of Peace.87 Access has improved slightly as the Ethiopian Government has eased some of the initial restriction. However, humanitarian aid staff face considerable deliberate obstructions to their work. Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, told us the scale of fighting, and the associated security issues, was limiting effective access which meant it was not possible to get a full picture of what it was like everywhere in the region.88
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges that ensuring access and safety for humanitarian actors is a key priority and states they have raised this bilaterally with Ethiopian authorities and continue to work with partners to improve access and reduce conflict.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
36
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation, Tufts University, has described the provision of permits and access to Tigray as a “process of death by bureaucracy” through “drip, drip arbitrary individual permits” with permits issued in a manner that only allows piecemeal, ad hoc access.89 These access …
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Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation, Tufts University, has described the provision of permits and access to Tigray as a “process of death by bureaucracy” through “drip, drip arbitrary individual permits” with permits issued in a manner that only allows piecemeal, ad hoc access.89 These access permits are not recognised by all combatants.90
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the difficulties with access by stating it remains a key priority, has been raised bilaterally with Ethiopian authorities, and that they continue to work with partners to improve access and reduce conflict.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
40
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
On 12 April the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary said: I heard first hand, from humanitarian workers in Gondar, about the access challenges …. the Ethiopian government have announced changes in the process for humanitarian agency personnel to enter and move around in Tigray. Unfortunately, the changes have not yet …
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On 12 April the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary said: I heard first hand, from humanitarian workers in Gondar, about the access challenges …. the Ethiopian government have announced changes in the process for humanitarian agency personnel to enter and move around in Tigray. Unfortunately, the changes have not yet resulted in a major scaling- up of the relief effort and many people in Tigray remain beyond the reach of aid agencies. The ongoing violence, the presence of Eritrean troops and the lack of access humanitarians have to communications equipment are proving a massive impediment to the delivery of essential aid and services.97 On 22 April, the UN Security Council noted that insecurity in the region continued to impede ongoing humanitarian operations and called for a restoration of normalcy.98 In evidence to the Committee on 22 April 2021, the Foreign Secretary told us that securing greater humanitarian access was a priority. He added that: They have gone from a consent basis to a notification basis, which is progress, but we need to make sure we secure unfettered access.99
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns by stating that ensuring humanitarian access and safety is a key priority, has been raised bilaterally with Ethiopian authorities, and that they continue to work with partners to improve access and find a political solution.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
44
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
In mid-March, 900,000 people had been given complete food baskets, almost 700,000 had been provided with water, and 136,000 with shelter.108 Water trucking had exceeded the initial targeted population of approximately 455,300 people. But OCHA warned that the number of people targeted, was based on information gathered between late December …
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In mid-March, 900,000 people had been given complete food baskets, almost 700,000 had been provided with water, and 136,000 with shelter.108 Water trucking had exceeded the initial targeted population of approximately 455,300 people. But OCHA warned that the number of people targeted, was based on information gathered between late December 2020 and January 2021 and that the number of people in need would continue to rise because of the ongoing fighting.109
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the situation by outlining its ongoing work with partners to assess needs, redirecting existing aid to Tigray, and continuing to review its aid program while coordinating with other donors for resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
45
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
The response to the need for shelter was alarmingly low compared to the response to other needs.110 Paul Turnbull said IDP camps could probably be avoided if enough support could be provided to IDPs and their hosts. He noted the problems that flow from having established camps and told us …
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The response to the need for shelter was alarmingly low compared to the response to other needs.110 Paul Turnbull said IDP camps could probably be avoided if enough support could be provided to IDPs and their hosts. He noted the problems that flow from having established camps and told us that “We would definitely like to avoid setting up camps like we have in Somali region”.111 He said: If we are able to get enough food and other assistance in, it might stop people crowding into the urban centres. There really is pressure on us to get assistance out into the rural areas, so that people can stay on their farms. If we are able to do it quickly enough, some people at least would be able to stay on their farms, plant their crops and even harvest something at the end of this year; otherwise, we will just have this cycle of displaced people who will get into a camp and, after years and years, will still be there. It is really important that we intervene now.112
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the humanitarian needs by stating its ongoing work with partners to assess critical gaps, redirecting existing aid to Tigray, and continuing to review its aid programme while seeking further resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
46
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Hunger in Tigray is an acute problem, with the World Peace Foundation detailing how the situation goes beyond immediate destruction and includes “dismembering the components of an elaborate food security system built up over decades”.113 Considering how the international community should best respond to the situation, it says, United Nations …
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Hunger in Tigray is an acute problem, with the World Peace Foundation detailing how the situation goes beyond immediate destruction and includes “dismembering the components of an elaborate food security system built up over decades”.113 Considering how the international community should best respond to the situation, it says, United Nations Security Council resolution 2417 (armed conflict and hunger) also provides a mechanism for responding to the situation in Tigray. The resolution was passed unanimously in May 2018. Ireland brought the humanitarian crisis in Tigray to the Security Council agenda in March but no resolution was agreed. Essential to progress on this is the active support of the three African members of the UNSC, but they have not stepped forward.114 107 Q5 [Edward Brown] 108 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.1 109 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.16 110 OCHA, Ethiopia – Tigray Region Humanitarian Update: Situation Report, 13 March 2021, p.8 111 Q14 [Paul Turnbull] 112 Q14 [Paul Turnbull] 113 World Peace Foundation, Starving Tigray, 6 April 2021 Page, page II 114 World Peace Foundation, Starving Tigray, 6 April 2021 Page, page 53 The humanitarian situation in Tigray 21
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it will use all necessary political levers to address the crisis, supporting initiatives for increased dialogue at the Security Council under UNSCR 2417 and considering further opportunities to improve humanitarian access.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
49
Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Food security is a crucial component of the emergency response and we are deeply concerned by reports that hunger is being used in the conflict to achieve political ends. With the FCDO having appointed a Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs, the UK is well-placed to lead international …
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Food security is a crucial component of the emergency response and we are deeply concerned by reports that hunger is being used in the conflict to achieve political ends. With the FCDO having appointed a Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs, the UK is well-placed to lead international efforts in not only condemning these actions, but coordinating action against them. We recommend that, in accordance with UN resolution 2417 (2018), the UK Government should explore whether to use the mechanisms of the UN Security Council to press for penalties such as sanctions against actors found to be obstructing the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies and using starvation as a weapon of war. Restoration of basic services
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it will use all necessary political levers, supporting initiatives for increased dialogue at the Security Council under UNSCR 2417, and considering further opportunities to improve humanitarian access and reduce conflict intensity.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
50
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
People in Tigray have very little access to healthcare.115 Hospitals, health facilities, medical supplies and ambulances have been looted. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) estimated that barely 1 in 10 health facilities were functioning; of the 106 health facilities MSF teams visited, one in five was or had been occupied by …
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People in Tigray have very little access to healthcare.115 Hospitals, health facilities, medical supplies and ambulances have been looted. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) estimated that barely 1 in 10 health facilities were functioning; of the 106 health facilities MSF teams visited, one in five was or had been occupied by armed soldiers and one facility was being used as an army base.116 Health facilities appear to have been deliberately targeted.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the severe lack of access to healthcare due to insecurity and looting, stating it will work through multilateral systems and continue to support humanitarian responses to restore basic services where possible.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
52
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Dr Christian Rogg, the FCDO’s Development Director for Ethiopia, echoed CARE International’s findings, telling us that most healthcare facilities were not functioning. He said restoring services would be challenging because facilities had been looted and personnel had left leading to a “combination of missing equipment or damaged facilities and lack …
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Dr Christian Rogg, the FCDO’s Development Director for Ethiopia, echoed CARE International’s findings, telling us that most healthcare facilities were not functioning. He said restoring services would be challenging because facilities had been looted and personnel had left leading to a “combination of missing equipment or damaged facilities and lack of personnel”.121 Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, said, The health system has collapsed at a time when we have Covid surging in Ethiopia … we have noticed a huge increase in cases among our own staff.122
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Government response AI summary
The government states it will work through the multilateral system with donors to address basic service restoration, but notes insecurity currently prevents services from resuming. It continues to support the humanitarian response and improve access for partners.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
53
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Around 1.3 million children have not been able to access education.123 UNICEF reported that schools had been looted, vandalised and occupied by armed forces and groups.124 About a quarter of the schools in Tigray have been damaged125 and cases of vandalism and looting are still surfacing.126 Many teachers have abandoned …
