The outbreak of the conflict between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front on November 3, 2020, has led to a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation affecting both Ethiopia and neighboring Sudan.
Canada is deeply alarmed by the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, on Monday, November 23, 2020, announced new support for humanitarian operations in Ethiopia and Sudan in response to the impact of the growing conflict. Canada’s commitment will provide $3 million to experienced humanitarian partners who are aiding people affected by conflict within the Tigray region of Ethiopia and to those who have crossed the border seeking safety in Sudan.
Canada – Ethiopia has a long-standing relationship. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1965. In Ethiopia, Canada maintains an embassy in Addis Ababa, which is also accredited to Djibouti. The embassy is also responsible for Canada’s relations with the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, which is both headquartered in Addis Ababa, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which is headquartered in Djibouti. In Canada, Ethiopia is represented by an embassy in Ottawa.
“Canada stands alongside our partners to deliver urgent assistance to those affected by this crisis and continues to call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.” – Karina Gould, Minister of International Development
There are 44,000 people of Ethiopian descent living in Canada. This is not the first time that Ethiopia will be receiving support from Canada. From 2017 – 2018 Ethiopia received $198.15 million in international assistance making the east African country one of the largest recipients of Canada’s international assistance.
This support will be provided to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to respond to the urgent needs arising from this rapidly evolving crisis, including for emergency healthcare, shelter, and non-food items, water and sanitation, and protection.