Humanitarian crises monitoring: Ethiopia’s Tigray region

International Development Committee Closed Non-inquiry session
Opened: 3 Mar 2021 Closed: 21 Jul 2021 Parliament page
Report and Government response published The International Development Committee (IDC) has said that the UK’s response to the deeply concerning humanitarian situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region will be an early test of the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, where it’s combined development and diplomatic strengths can be utilised to … Read more
23 Recommendations
50 Conclusions
1 Report
1 Oral session
6 Letters
1 Event
Activity timeline 9 events
5 Dec
2022
Correspondence
5 Dec
2022
Correspondence
16 Dec
2021
Correspondence
23 Nov
2021
Correspondence
23 Nov
2021
Correspondence
16 Jul
2021
Report published
30 Apr
2021
Report published
24 Mar
2021
Correspondence
18 Mar
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 1 session
18 Mar 2021
View on parliament.uk
Humanitarian crises monitoring: Ethiopia’s Tigray region
Christian Rogg · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Dr Alastair McPhail CMG OBE Edward Brown · World Vision James Duddridge · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Paul Turnbull · UN World Food Programme Ethiopia
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Tenth Report - The humanitarian situation in Tigray 30 Apr 2021 73 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
24 results
Clear
1 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
Conflict is a key cause of the current humanitarian crisis in Tigray.
Conflict is a key cause of the current humanitarian crisis in Tigray. Continued fighting is hampering efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Government Response
The government outlines extensive diplomatic efforts, including meetings with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, visits by special envoys, engagement with allies, and raising the issue at the UN Security Council and G7, to address the conflict, humanitarian access, and human rights.
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2 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
We welcome the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary’s wholehearted acceptance that the situation in Tigray...
We welcome the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary’s wholehearted acceptance that the situation in Tigray is an early test of the UK’s commitment to the principles and approach of the UK as a ‘force for good’ as set out in … Read more
Government Response
The government details ongoing diplomatic efforts to raise human rights issues and calls for an end to violence and protection of civilians. They commit to supporting UN investigations into atrocities in Tigray to ensure accountability and will continue to raise concerns at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council.
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8 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained.
Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained. We recommend that the UK Government work with the Ethiopian Government and the relevant regional authorities to ensure humanitarian agencies have unimpeded access to communities … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating it will use all necessary political levers, support Security Council initiatives, and consider further bilateral and multilateral opportunities to improve humanitarian access and reduce conflict intensity in Tigray.
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15 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
A failure to adequately resource the response to this crisis increases the risk of a...
A failure to adequately resource the response to this crisis increases the risk of a ripple effect of instability throughout the region. The failure to support the communities of Tigray, combined with the lack of an inclusive political settlement, compromises … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO details its established methods for identifying, analysing, and responding to regional conflict and instability, stating that a newly established conflict centre will bolster existing capabilities and improve effectiveness. They describe ongoing processes using embassy insights and conflict expert analysis to inform policy and resource allocation.
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17 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of...
To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of humanitarian assistance to the conflict in Tigray provides sufficient financial and technical resources to support communities in urgent need. We recommend that the FCDO builds … Read more
Government Response
The government states the FCDO already has established methods for identifying and analysing conflict sources, with a new conflict centre bolstering existing capabilities and contributing to this effort, informing resource allocation through policy strategy groups.
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18 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
On 2 April, the G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union...
On 2 April, the G7 Foreign Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union issued a joint statement on the situation in Tigray, condemning human rights abuses and calling on all parties to the conflict to, … exercise utmost … Read more
Government Response
The government emphasizes its leading role in the international response, detailing high-level diplomatic engagements with Ethiopian leaders and allies, and participation in G7 and UN Security Council discussions and statements.
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20 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
We are appalled by the distressing reports of human rights abuses, gender-based violence and sexual...
We are appalled by the distressing reports of human rights abuses, gender-based violence and sexual violence in Tigray. The horrors that have been inflicted on people and their suffering during this conflict are unimaginable, and we are particularly saddened that, … Read more
Government Response
The government states its ongoing diplomatic efforts focus on ending violence, protecting civilians, and specifically commits to supporting independent UN/Ethiopian investigations into atrocities to ensure accountability.
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22 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
In line with the recent G7 statement on the importance of an independent, transparent and...