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Around 1.3 million children have not been able to access education.123 UNICEF reported that schools had been looted, vandalised and occupied by armed forces and groups.124 About a quarter of the schools in Tigray have been damaged125 and cases of vandalism and looting are still surfacing.126 Many teachers have abandoned their posts due to insecurity or the fact that they had not been paid. About a quarter of the schools in Tigray have been damaged.127 With schools housing IDPs or serving as temporary bases for militias,128 the disruption to children’s education due to the conflict is likely to be protracted.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the disruption to basic services, including education, and states it will work through the multilateral system and continue to support the humanitarian response where access is possible, but notes that full resumption of services is hampered by insecurity.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
54
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Basic services were cut off at the start of the conflict and more than 4.5 million people have been without adequate power or communications for more than four months.129 Filippo Grandi pointed out that the closure of the banking and telecommunications systems had “added to the hardship of thousands of …
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Basic services were cut off at the start of the conflict and more than 4.5 million people have been without adequate power or communications for more than four months.129 Filippo Grandi pointed out that the closure of the banking and telecommunications systems had “added to the hardship of thousands of people”.130 Some critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, will have been damaged during the fighting.131
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Government response AI summary
The UK states it will work multilaterally with partners to address the restoration of basic services, but notes that high insecurity prevents full resumption. It continues to support the humanitarian response to provide access where possible and remains concerned about food security.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
56
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary said the looting of health centres and destruction of vital infrastructure by Eritrean forces and other belligerents had led to “the disintegration of essential basic services and is exacerbating the parlous humanitarian context.”132 He noted that there were reports that looting of health centres …
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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary said the looting of health centres and destruction of vital infrastructure by Eritrean forces and other belligerents had led to “the disintegration of essential basic services and is exacerbating the parlous humanitarian context.”132 He noted that there were reports that looting of health centres was ongoing and would complicate efforts to restore key services.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the challenges posed by looting and insecurity in Tigray, stating it will work through multilateral systems to address the restoration of basic services and continues to support the humanitarian response where access is possible.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
57
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
The provision and distribution of lifesaving humanitarian assistance, such as shelter, food and medicine, is a vital first stage in the response to the situation in Tigray. Following this, the restoration of basic services such as schools and hospitals will be key in both responding to current needs and starting …
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The provision and distribution of lifesaving humanitarian assistance, such as shelter, food and medicine, is a vital first stage in the response to the situation in Tigray. Following this, the restoration of basic services such as schools and hospitals will be key in both responding to current needs and starting the path towards post- conflict reconstruction. Health and social services are critical. Many of those who have suffered trauma and violence will need specialist support, and health services are essential if communities in Tigray are to cope with the ongoing pandemic and avoid the worst of its secondary impacts. Without access to education, children will grow up without the skills and knowledge needed to ensure the ongoing development of their communities. The restoration of services such as banking and markets will help to alleviate some of the pressure on the people in Tigray. After such severe and sustained disruption, local governance structures will require significant support if they are to restore these services for affected communities.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the vital importance of restoring basic services and states it will work through the multilateral system and continue supporting the humanitarian response where access is possible, but highlights that ongoing insecurity means full resumption of services is not possible.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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Recommendation
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
We recommend that the FCDO applies its learnings from other crises and works with other donors to create a plan of action that is properly funded for the restoration of basic services to Tigray. In creating this plan, it should engage with local communities and work closely with regional authorities …
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We recommend that the FCDO applies its learnings from other crises and works with other donors to create a plan of action that is properly funded for the restoration of basic services to Tigray. In creating this plan, it should engage with local communities and work closely with regional authorities and other donors to identify a hierarchy of needs. It should also identify long-term development challenges likely to be created by this conflict (such as food security) and take proactive action to prevent future problems and to have contingency plans in place should these challenges arise. The Ethiopian Government response
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Government response AI summary
The government states it will work through the multilateral system with donors to address basic service restoration, but notes insecurity currently prevents services from resuming. It continues to support the humanitarian response and improve access for partners.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
63
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
The UN regularly publishes and updates information on the funding needed and provided for the crisis in Tigray. In February it published a breakdown that showed that while the overall response was 71% funded, some sectors were a long way from being fully funded. For example, dedicated funding for refugees, …
