Nat'l Disaster Prevention & Preparedness Committee Sets Directions for Provision, Accessibility of Humanitarian Aid

Addis Ababa (ENA) November 16, 2022 The Ethiopian National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Committee, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, set directions for provision and accessibility of humanitarian aid today.

In its emergency meeting, the committee assessed that the number of citizens that need humanitarian assistance due to man-made and natural disasters in the country is high.

Stating that the number of citizens displaced from their homes due to drought, flood and conflict is also high, the committee stressed that it needs prior attention and the collaboration of all citizens.

Chairperson of the Committee, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonen said that the government is delivering humanitarian aid to citizens who have been displaced due to conflict and are in need of support in Tigray, Afar, Amhara states, and other areas.

He further stressed the need to support those citizens to sustainably rehabilitate those affected by the conflict.

Alongside supporting the victims exposed to problems due to the conflict in the northern part of the country, the deputy premier stated that the beneficiaries in the areas affected by drought in the past years also need proper attention.

In addition to humanitarian aid, Demeke said students who have been away from school due to conflict and citizens who have suffered social and economic damage due to various reasons should be given psychological support.

Regarding the provision of humanitarian aid, he pointed out that the pressure on the government is high considering the number of beneficiaries in the country; and said that all sectors must coordinate to collect resources and reach citizens who need support.

He urged humanitarian aid organizations and development partners to do their best to help our vulnerable people.

Agricultural and urban safety net programs should be implemented in a way that can change the lives of the beneficiaries in a sustainable way.

The relevant sectors, federal and regional disaster prevention and preparedness institutions should coordinate their experience and resources and include them in their daily plans, according to the new direction.