10 November 2020, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
Africa Humanitarian Action (AHA) is deeply concerned with the humanitarian
consequences of escalating armed conflict in Ethiopia. We are particularly worried
that military confrontation could lead to displacement of communities from their
homes, and unfold into an emergency in a country already predisposed to various
humanitarian challenges.
Armed conflict hampers humanitarian access to conduct relief efforts and reach
affected communities, further exacerbating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic
on the most vulnerable, namely refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), as
well as youth, women, children and the elderly.
AHA urges all parties to uphold their obligations under international human rights
and humanitarian law and exercise all measures to protect civilian lives and property.
In this particular year in which the African Union theme is “Silencing the Guns:
Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development”, we call on the cessation of
armed hostilities. We also call for access to affected populations by humanitarian
organizations to conduct needs assessment and deliver emergency assistance.
Founded in 1994, AHA is an Ethiopia-based and Africa-focused non-governmental
humanitarian organization (NGO). In the last 26 years, AHA has served close to 30
million refugees, IDPs, returnees and host communities in 22 African countries.
Among its past operations include the construction and maintenance of shelters in the
Adi Harush and Mai Aini refugee camps in Tigray.
AHA is currently active in the Aysaita and Berhale refugee camps in the Afar region. It
stands ready to contribute its share towards the resolution of humanitarian challenges
ensuing from the current conflict, and partner with relevant national and international
humanitarian players.
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