In our ongoing efforts to alleviate the plight of Eritrean refugees amidst the dire circumstances in Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, EHO has provided vital assistance to over 700 households (approximately 3000 individuals) since October 2023. The situation with the Eritrean refugees remains critical everywhere. In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, over 10,000 Eritrean refugees are facing unprecedented challenges following the destruction of the refugee camps by conflict and the devastating impact of COVID-19. Forced to navigate the harsh realities of displacement, Eritrean refugees find themselves in dire need of life-sustaining support, lacking access to necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medicine.
In response to this humanitarian crisis, EHO has mobilized its resources and expertise to deliver lifesaving aid to the most vulnerable segments of the Eritrean refugees. Our efforts have prioritized individuals facing challenging circumstances, including persons with disabilities, single mothers, single fathers, unaccompanied minors, survivors of gender-based violence, and those suffering from untreated chronic diseases.
Since November 2023, EHO has demonstrated unwavering commitment and took tangible actions in support of Eritrean refugees:
Egypt
Collaborating with St. Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS), EHO has managed to distribute 487,500 EGP to 200 Eritrean newcomers consisting of 125 families and 75 individuals. EHO project has not only addressed immediate needs but also contributed to the long-term stability of Eritrean newcomers in Cairo, significantly impacting vulnerable refugees, with 90% of those supported reporting improved living conditions with 75% of funds directed towards medical needs, 15% to rent payments and 10% for education grants for Eritrean refugees in Egypt.
Partnering with Pioneers of Mercy Association (PMA), EHO is providing 21,000 USD to implement a project providing additional relief assistance to Eritrean refugees displaced by the conflict in Sudan.
Ethiopia
On the 24th and 25th of November 2023, EHO provided critical cash support totaling 347,500 ETB to 40 refugee households, extending a lifeline to those in urgent need. The cash support was to address the various individual needs of the refugees.
Continuing our mission, on the 26th of December 2023, an allocation of 200,000 ETB was directed towards supporting 22 refugee households in Mekelle, reaffirming our dedication to reaching those most in need.
Engaging in a heartening initiative, the “Elshaday Food Distribution” on the 6th of December 2023 and the 19th of January 2024 brought solace to those most affected by the crisis, with contributions totaling 210,000 ETB. Elshaday is a center for refugees in the town of Mekelle, Tigray region, Ethiopia.
On the 11th of December 2023, the EHO extended support totaling 200,000 ETB to 40 refugee households in Tigray region (Zana, Mekelle, Shire, and Axum) demonstrating our unwavering commitment to our mission to save lives by providing aid where it is most needed.
EHO’s efforts persisted into the new year, with significant support provided on the 3rd and 4th of January 2024, and further assistance extended on the 17th of January 2024, reinforcing our steadfast dedication to the cause.
Sudan
Despite the challenging war zone situation in Sudan, EHO has found a way to provide life-saving assistance in Khartoum through dedicated Eritreans who risk their safety to assist fellow refugees. EHO implemented two instalments of 2,000 USD each for the refugees supporting 45 families and 90 households (360 refugees) in total. In addition, a sum of 2,400,000 SDG has been utilized to aid the most vulnerable Eritrean refugees in Sudan during the ongoing war crisis, amidst dire circumstances exacerbated by the departure of all aid organizations from the country. Assistance was provided to three impoverished refugees during childbirth, and some refugees are disabled and reliant on wheelchairs.
In Kassala, EHO in collaboration with Association of Disabled Eritreans in North America (ADENA) is providing assistance to disabled Eritrean Freedom Fighters refugees. EHO provided 6,010,000 SDG to renovate a building where many of the veterans reside, supplement food stock and covered health care related expenses. The project is in progress and more support will be provided as well.
As we forge ahead, our resolve remains unyielding, driven by the urgent imperative to alleviate the suffering of Eritrean refugees and provide them with the support and assistance they urgently need. Together, with our partners and supporters, we stand united in our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
With this note, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our donors for their support towards these noble efforts. We therefore hope for their continued support to keep hope alive among Eritrean Refugees.