The Government of Flanders is making 200,000 euros available for humanitarian action for the population in the Tigray region in Ethiopia. This is done through Caritas International Belgium.
The population of the Tigray region is facing a multidimensional crisis that has significantly affected the living conditions of children, elderly and women. Armed conflict flared up at the end of November 2020. This violence was in addition to the effects of climate change, the recent plague of locusts and the eco-social consequences of Covid-19. In combination with destroyed infrastructure, including water systems, this creates an acute demand for support for basic needs, such as water, food and financial breathing space.
Thanks to a direct collaboration with the locally anchored Caritas Ethiopia, Caritas will support 20,650 vulnerable people to meet these needs. The organization is also active in the same region through its development cooperation. This makes it possible to make a link from short-term emergency intervention via this project to long-term support for food security and access to water.
Humanitarian action is an important part of Flanders’ development cooperation. Flanders wishes to answer specific calls from organizations in response to unexpected and acute crises and natural disasters.
© Isabel Corthier - Caritas International