Appeal History:
-
This Emergency Appeal was launched on 30 December, 2014 for CHF 1,050,574 for 9 months to support Ethiopia Red Cross provide assistance to some 34,365 persons to reduce the health risks of the South Sudan refugee population and host communities in Gambella through the provision of first aid and community-based health in Leitchour camp, Ningnang and Pagak entry points.
-
Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF): CHF 150,000 was initially allocated from the Federation’s DREF to support the national society to respond.
-
This update provides information regarding the operation 1 month since the launch.
Summary: The refugees from South Sudan continue to arrive in Ethiopia, mainly into the Gambella Regional State through three border entry points citing fighting and food insecurity as the main reasons for their flight, in addition to citing human rights abuses and lack of basic services. As of 12 December 2014, UNHCR records indicate that 191,659 people have now arrived in the Gambella region since January. The average arrival rate of has dropped significantly with commencement of rains in various locations in the Gambella region and in South Sudan, making access to border entry points difficult. Whereas the average arrival rate is more than 25,000 over the entire year only 1,426 South Sudanese refugees arrived in Ethiopia during the month of October, and 420 in November. Yet, numbers are expected to resume once again once flood water recede as the situation in South Sudan is not improving.
The National Society and IFRC are in discussion with Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) and UNHCR on operational areas as there is continued lack of clarity around camp locations and the future plan for Leitchor camp and Pagak entry point will be closed. Additionally ERCS and IFRC spent the weeks following the launch of the emergency appeal negotiating operational space with ARRA and UNHCR as well as preparing the ground for recruitment of staff and engaging potential donors in support of the operation.