Ethiopia

Introduction

The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is characterised by multiple and sometimes overlapping crises triggered by:

• conflict
• natural hazards
• epidemic outbreaks  

Ethiopia also hosts over 1 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan.

In some of the country’s regions, the increasing intensity and frequency of climate-related shocks increases the fragility of populations. 

Facts & figures

Through its humanitarian efforts, the EU provides vital support to those most in need.

As in 2025, there are no updated official figures on the number of people in need in Ethiopia in 2026 due to the lack of agreed humanitarian analysis with the authorities. The last official figures available date back to 2024, where there were 21.4 million people in need of humanitarian aid, with 15.8 million in need of food assistance.

EU humanitarian funding:

What are the needs?

Conflict, natural hazards and disease outbreaks deepen people’s vulnerability, cut them off from essential services and erode their ability to cope. These shocks also cause widespread and long-lasting displacement.

Conflict and protection

The conflict in northern Ethiopia has led to massive and acute humanitarian needs in Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions, which have been only partially addressed, without any substantial recovery efforts. 

The situation of internally displaced people (estimated at over 500,000 people) in Tigray is very concerning – they are dependent on humanitarian aid and need a longer-term, sustainable solution. 

Ongoing armed conflicts, particularly in Amhara and Oromia, continue to hinder access to vulnerable communities, increasing humanitarian and protection needs. 

Displaced people

Refugees in Ethiopia rely almost entirely on humanitarian aid for survival. Since early 2025, there has been a significant influx of people crossing over from South Sudan, possibly reaching up to 200,000 people. Such sudden arrivals of many people to an area also create strains on services and stretch already limited resources. 

Climate change and disease outbreaks

Recurrent droughts and floods contribute significantly to food and nutritional insecurity, as well as loss of income opportunities. Disease outbreaks, such as cholera, malaria and measles constitute significant public health threats in Ethiopia, sometimes on top of already existing humanitarian crises. 

Education

Education has been severely affected by the different crises. There are over 7 million children out of school and more than 9,000 schools damaged by conflict or natural disasters. 

How are we helping?

In 2025, the EU’s humanitarian funding in Ethiopia reached a total of EUR 79.4 million. Through its funding, the EU provides life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable affected by:

• conflict (internally displaced people and recently arrived refugees)
• natural hazards (mainly droughts and floods)
• 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  

EU funding is also going to a Rapid Response Mechanism that allows aid to be delivered within a few days 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 shocks through:

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

Advocacy

In Amhara, Tigray and Oromia region multiple violations of International Humanitarian Law have been reported. The EU urges all parties to respect international laws that protect civilians. 

It also stresses that any returns of displaced people to their contested areas between Tigray and Amhara must be properly planned and must respect key standards of safety, free choice and dignity.