Oxfam reaction to new IPC hunger figures in Ethiopia

In reaction to Ethiopia’s latest food insecurity figures released today, Oxfam’s global Emergency Food Security Advisor, Emily Farr, said:

“The new figures released today from the IPC showing new and dangerous levels of hunger in Ethiopia are extremely worrying. According to the latest IPC findings, there are right now over 350,000 people in a hunger catastrophe - the largest number of people to reach that classification since Somalia in 2011. This number is expected to climb to 401,000 in July. 

“Over 60% of people in Tigray and neighbouring areas are currently facing very high levels of food insecurity, which will continue to worsen in the coming months. Some parts of Tigray remain largely inaccessible to humanitarian groups due to conflict and insecurity. These figures must spark an urgent increase in funding, an immediate scale up of food assistance, and action toward peace efforts and immediate and safe humanitarian access. 

“Many people who have fled Tigray told Oxfam harrowing stories of losing their property, cattle, and food stocks, and of spending days hiding out in difficult terrain without any food or shelter.

“Ethiopia has also experienced prolonged drought and waves of locusts. The stresses now hitting local economies and livelihoods caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult for all – but it is potentially the last straw for many.

“Oxfam is calling on all parties to the conflict to agree on an immediate end to the violence and to grant aid agencies unconditional safe access to help save those most in need. Donors and the international community must also fund the urgently needed $853 million UN humanitarian appeal for Northern Ethiopia, and ensure it reaches organisations, including local groups, on the ground quickly.”