In reaction to the IPC Famine Review Committee’s recent report, Emily Farr, Oxfam’s Emergency Food Security and Vulnerable Livelihoods Advisor, said:
Today’s IPC study by independent food security specialists confirms our fears that 400,000 people in Tigray, Ethiopia, are suffering from a terrible famine. The report’s forecasts for the future are much bleaker, predicting that famine is a distinct possibility.
“Farmers should have been planting the foods they need to eat and sell, but many were forced to escape their homes, and those who stayed couldn’t plant because they couldn’t get to their fields or didn’t have seeds. Even after the unilateral ceasefire, which was not observed as predicted, this has occurred. Those who can access marketplaces are unable to purchase basic necessities, as food and supplies cannot flow into battle zones. This will only serve to intensify and prolong the cycle of hunger and assistance dependency. People who have been displaced from their homes lack adequate food, clean water, and sanitation, and disease transmission, on top of starvation, is a big concern.
This comes as Oxfam and other humanitarian organizations struggle to assist individuals in desperate need, and as a number of humanitarian workers have already been attacked and killed. An assistance convoy carrying goods for the UN and Oxfam was ambushed by unknown attackers earlier this week, halting the movement of humanitarian aid.
A terrible catastrophe is developing right in front of our eyes. Ethiopians are doing everything they can to help themselves and each other survive, but they need access to essential resources including as food, clean water, safe shelter, and currency, as well as the ability to return to farming and feel confident that they will be able to harvest their crops in peace. Oxfam urges all parties to uphold international law, protect civilians, and guarantee that humanitarian supplies can be delivered safely.”
