Where We Work: Ethiopia

Ethiopia is in the midst of one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with more than 21.3 million people in desperate need of humanitarian aid, and that number is set to increase drastically as conflict engulfs the Tigray region. This is on top of the existing threats from climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic and widespread food insecurity. 

In 2020, Ethiopia was listed as one of the top five countries on the International Rescue Committee’s 2021 Emergency Watchlist. This means that the humanitarian crisis currently facing the Ethiopian people is likely to drastically deteriorate over the course of the year, plunging potentially millions more extreme hardship.

The people of Ethiopia are in immediate need of assistance. UK Islamic Mission is working in Ethiopia and throughout East Africa to provide emergency assistance to those who need it the most. We are tirelessly supplying affected Ethiopians with food and water packages, emergency survival packs and access to mobile medical facilities, but with millions more likely to rely on international aid efforts in the coming months, the worst is yet to come. We must act now.

The Tigray Crisis 

There are many issues facing Ethiopians. The Tigray region in the north of Ethiopia is currently a civil warzone, with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government engaged in an ongoing conflict that has resulted in mass displacement. It’s anticipated that more than two million Ethiopians in the area will be displaced, and more than 400,000 people are expected to seek refuge in surrounding countries, namely Sudan. If the violence spills over, millions more people could end up homeless, seeking refuge or without any form of security. 

Covid-19 Impact

The coronavirus pandemic has had devastating effects on Ethiopia and has more than doubled the number of people in need. On top of the deadly effects of the Covid-19 virus, the pandemic has caused mass financial instability in the country which has led to huge unemployment, leaving countless families unable to support themselves. 

How to Help Those Affected by the Ethiopia Famine

As the effects of war take hold in the Tigray region and Covid-19 takes hold, vast swathes of Ethiopia are also at great risk of famine. Climate change has brought excessive rainfall which has contributed to the uncontrollable breeding of locusts. The invasive species decimate any and all crops in their path, creating widespread food shortages across the country. At UK Islamic Mission, we are determined to help Ethiopians through this dark time and will not stand by as millions of children, men and women face impending famine. 

Whilst some areas of Ethiopia have seen extreme rainfall, others are facing intense droughts and access to clean, safe drinking water has diminished greatly. In order to tackle the Ethiopia water crisis, UKIM has a team on the ground who are desperately rallying to provide people in need with access to clean and life-saving water. 

Donating to our East Africa appeal will help alleviate the suffering of millions of people across Ethiopia and relieve the pressure on those facing food and water insecurity.

£50 – Pays for a baby food pack, with supplies lasting for one month

£150 – Provides an emergency survival pack, complete with a family food pack, hygiene kit and baby food

£200 – Buys emergency medical supplies for families and medical facilities

Ways You Can Help Ethiopia

The Ethiopian humanitarian crisis is extremely time-sensitive and requires our immediate attention. Every minute that passes is another minute that someone’s life is in danger, be it from violence, food/water shortages or climate change. We must act now. 

You can donate to our East Africa appeal, or you can help brothers and sisters in Ethiopia through Zakat. For those who meet the Zakat eligibility requirements, you can give your Zakat and help put an end to extreme suffering in Ethiopia. 

Alternatively, your Qurbani donation could make all the difference as the only substantially nourishing meal an Ethiopian person might eat in a year. 

No matter how much or how little you can afford to give, every penny will make a difference to those in desperate need in Ethiopia and UK Islamic Mission gratefully accepts your kind donations.