Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund Annual Report 2023

LETTER FROM THE HC

Throughout 2023, the humanitarian needs in Ethiopia remained high, triggered by the convergence of climate crisis, conflict/violence, disease outbreaks and economic shocks, causing immense suffering and loss of life. The Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) responded to the most pressing needs on the ground, and allocated US$60 million to assist people in 2023. The Fund was a vital tool for the provision of life-saving assistance and essential protection services for about 2.9 million women, men, and children, including 1.6 million women and girls and 158,000 people with disabilities. The Fund responded rapidly to multiple emergencies, including supporting responses to drought, floods, and cholera outbreaks in several regions of the country.

I commend the generosity of donors, including new donors who started contributing to the Fund in 2023. Over $75 million was received from 17 donors. Without your financial support, none of the abovementioned achievements would have been possible. I also want to recognize the efforts of our partners, the recipients of EHF funding – national and international NGOs, UN agencies - and cluster coordinators for their dedication and vigorous response in a challenging context.

I would like to emphasize the relevance of Country-Based Pooled Funds in advancing localization in humanitarian action. In 2023, the EHF continued to advance localization and an area-based approach, resulting in tangible achievements. For example, 30 per cent of funding was allocated directly to national NGOs, increasing to 51 per cent when indirect funding is also considered. The Fund has ensured greater participation, decision-making, and empowerment of national actors, including women’s organizations, advancing protection mainstreaming and strengthening accountability to affected populations - thereby contributing to a more efficient humanitarian response in Ethiopia, equitable partnership arrangements and power shifting in the overall humanitarian system.
Regrettably, our work does not end here. The three main shocks of 2023, climatic conditions (including drought and floods), disease outbreaks, and violence continue in 2024, and humanitarian requirements are assessed to be substantial.

More than $3 billion is required for humanitarian response in 2024 to provide assistance for over 15 million people in need.

The humanitarian situation in 2024 is highly alarming, and we need to act swiftly to prevent deterioration and widespread suffering. In 2024, the EHF will remain a crucial funding tool for saving lives through greater support to national actors, while ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most, including in hard-to-reach and neglected areas and regions faced with worsening humanitarian crisis. To address these, together, we must ensure timely and effective action through strategic and evidence-based prioritization, collaborative spirit and accountability.

Sincerely,

Dr Ramiz Alakbarov Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia