We have compiled a list of FAQs about our current emergency appeal in response to the Tigray crisis, where hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.
What is the reason for Ethiopiaid’s emergency appeal?
We are responding to the needs of our local partner the Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) in Ethiopia, who have identified a number of isolated communities on the Afar border who are providing safe shelter to adults and children fleeing the violence in Tigray.
We are also working to support refugees arriving at camps on the Sudanese border by providing funding for shelter, food, medical and emotional support. The humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) will receive our funds for this area of work.
Why are we working with such a big NGO like MSF?
We are working with MSF as they are humanitarian experts with the staff, and established networks on the ground in Ethiopia, to respond quickly and appropriately. We do not have any local partners working in the refugee camps on the Sudan border. As we know that there is a huge need for support in the camps we have chosen, on this occasion, to partner with MSF.
How do I know that all of my donation will reach the people in need?
100% of your donation will be sent to either APDA or MSF in the form of a grant from Ethiopiaid. MSF have assured us that 100% of our grant will reach the project in the refugee camp.
Will the people in need have to wait long to get my donation?
The need is urgent, and we do not want people in such a desperate situation to have to wait for our appeal to conclude. In March we sent £40k to APDA to get their emergency response started.
How much is the appeal hoping to raise?
We are aiming to be able to send over £150k to Ethiopia. Hopefully, with your support, we will be able to raise even more.
Why are we not speaking out about the atrocities reported in Tigray?
The situation in Ethiopia is deeply concerning and we have been following it closely since November through our partners and contacts in Ethiopia, peer organisations such as MSF (who we are working with on this appeal), and, of course, the media.
Our approach has always been to work directly with local NGOs rather than government bureaus. As a result we have benefited from a degree of anonymity and the freedom to support partners who are often doing difficult work. We focus on fundraising in the UK and getting the money directly to where it is needed. We do not position ourselves as an advocacy or human rights organisation, remaining deliberately non-political to enable us to have the best possible access to local partners. We endeavour to do all we can to support those who are most affected by the conflict in Tigray, especially women and children.
If Ethiopiaid were to publicly ‘speak out’ it could put our organisation and our partners across Ethiopia at risk of increased scrutiny, restrictions and, in the worst case, hinder our ability to work in Ethiopia going forward. Ultimately it will be those communities and individuals most in need who will suffer even more. It is a very delicate balance to strike. As the situation continues to unfold we will keep our response and approach under review.
How can I raise my concerns about what is happening in Tigray?
We would encourage you to write to your local MP about your concerns. Lord Alton of Liverpool and the Coalition for Genocide Response are currently lobbying the UK government to do more.
If you are able, please donate today to help us to support these displaced people.
If you would like to know more about this crisis or if you have any questions about the work of APDA and MSF, please email support@ethiopiaid.org.uk, or call 01225 476 385.