In line with the recent G7 statement on the importance of an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into crimes reported in Tigray, the UK Government should work with the appropriate authorities to enable access for independent monitors to Tigray to … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it continues to press for unfettered access for independent human rights organisations and will support the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure independent, transparent, and impartial joint investigations into atrocities in Tigray.
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24 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
Ethiopia had significant humanitarian needs before the conflict started in Tigray.
Ethiopia had significant humanitarian needs before the conflict started in Tigray. The desert locust invasion,50 recurrent floods and droughts, and the socioeconomic impact of covid-19 were driving humanitarian needs in Ethiopia.51 The pandemic and the measures to contain it have … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray, outlines its significant existing financial contributions, and details ongoing support for human rights, particularly deploying an expert on sexual violence and backing aid partners.
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25 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
The situation in Tigray is dire and far from improving, despite the significant efforts of...
The situation in Tigray is dire and far from improving, despite the significant efforts of humanitarian agencies to provide assistance.55 Many thousands of people have been displaced by fighting and there are reports of some villages being completely emptied.56 Thousands … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is working with partners to assess needs and identify gaps, and has redirected some aid to the Tigray response due to urgent needs. They commit to continuously reviewing their aid programme and collaborating with other donors to raise awareness and mobilise resources.
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28 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
The population of Tigray is about 6 million.65 The Humanitarian Needs Overview, published in February...
The population of Tigray is about 6 million.65 The Humanitarian Needs Overview, published in February 2021, estimated that about 4.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Tigray, of whom 3.5 million people are in accessible and partially … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines its current actions, including working with partners to assess humanitarian needs and funding gaps, redirecting some aid to the Tigray response, and continuing to review its aid programme. It also works with other donors to avoid overlap and promote further resource mobilisation.
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30 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
The International Medical Corps has reported large displacements in Western Tigray heading towards the town...
The International Medical Corps has reported large displacements in Western Tigray heading towards the town of Shire, where approximately 1,500 people were arriving each day. Edward Brown, World Vision Ethiopia, gave us a broadly similar figure but he drew our … Read more
Government Response
The government is working with partners to understand needs, has redirected aid to Tigray, and continues to review its programme and collaborate with other donors to raise awareness and mobilise resources for the situation.
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39 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
James Duddridge MP, Minister for Africa, told us: One of the problems is that there...
James Duddridge MP, Minister for Africa, told us: One of the problems is that there is just no access, so we do not even understand the nature of the problem. Another is trying to gain consistent access and not being … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms that ensuring humanitarian access and safety remains a key FCDO priority, with officials and the Foreign Secretary raising the issue with Ethiopian authorities and continuing to work with partners to improve access and find a political solution.
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41 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained.
Without adequate access, any humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray will be severely constrained. We recommend that the UK Government work with the Ethiopian Government and the relevant regional authorities to ensure humanitarian agencies have unimpeded access to communities … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that ensuring humanitarian access and safety is a key FCDO priority, and that officials and the Foreign Secretary have raised this issue with Ethiopian authorities while continuing to work with partners to improve access and find a political solution.
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42 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
The basic needs of many people in Tigray are not being met.
The basic needs of many people in Tigray are not being met. These include: Food and food security: Ȥ Agricultural systems have been devastated by months of fighting and extensive looting and destruction. Crops and animals have been looted or … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it works with partners like OCHA to assess humanitarian needs and gaps, has redirected some aid to Tigray, and continues to review its aid programme and work with donors for resource mobilisation.
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43 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
For some people these basic needs are being met.
For some people these basic needs are being met. Edward Brown, World Vision Ethiopia, told us: We have already been able to reach over 1.2 million people with food, predominantly through the NGO pipeline, and well over a million other … Read more
Government Response
The government describes its existing efforts, including working with partners to assess needs, having already redirected some aid to Tigray, and continuing to review its aid programme and work with other donors to raise awareness and mobilise resources.
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48 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
We recommend that the FCDO monitors OCHA’s situation reports carefully to rapidly identify any areas...
We recommend that the FCDO monitors OCHA’s situation reports carefully to rapidly identify any areas where needs are unmet or are growing faster than expected so that it can respond rapidly and flexibly to provide the support needed. We also … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it works with OCHA and partners to understand needs, has assessed humanitarian gaps, and has redirected some aid to Tigray, committing to continue reviewing its aid programme.
