Rapid humanitarian response in Ethiopia

The conflict in the North Shewa zone in Ethiopia has claimed many lives, resulting in massive destruction of homes and infrastructure in addition to impacting the safety and well-being of hundreds of thousands of people. Educational institutions have been damaged and internally displaced children do not have access to education services. Furthermore, the conflict has exposed communities, especially women and children, to serious protection risks such as Gender-Based Violence, abuse and family separation. 

A recent multi-sectoral assessment conducted by UNOCHA revealed the high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), lack of child protection (CP) as well as access to psychosocial needs (PSS). While the majority of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living with the host communities, those who are living in collective centres, especially girls are exposed to gender-based violence due to overcrowding and inadequate shelters. Some girls who are displaced in towns are at high risk of sexual exploitation, forced labour, abuse, and trafficking.

Many children experience stress and GBV risks when fleeing from their original homes. Also, some of the survivors have suffered psychological trauma due to the loss of family members, close relatives and property; coupled with challenges within the IDP sites. Some children/parents do not know where their parents/ children are living, while others are not sure whether they are alive. All these are causing psychological distress and unrest among the displaced children. The current situation and the lack of humanitarian assistance has forced the communities to use negative coping strategies. An example is the involvement of some women in “transactional sex” which exposes them to health risks.

This humanitarian response intends to offer integrated prevention and response services to GBV victims, child protection as well as psychosocial support to the most affected displaced people in North Shewa zone, Ethiopia.