Multi Sectoral Rapid Assessment: Dedebit, Asgede Woreda, NW zone of Tigrai - Assessment of Humanitarian Needs of Newly Arriving IDPs, 22 Nov 2021

1. Introduction:

Since conflict flared up last year on Nov 2020 in Tigrai, it is estimated that around 1.2 million of Tigrians who were living in the western zone are reportedly displaced to NW zone, and other major towns of Tigrai while 70,000+ individuals reportedly fled to Sudan. In the last couple of months, the number of new arrival IDPs from Western Tigrai was in relatively low numbers compared to the start of the conflict. In November 2021 however, there is a recent increase in new arrival IDP trends from West Tigrai. The NW zone administrator called all humanitarian partners operating in the NW zone on 22 Nov 2021 and informed that hundreds of new arrivals have fled to Mai-Tsebri (3500), Shiraro (530) and Dedebit(around 2000) woredas. The administrator has reiterated further that around 28,000 are, according to their information, also kept captive in stadiums of Mai-Kadra and Humera and may also face deportation. According to the authorities and interviewed IDPs in Dedebit, they do expect thousands to flee or deport as Amhara forces are rounding up and told Tigrians to leave Western Tigrai. The IDPs visited in Dedebit were displaced from different Woredas of the Western zone but mainly from Setit Humera, and different Kebeles/Tabias of Woreda Kafta Humera including Adebay, and Rawyan. The IDP influx to Dedebit started on/around 20 November 2021.

Thus, the multi sectoral rapid assessment to Dedebit was prepared by humanitarian partners to assess the needs of the current new arrivals, and also potentially make preparations for also a larger caseload. It is also worth mentioning that the situation of the new arrivals is unique as only mothers, children and the elderly or sick arriving with nothing but their clothes on. The arrivals alleged that male and female aged between 15-50 have continued to be detained in West Tigrai. More so, it has been alleged that many of the male IDPs are sick or sustained acts of violence while in detention, some for several months. Therefore, this multi sectoral rapid assessment has initiated with a purpose to respond to urgent needs which will be informed by the assessment findings.