Humanitarian priorities for Tigray, Ethiopia, after the cessation of hostilities  – GOV.UK (Press Release) 

Humanitarian priorities for Tigray, Ethiopia, after the cessation of hostilities

Outlines elements of the political context of the international response to the humanitarian and reconstruction needs.From:Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficePublished2 May 2023Country:EthiopiaDocument Type:BriefingTheme:Governance and Conflict, Humanitarian Disasters and EmergenciesAuthors:Gebrehiwot, M., de Waal, A.

Contents

  1. Abstract
  2. Citation
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Abstract

Outlines elements of the political context of the international response to the immense and immediate humanitarian and reconstruction needs of Tigray and includes suggestions for avenues to be explored for policy and programming.

This is an output of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PEACEREP) programme.

Citation

Gebrehiwot, M. and de Waal, A. Humanitarian Priorities for Tigray, Ethiopia, after the Cessation of Hostilities. Somerville, MA: World Peace Foundation 2023

Humanitarian priorities for Tigray, Ethiopia, after the cessation of hostilities

Published 2 May 2023

Contents

Humanitarian Priorities for Tigray, Ethiopia, after the Cessation of Hostilities

2 MAY 2023

Internally displaced women carry jerrycans in the makeshift camp where they are sheltered in the village of Erebti, Ethiopia, on June 09, 2022. (Photo by EDUARDO SOTERAS/AFP via Getty Images)

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Gebrehiwot, M. and de Waal, A. (2023). Humanitarian Priorities for Tigray, Ethiopia, after the Cessation of Hostilities. Somerville, MA: World Peace Foundation.

Humanitarian Priorities for Tigray, Ethiopia, after the Cessation of Hostilities

Authors: Mulugeta Gebrehiwot and Alex de Waal

This memo outlines elements of the political context of the international response to the immense and immediate humanitarian and reconstruction needs of Tigray and includes suggestions for avenues to be explored for policy and programming.

Tigray’s humanitarian needs must be met in the context of deep distrust between the Federal and Tigrayan authorities and a sharp decline in confidence among Tigrayans in their political leadership. At federal and regional level, institutions are at best quasi-functional. A ‘business as usual’ approach is incommensurate with urgent and flexible response. Work arounds will be needed, for example through the use of major NGOs as implementing partners.

Tigray needs an overall vision for peace and rehabilitation that captures the extraordinary levels of energy and commitment shown by the Tigrayan people during their resistance. This memo proposes that this energy can be found in communities and civil society, and that assistance modalities should prioritize mechanisms for immediate assistance direct to Tigray, that creates an enabling environment for communities to assist themselves, and which supports civil society, human rights and protection of civilians.

Aid funding to reconstruction in the aftermath of state policies of destruction, deprivation and pillage poses ethical and legal dilemmas for international donors. While questions of compensation, restitution and transitional justice cannot be resolved by donors, these issues should be borne in mind in programs and policies.