Addis Ababa, 11 February 2022 – Recent conflict in northern Ethiopia has contaminated vast swathes of land with explosive remnants of war (ERW), endangering the lives of returning refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the local population.
The Government of Japan has renewed its commitment to promote peace and stability in Ethiopia by contributing two hundred thousand USD (approximately 10 million ETB) to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action. This important contribution will enable the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to deliver lifesaving messages to the population at risk in affected areas in northern Ethiopia Afar and Amhara regions.
The generous contribution from the Government of Japan will assist with delivery of emergency explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), assessing explosive ordnance risks, as well as capturing information about the extent of ERW contamination and its impact on safety and security, access to services, and freedom of movement.
According to the Embassy of Japan in Ethiopia, “Japanese government has a long history of collaboration with UNMAS in many other countries and we are very happy to work with UNMAS in Ethiopia as well for the EORE in Amhara and Afar. We heard about some tragic accidents, especially of children who were not aware of the danger and mistreated explosive remnants. This project will benefit over 10,000 conflict-affected IDPs and host community people through the EORE. We hope we could contribute to the recovery of those conflict-affected people in pursuit of sustainable livelihood in much safer and more secure environment with access to service and freedom of movement through UNMAS’ work, which is very crucial for humanitarian partners to proceed their humanitarian assistance for the most in need on the ground.”
“As a result of landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), lives are not only shortened but livelihoods are disrupted as well. Moreover, their presence hinders assistance to civilians, hampers economic and social development even after armed conflict has ended. We are very grateful for the generous support from the Government of Japan, which will enable us to begin conducting awareness-raising activities that will ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers across the northern regions of Afar and Amhara,” said Mr. Abel Tesfai, the UNMAS Chief of Mine Action Programme in the country.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Abel Tesfai, UNMAS Chief of Mine Action Programme, Addis Ababa, abel.tesfai@un.org
Mr. Dejene Sakoume, Communication Officer, Embassy of Japan to Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, dejene.sakoume@ad.mofa.go.jp