Minister Brophy announces €2.75 million Irish Aid response to humanitarian need in Ethiopia

Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, T.D., pledged an additional €2.75 million of Irish Aid support for the people of Ethiopia, who are experiencing a number of complex humanitarian crises.

“Ethiopia is experiencing multiple humanitarian crises and, potentially, famine. In the spirit of Ireland’s longstanding solidarity with the people of Ethiopia, I have allocated €2.75 million in additional Irish Aid support. This will help alleviate the hunger and insecurity of millions of people across the country, including in the Tigray region,” Announcing the funding, Minister Brophy said.

“This Irish Aid funding will assist humanitarian organizations to provide life-saving assistance. It is vital that immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access is facilitated so that aid can be provided quickly to those who need it most. I also want to underline Ireland’s gratitude for the efforts and courage of humanitarian workers who are operating in dangerous circumstances – including and particularly those working for Irish NGOs such as Concern Worldwide, GOAL, and Trócaire in Ethiopia. I am pleased that today’s announcement increases the Irish Aid support for their work there,” Minister Brophy added.

This new funding is additional to the allocation of €3 million to the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund for 2021, €750k to the World Health Organisation to support Ethiopia’s fight against COVID-19, and €400k to provide services for survivors of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. The additional funding will support interventions to improve the health and nutritional status of affected people, as well as provide protection services for vulnerable populations. Reaching people in urgent need of humanitarian aid remains a challenge, and Ireland is working with partners on the ground to advocate for full and unimpeded access to affected areas.