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51 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
The multiagency rapid needs assessment published in January 2021 noted there were no health services...
The multiagency rapid needs assessment published in January 2021 noted there were no health services in the areas of Southern Tigray affected by the conflict, meaning that regular health service activities such as Maternal and Child Health, treatment of endemic … Read more
Government Response
The government states it will work through the multilateral system to address the restoration of basic services, but notes that insecurity prevents immediate resumption in certain locations. It continues to support the humanitarian response for essential services and assistance where access is possible, and is providing support to improve access for humanitarian partners.
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64 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, told us that: The funding has not really been that...
Paul Turnbull, UN WFP Ethiopia, told us that: The funding has not really been that great, considering the needs on the ground. We know that many donor countries we have relied on in the past are having a very difficult … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines its current actions, including working with partners to assess humanitarian needs and funding gaps, redirecting some aid to the Tigray response, and continuing to review its aid programme. It also works with other donors to avoid overlap and promote further resource mobilisation.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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66 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
Ethiopia was the top bilateral recipient of UK aid for the 2020/21 financial year (£324.9m)144...
Ethiopia was the top bilateral recipient of UK aid for the 2020/21 financial year (£324.9m)144 and was the second-largest recipient of UK bilateral aid in 2019 after Pakistan.145 The UK Government has resisted calls to suspend aid, arguing “withholding finance … Read more
Government Response
The government states its total support to the crisis is £47.7 million since November 2020 and that it keeps its level of support under review. It also remains actively engaged through diplomatic and political channels.
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67 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
Dr Rogg, FCDO, told us £15.4 million had been announced and disbursed specifically for the...
Dr Rogg, FCDO, told us £15.4 million had been announced and disbursed specifically for the crisis to date.148 Paul Turnbull called for additional funding for the crisis, telling us that: We have been a beneficiary of DfID and FCDO. If … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that total UK support to the crisis is £47.7m since November 2020 and that it keeps this level of support under review, alongside diplomatic engagement.
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69 Conclusion Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
With Ethiopia currently the UK’s largest bilateral recipient of ODA, we are surprised that the...
With Ethiopia currently the UK’s largest bilateral recipient of ODA, we are surprised that the UK Government has not allocated more financial assistance to the humanitarian response to the crisis in Tigray.
Government Response
The government stated it has provided £47.7m in support since November 2020 and keeps its level of support under review, while also engaging diplomatically.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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70 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of...
To pre-empt and avoid further humanitarian crises, the UK Government should ensure its package of humanitarian assistance to the conflict in Tigray provides sufficient financial and technical resources to support communities in urgent need. We recommend that the FCDO builds … Read more
Government Response
The government states that FCDO already has established methods for analysing regional conflict and that the new Conflict Prevention Hub is bolstering these existing capabilities by combining embassy reports with research and analysis to inform policy and resource allocation.
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73 Recommendation Accepted
Tenth Report - The humanitarian si…
We believe that the UK Government should be working to: • help bring about an...
We believe that the UK Government should be working to: • help bring about an end to the conflict and prevent it from spreading; • ensure that the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict are met, that people … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with all four core recommendations: ending conflict, meeting humanitarian needs, finding a political settlement, and establishing a reconciliation process. They note that achieving these is largely predicated on an end to fighting, which remains their primary ask.
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Government Response AI assessment · 71 of 23 classified
Accepted 24
Accepted in Part 2
Acknowledged 29
Deferred 2
Not Addressed 9
Rejected 5
Total 23 recs + 50 conclusions
Correspondence 6 letters
5 Dec 2022 To committee Letter from the Minister for Development regarding the humanitarian situation in Tigray - 30 November 2022
Parliament page
5 Dec 2022 From committee Letter to the Minister for Development regarding the humanitarian situation in Tigray - 31 October 2022
Parliament page
16 Dec 2021 To committee Letter from the Minister for Africa regarding the Humanitarian situation in the north of Ethiopia - 14 December 2021
Parliament page
23 Nov 2021 To committee Letter from the Minister for Africa regarding Escalation of conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia - 16 November 2021
Parliament page
23 Nov 2021 From committee Letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs regarding Escalation of conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia - 25 October 2021
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24 Mar 2021 To committee Letter from the Chairs of both the International Development & Foreign Affairs Committees to the Foreign and Development Secretary regarding the situation in Tigray - 23 March 2021
Parliament page