Since the beginning of February 2023, there has been a significant influx of refugees and asylum seekers from Laas Caanood in Somalia to Ethiopia's Doolo and Warder zones. The refugees are fleeing hostilities, and the situation has been worsened by a blockade of major food supply routes from the Puntland region in Somalia and the disruption of the food market. This report highlights the humanitarian situation of refugees in Ethiopia and the urgent need for assistance.

Refugee Population

More than 95,000 new refugees and asylum seekers have crossed into Ethiopia from Somalia since the beginning of February 2023. Active clashes in Laas Caanood are ongoing, and more arrivals are expected. The refugees are located in areas that are already drought-prone and chronically food insecure. The remote location of the refugee camps poses challenges in terms of access to human and material resources and coping capacity.

Humanitarian Needs

The rapid assessment mission conducted in mid-February 2023 led by the Ethiopian Refugee Response Services and UNHCR, with the participation of a number of UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, highlights the urgent need for immediate food assistance and basic services. The situation is expected to be aggravated for both the refugee population and the host communities, who are already facing food insecurity due to the blockade of major food supply routes.

Multi-Sectoral Response

To address the immediate needs of refugees and host communities, there is a need to set up a coordinated multi-sectoral response. The response should include protection, improved sanitation, and hygiene promotion activities. The deployment of mobile health teams and vulnerability screenings is also essential to address the health needs of the population. It is vital to ensure that the response is well-coordinated, and there is active engagement with the refugees, host communities, and other stakeholders.

Conclusion

The influx of refugees and asylum seekers from Laas Caanood, Somalia to Ethiopia has created a humanitarian crisis. The refugee population is located in areas that are already drought-prone and chronically food insecure. The blockade of major food supply routes has further exacerbated the situation. Urgent action is needed to address the immediate needs of the population, including food assistance, protection, improved sanitation and hygiene promotion activities, and the deployment of mobile health teams and vulnerability screenings. A coordinated multi-sectoral response is critical to addressing the needs of both the refugees and the host communities.