In response to the urgent needs of families affected by recent natural disasters, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), with support from DG ECHO Fund, distributed 633 tarpaulins to displaced families from Dulcha district and the Kesem Sugar Factory area. These families were forced to flee their homes due to an earthquake and severe windstorms that struck Addis Raey and Daido IDP camps in Zone 3, Afar Region, in late March 2025 - leaving many without adequate shelter.
Additionally, through the Earthquake Response DREF project supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), ERCS provided support to 2,000 earthquake-affected households residing across seven IDP camps - three in Zone 3 of the Afar Region and four in East Shewa Zone of Oromia Region.
The distributed items included: tarpaulins, sleeping mats, blankets, kitchen sets, jerrycans, water treatment chemicals, buckets, and dignity kits.
ERCS remains committed to reaching the most vulnerable and ensuring dignity and protection in times of crisis.
Additionally, through the Earthquake Response DREF project supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), ERCS provided support to 2,000 earthquake-affected households residing across seven IDP camps - three in Zone 3 of the Afar Region and four in East Shewa Zone of Oromia Region.
The distributed items included: tarpaulins, sleeping mats, blankets, kitchen sets, jerrycans, water treatment chemicals, buckets, and dignity kits.
ERCS remains committed to reaching the most vulnerable and ensuring dignity and protection in times of crisis.
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The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) and Austrian Red Cross (AuRC) Delegation in Ethiopia had the honor of welcoming representatives from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) for their first official visit to the ERCS. The visit marked a warm reception for Mr. Michael Fink, the new Head of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) in Ethiopia, and Mr. Debebe Digafe, Program Manager at ADA.
The visit featured productive discussions and a presentation by Mr. Temesgen Abebe, AutRC Country Representative, highlighting joint projects and future plans. The delegation expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and strong spirit of collaboration — laying the groundwork for even stronger partnerships ahead.
The visit featured productive discussions and a presentation by Mr. Temesgen Abebe, AutRC Country Representative, highlighting joint projects and future plans. The delegation expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and strong spirit of collaboration — laying the groundwork for even stronger partnerships ahead.
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ICRC President Urges Stronger Action to Protect Civilians in Armed Conflict
In a powerful address to the UN Security Council on 22 May 2025, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric called for urgent political action to uphold international humanitarian law (IHL) and protect civilians in armed conflict.
Highlighting the alarming rise in violations and the growing number of conflicts globally, she emphasized that “the survival of lifesaving rules cannot be taken for granted—they must be defended and prioritized.”
President Spoljaric urged global leaders to end double standards and ensure that all parties to conflict respect the Geneva Conventions, stressing that “peace starts with protecting human dignity, even in war.”
ERCS stands with the ICRC and all partners in reaffirming the critical importance of IHL and ensuring that humanitarian principles are upheld in all circumstances.
#HumanityInWar #GenevaConventions #ProtectCivilians #ERCS #ICRC #IHL
In a powerful address to the UN Security Council on 22 May 2025, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric called for urgent political action to uphold international humanitarian law (IHL) and protect civilians in armed conflict.
Highlighting the alarming rise in violations and the growing number of conflicts globally, she emphasized that “the survival of lifesaving rules cannot be taken for granted—they must be defended and prioritized.”
President Spoljaric urged global leaders to end double standards and ensure that all parties to conflict respect the Geneva Conventions, stressing that “peace starts with protecting human dignity, even in war.”
ERCS stands with the ICRC and all partners in reaffirming the critical importance of IHL and ensuring that humanitarian principles are upheld in all circumstances.
#HumanityInWar #GenevaConventions #ProtectCivilians #ERCS #ICRC #IHL
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The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), in partnership with the Finnish Red Cross (FRC), organized a lesson learned workshop for the Tigray Bilateral Emergency Response Operation Project. The project, implemented from April 2024 to June 2025 in Deguwa Temben, Hagere Selam, Hintalo, and Enderta woredas of the South Eastern Zone of Tigray, including Mekele, was designed to address urgent humanitarian needs and provide emergency health and protection services for vulnerable populations affected by conflict.
Delivering his keynote address, Dires Desyibelew, Deputy Secretary General of ERCS, noted that the project was informed by conflict impact assessments and has brought essential services back to life. Although the scale of the support may be small compared to the immense needs, the impact has been meaningful for thousands. He added that the workshop is not only an opportunity to reflect on successes but also to identify lessons that will inform future humanitarian efforts.
In his remarks, Berhanu Mekonnen, Head of the ERCS Tigray Regional Branch, highlighted the project’s contributions to restore water infrastructure, maintain ambulance services, and support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. He acknowledged the Finnish Red Cross for its continued support and stressed the need for sustained collaboration to address the ongoing challenges in the region.
The project reached 2508 households through multipurpose cash assistance, restored six ambulances serving over 16,000 people, rehabilitated water systems benefiting thousands of people, and empowered 172 women with business startup support alongside protection services for survivors of violence. The workshop served as a moment of reflection and reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing humanitarian action moving forward.
Delivering his keynote address, Dires Desyibelew, Deputy Secretary General of ERCS, noted that the project was informed by conflict impact assessments and has brought essential services back to life. Although the scale of the support may be small compared to the immense needs, the impact has been meaningful for thousands. He added that the workshop is not only an opportunity to reflect on successes but also to identify lessons that will inform future humanitarian efforts.
In his remarks, Berhanu Mekonnen, Head of the ERCS Tigray Regional Branch, highlighted the project’s contributions to restore water infrastructure, maintain ambulance services, and support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. He acknowledged the Finnish Red Cross for its continued support and stressed the need for sustained collaboration to address the ongoing challenges in the region.
The project reached 2508 households through multipurpose cash assistance, restored six ambulances serving over 16,000 people, rehabilitated water systems benefiting thousands of people, and empowered 172 women with business startup support alongside protection services for survivors of violence. The workshop served as a moment of reflection and reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing humanitarian action moving forward.
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