Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Acknowledged
As insecurity continues in Tigray, humanitarian access to the region remains constrained, particularly in and...
Conclusion
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
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
We do not share this assessment. There remain pressing issues regarding the importation of communications equipment and travel approvals, for example, that Mr Beasley’s visit did not address. Whilst there have been some, more recent, small improvements in access to telecommunications equipment by UN agencies, NGOs still have very little access. Weapons bearers also continue to routinely deny access to humanitarian agencies and loot humanitarian aid that has been delivered. There remains a need to continue to press the Government of Ethiopia, the Government of Eritrea, TPLF and other forces controlling territory to ensure widespread and sustained access for humanitarian actors in the region. We also continue to call for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces. Ensuring access and safety for humanitarian actors remains a key priority of the FCDO response. This issue has been raised bilaterally by FCDO officials, and the Foreign Secretary, on multiple occasions, with the Ethiopian authorities. We continue to work closely with likeminded partners to improve access alongside efforts to reduce levels of conflict and find a political solution to the crisis.
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