Ethiopia

Introduction

The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is complex, with:

• multiple overlapping crises
• conflicts
• natural hazards
• epidemic outbreaks 

The devastating effects of the 2 years of conflict, which ended in November 2022, are still felt in the regions in northern Ethiopia.  Humanitarian access in Amhara is highly unpredictable due to the ongoing conflict in the region. In Oromia, access has only been restored in some areas, but the situation remains volatile.  

The increasing intensity and frequency of alternating droughts and floods further exacerbate the situation, sometimes hitting the same regions. 

What are the needs?

Different shocks:

• exacerbate hardships
• limit access to essential services
• weaken people’s coping strategies

They are also the cause of widespread and prolonged displacement across the country. 

The conflict in northern Ethiopia has led to massive and acute humanitarian needs in the Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions, which are still only partially addressed. 

Ongoing armed conflicts, particularly in Amhara and Oromia, continue to endanger the lives of many, increasing humanitarian and protection needs. These conflicts hinder access to vulnerable communities, preventing the delivery of much-needed aid. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violations have also been reported. 

Over 8 million children are currently out of school in Ethiopia, with 19% of the schools damaged and over 1,300 schools reportedly occupied by armed groups.

Recurrent droughts and floods contribute significantly to food and nutritional insecurity, as well as loss of income opportunities. Several regions in Ethiopia are grappling with high levels of malnutrition, with some areas reaching very high or critical levels. 

Ethiopia also hosts over 1 million refugees, including people fleeing war-torn Sudan and people from border areas in South Sudan affected by the internal conflict. Refugees in Ethiopia rely almost entirely on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs. 

A cholera outbreak which started in August 2022 remains a concern in some areas, while malaria and measles constitute also significant public health threats in Ethiopia.  

How are we helping?

For 2025, the EU’s humanitarian budget allocation thus far is €46.7 million. The funding is providing life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable affected by:

• conflict (internally displaced people and recently arrived refugees – including refugees from Sudan)
• natural hazards (such as droughts, floods and, recently, earthquakes)
• epidemic outbreaks

Through its humanitarian efforts, the EU provides vital support in various areas and includes:

• multi-purpose cash assistance
• clean water and hygiene facilities
• shelter and essential supplies
• nutritional assistance
• disease prevention and primary healthcare
• education
• protection - in particular for children caught up in humanitarian crises

EU funding is also going to a Rapid Response Mechanism that allows aid to be delivered within short delays to rapid onset humanitarian crises across the country. 

In addition, part of the EU’s funding supports the coordination of the humanitarian response in Ethiopia. 

Beyond assistance with an immediate impact, the EU is also funding actions helping to build up communities’ resilience to recurrent shocks through:

• disaster preparedness
• early action in the face of multi-hazard crises 

Facts & figures

Over 1 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan _(UNHCR)

3.3 million are internally displaced _(OCHA)

Over 15 million were estimated to be acutely food insecure in 2024 _{(OCHA 2024)}

21.4 million people needed humanitarian assistance in 2024 _{(OCHA 2024)}

EU humanitarian funding:
€46.7 million in 2025

€86.55 million in 2024

_{Last updated: 20/06/2025}