“Refugees are not and should never be a target”, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on Thursday, following reports of a deadly airstrike on the Mai Aini refugee camp in Tigray, northern Ethiopia.
While UN refugee agency, UNHCR, continues to gather and corroborate details on yesterday’s attack that left three Eritrean refugees dead – two of them children – and four others injured, Mr. Grandi reiterated UNHCR’s call for all parties to the conflict to “respect the rights of all civilians, including refugees”.
“Refugee settlements must always be protected”, in line with international legal obligations that apply to all who take up arms, he said, offering his thoughts and deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those killed.
Fighting, looting, destruction
Meanwhile, the wider humanitarian crisis that has wracked Ethiopia, since hostilities began between Government forces and fighters of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in November 2020, continues.
Some 5.2 million people currently need help in the northern regions of Tigray, Amhara and Afar.
Amidst allegations of widespread human rights abuses, thousands are feared killed as more than two million have been forced to flee their homes.
And over the past few months, killings, looting and destruction of health centres and farming infrastructure, including irrigation systems that are vital to production, have caused humanitarian needs to surge.
UN humanitarians report that the situation in the northern part of the country remains unpredictable and volatile.
“In Tigray, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with tensions restricting the movement of humanitarian supplies along the only available route from Semera to Abala to Mekelle. No trucks carrying humanitarian supplies have been able to enter Tigray since 15 December”, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists on Thursday in New York.
© WFP/Claire Nevill
A young child is screened for malnutrition at a food distribution site in Tigray, northern Ethiopia.
Deliveries held up
Since 12 July, only 1,338 trucks have entered Tigray, which is less than 12 per cent of those required. Around 100 trucks must be admitted every day to meet the humanitarian need of people in Tigray.
As of 3 January, UN partners who have been distributing food in the region have only around 10,000 litres of fuel left, while at least 60,000 litres are needed to dispatch the limited food supplies that are currently available in Mekelle.
“Several UN and non-Governmental organizations will be forced to cease operations if humanitarian supplies, fuel and cash are not delivered to Tigray very soon”, warned Mr. Dujarric.
People in need
UN humanitarian staff have reported that people continue to be displaced, including from Afar, Amhara, and the Western Zone of Tigray.
“People are also returning, along with those people needing food, water, sanitation and shelter”, said the UN Spokesperson. “Our partners continue to work with authorities to ensure that the returns are well planned, voluntary and dignified and that returnees have adequate support”.
Meanwhile, despite challenges, aid organizations continue to provide critical assistance.
In Amhara, more than 33,000 people received shelter and other aid during the past week, which Mr. Dujarric said brings the total number of people helped to 586,000.
However, while food distribution continues across the north, it remains well below the require levels.
“We urgently call on all parties to allow unimpeded and sustained access to people in Tigray, Amhara and Afar”, concluded the UN official.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
It is absolutely devastating to hear about the innocent lives lost in the Tigray refugee camp airstrike. Refugees deserve safety and protection, not violence. The international community must act swiftly to ensure the rights of all civilians, especially refugees, are respected in conflict zones.
How can such tragic events continue to happen in refugee camps despite international calls for protection?
Tragic events persist in refugee camps due to the ongoing conflict that disregards international calls for protection. It is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, including refugees.
As a mother, my heart breaks reading about the innocent lives lost in the airstrike on the Tigray refugee camp. It’s devastating to think that children are not safe even in such vulnerable settings. It’s imperative that all parties involved in the conflict prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians, especially refugees who have already endured so much suffering.
In times of conflict, it’s the most vulnerable who suffer the most. The loss of innocent lives, especially children, is truly devastating. It’s crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of refugees. My heart goes out to the families affected by this tragedy.
It is truly devastating to hear about the innocent lives lost in the airstrike at the refugee camp. Refugees deserve safety and protection, not to be caught in the crossfire of conflict. My heart goes out to the families of the children who were killed, and I hope for swift justice and peace in the region.
It’s devastating to hear about innocent children becoming victims of such senseless violence. Refugees deserve safety and protection, not harm or danger. My heart goes out to the families affected by this tragic airstrike.
How could such a devastating airstrike happen in a refugee camp? Are there any measures being taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring again?
Tragic events like this remind us of the urgent need for global solidarity in protecting vulnerable populations. Efforts should be intensified to ensure the safety and security of refugee camps, with swift action taken to prevent further tragedies from unfolding.
Refugees should never be targeted in conflicts. It is heartbreaking to hear about the innocent lives lost in the airstrike at the Tigray refugee camp. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and all those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia. It’s crucial for all parties involved to respect the rights of civilians, including refugees, and ensure their safety and protection.
How can such tragedies continue to happen in refugee camps? When will there be real accountability for those responsible?
Tragic incidents like this should never occur in refugee camps. Accountability is essential to prevent such heart-wrenching events. Let us hope for justice for the innocent victims.
It’s devastating to hear about the innocent lives lost in the airstrike at the Tigray refugee camp. Refugees deserve safety and protection, not to be targeted in conflicts. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. It’s crucial that all parties involved uphold the rights of civilians and refugees. The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia must be addressed urgently to prevent further suffering and loss of life.