ICERAS

New Arrivals – In the first quarter of 2020, 9,463 new asylum seekers from Eritrea have sought refuge in Ethiopia, placing a significant strain on registration and reception conditions in Endabaguna, Berhale and Aysaita, and increasing the already dire shelter shortages within the existing camps. With an average of over 3,000 new refugees arriving every month, available resources are prioritized to cover immediate basic needs and prevention of COVID-19 pandemic.
With limited resources and health infrastructure to contain COVID-19, resources have been redirected to support the efforts of the government of Ethiopia in the health sector and to ensure that refugees are included in national and regional plans. At present, WASH and Health sectors are prioritized while gaps remain across all sectors. By the end of April 2020, the registered population under Sub-Office Shire’s area of operation stands at 148,981 persons. This includes 94,145 refugees in the four camps in Tigray, and 53,703 refugees in the two camps and settlements within the host communities in Afar, and 1,133 out of camp refugees.
On 24 March 2020, the Ethiopian authorities have closed all border crossings into the country to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. ARRA has suspended asylum seekers reception and screening activities at the border, and registration activities in Afar and at Endabaguna centre in Tigray are also suspended. readmore