New York, NY, November 5, 2020 鈥 The 探花精选 (探花精选) is extremely concerned about escalating tensions and hostilities in Ethiopia鈥檚 Tigray region, where many refugees, displaced people and local communities are reeling from a year of multiple humanitarian disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic, massive flooding and a desert locust outbreak destroying crops have led to an increasingly dire humanitarian situation and increased food insecurity.
Elinor Raikes, Vice President Crisis Response, Recovery and Development, said,
鈥淎ny Conflict will hit the most vulnerable the hardest, and they cannot afford to be neglected. All parties must commit to ensuring the safety of these populations and adhere to international law.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 desert locust outbreak, the negative impact of climate change including widespread flooding and the COVID-19 outbreak continue to drive rising food insecurity with more than 8 million people in need of food assistance. This number is expected to rise to more than 11 million people by January. It is absolutely imperative that escalating tensions and conflict do not prevent the delivery of humanitarian aid. The needs and safety of civilians, including refugees and displaced persons, must be prioritized.鈥
The 探花精选 is working in Tigray to support 90,000 refugees in four camps with a range of services, including clean water, sanitation, primary healthcare and education.