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The UN regularly publishes and updates information on the funding needed and provided for the crisis in Tigray. In February it published a breakdown that showed that while the overall response was 71% funded, some sectors were a long way from being fully funded. For example, dedicated funding for refugees, WASH and health are, according to figure 2 below, falls short of the net requirement. The multisectoral funding is useful in covering these gaps. 135 FCDO, Ethiopia Profile, 2 September 2020, p.2 136 FCDO, Ethiopia Profile, 2 September 2020, p.2 137 The FCDO has also appointed a Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and Red Sea, Julian Reilly 138 FCDO, Ethiopia Profile, 2 September 2020, p.2 139 HM Government, Global Britain in a competitive age: the Integrated Review of …, March 2021, p. 63 140 FCDO, Foreign Secretary statement following a meeting with the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, 25 November 2020 141 Reuters, Armed group takes control of county in western Ethiopia - rights commission, 22 April 2021 The humanitarian situation in Tigray 25 Figure 2: Humanitarian response funding update Source: UN OCHA, Northern Ethiopia–Humanitarian Response Plan Funding Update, As of 16 February 2021, 22 February 2021
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the humanitarian funding gaps, stating it works with partners like OCHA to assess needs and gaps, has redirected aid to Tigray, and collaborates with donors to avoid overlap and mobilise further resources.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
65
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
On 8 April US AID announced it was “providing more than $152 million in additional humanitarian assistance” to address “life-threatening hunger and acute malnutrition, as well as provide safe drinking water, urgently needed medical and health support, and shelter for some of the estimated one million people who have fled …
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On 8 April US AID announced it was “providing more than $152 million in additional humanitarian assistance” to address “life-threatening hunger and acute malnutrition, as well as provide safe drinking water, urgently needed medical and health support, and shelter for some of the estimated one million people who have fled their homes.” US AID went on to say: The United States remains deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Tigray and the lack of sufficient humanitarian funding to address it. Large-scale assistance is urgently needed to prevent conditions in Tigray from worsening. The United States urges other donors to immediately increase their contributions to address Ethiopia’s critical humanitarian needs, and to help the most vulnerable people in the Tigray region.143 142 Q10 [Paul Turnbull] 143 US AID, United States announces more than $152 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the people affected by Tigray crisis, 8 April 2021 26 The humanitarian situation in Tigray
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is working with partners to assess needs and identify gaps, has redirected some aid to the Tigray response, and continues to review its aid program and work with donors to support resource mobilisation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
68
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
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 government agreed that addressing humanitarian needs and supporting a political settlement are priorities, and stated that initial consideration of reconstruction and recovery planning will commence at an early stage.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
71
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
The humanitarian crisis in Tigray—and the international response to it—matters on three levels. First, it matters because of the scale and harrowing nature of the suffering, with lives lost and devastated because of the conflict. The international community has a narrowing window of opportunity to stop this suffering and manage …
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The humanitarian crisis in Tigray—and the international response to it—matters on three levels. First, it matters because of the scale and harrowing nature of the suffering, with lives lost and devastated because of the conflict. The international community has a narrowing window of opportunity to stop this suffering and manage the risk of conflict spreading or becoming protracted. Secondly, through its aid programme in Ethiopia and the broader region, the UK has made a considerable investment in the region’s ongoing development. This conflict has potential to undermine that investment and to set back development in Tigray, Ethiopia and the wider-region. Ethiopia is a country with great potential, but one where much of that potential will be at risk if an inclusive peace cannot be found and a process of long-term reconciliation started in Tigray, as well as in other parts of Ethiopia where the potential for conflict is high.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's broader calls for action to address the conflict, humanitarian needs, political settlement, and reconciliation, stating agreement with these goals but emphasizing that an end to fighting is a prerequisite.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
72
Conclusion
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situati…
Acknowledged
Finally, it matters because the conditions—a conflict that could become protracted or could destabilise the region and spread, allegations of human rights abuses, gender-based violence, sexual violence, the allegations of genocide and the use of hunger as a weapon of war—represent an early test of the Government’s new approach to …
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Finally, it matters because the conditions—a conflict that could become protracted or could destabilise the region and spread, allegations of human rights abuses, gender-based violence, sexual violence, the allegations of genocide and the use of hunger as a weapon of war—represent an early test of the Government’s new approach to integrated diplomacy and development and its commitment to establish the UK as a ‘force for good’ in the world.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's broader calls for action related to the conflict, humanitarian needs, political settlement, and reconciliation, stating agreement with these goals but emphasizing that an end to fighting is a prerequisite.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office