Urgent Appeal: IFRC and ERCS Advocate for Safe Access to Aid Sudanese Refugees at Ethiopia-Sudan Border

IFRC and ERCS Call for Safe Access to Aid Sudanese Refugees at Ethiopia-Sudan Border

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) have issued a joint appeal for safe and unimpeded access to provide humanitarian assistance to Sudanese refugees near the Metema border point in Ethiopia. This appeal comes in response to the escalating crisis stemming from the conflict in Sudan, which commenced in late April 2023, leading to a surge of displaced individuals, including Ethiopian returnees, seeking refuge at the Metema and Kumruk entry points.

In a statement released by the organizations, it was underscored that the Ethiopian Red Cross Society has been actively engaged in delivering essential humanitarian aid to the refugees. This assistance includes psychological first aid, emergency medical services, provision of water, distribution of high-energy biscuits, and health promotion initiatives. Despite these efforts, the IFRC and ERCS highlighted significant operational, security, and resource challenges impeding their ability to adequately support the affected communities.

Ethiopia currently hosts over one million refugees, solidifying its position as the second-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, as outlined in the statement. Against this backdrop, the IFRC has reiterated its plea for financial assistance, emphasizing that the Sudan conflict remains one of the most underfunded humanitarian operations globally. Both the Emergency Appeal to aid the Sudan Red Crescent Society and a regional population movement appeal aimed at supporting National Societies in neighboring countries suffer from inadequate funding, according to the organizations.

The appeal stresses the critical importance of ensuring safe access for humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance to vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire of conflict and displacement. Without adequate support and resources, the ability of humanitarian agencies to address the urgent needs of refugees and host communities is severely compromised.

This joint call by the IFRC and ERCS serves as a reminder of the pressing humanitarian needs in the region and the imperative of international solidarity and support to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the Sudanese conflict. As the crisis continues to unfold, concerted efforts are required to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those most in need, irrespective of geographical or political barriers.

Original article:

#IFRC and #ERCS appeal for safe access to aid Sudanese refugees at #Ethiopia-#Sudan border

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) have called for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to assist Sudanese refugees near the Metema border point in Ethiopia, according to a statement released by the organizations.

The statement indicates that the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in late April 2023, has led to an influx of people, including Ethiopian returnees, seeking refuge at the #Metema and #Kumruk entry points. The Ethiopian Red Cross Society has been providing essential humanitarian assistance to the refugees, including psychological first aid, emergency medical services, water, high-energy biscuits, and health promotion initiatives.

However, the organizations say that significant operational, security, and resource challenges hinder their ability to provide necessary support to the affected communities. Ethiopia currently hosts over one million refugees, making it the second-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, according to the statement.

The IFRC has renewed its call for financial support, stating that the Sudan conflict remains one of the most underfunded operations globally. The Emergency Appeal to support the Sudan Red Crescent Society and a regional population movement appeal to help National Societies in neighboring countries are both underfunded, the organizations say.

https://reliefweb.int/.../ifrc-appeals-safe-access...

https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng