Addis Ababa, 24 October 2014 (WIC) – The European Union (EU) on Thursday announced the approval of five million Euros for Ethiopia, to enable the country to effectively deal with the influx of refugees from South Sudan.
Kristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, who made the disclosure in Addis Ababa, said that the fund would enable the African nation to respond to the needs of the increasing number of refugees.
Georgieva disclosed that Ethiopia had received 31 million euros this year, for the tackling of refugee crisis.
She said that the aid was channeled to the government of the country through humanitarian partners, including UN agencies and non-governmental organizations.
She said the new financing followed the influx of 190,000 additional South Sudanese refugees into Ethiopia, bringing the total refugees’ number in the country to 643,000.
“The catastrophe happening in South Sudan has a huge impact throughout the region.
“Since the crisis erupted last December, Ethiopia has given refuge to many South Sudanese,’’ she said.
Georgieva added that the funds would help to meet the basic needs of the refugees, which included shelter, food, water and health.
She said that the high influx of refugees was adding to vulnerabilities in Ethiopia, which was prone to drought and flood. (EU)
